In 2019 the Mark D. Pacione Foundation was able to provide partial grants to 2 young women who attended the Pinkard Youth Theological Program at St. Mary’s Seminary and University. Both young women spoke of how this experience has informed their ideas of how theology intersects with their intended vocations. They spoke glowingly of the course and how it encouraged them to explore theology further through college coursework. Here more from Carlene & Emma below!

“Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to attend the Pinkard Scholars program. I met a lot of great individuals and learned many interesting values of the Catholic faith. I will cherish this opportunity for a lifetime and I am so grateful that you sponsored it for me. I grew as an individual both spiritually and academically. I will use this knowledge throughout my life in various moral challenges and help others who would benefit from this knowledge.”

-Carlene Phillander

“I wanted to thank you dearly for giving me the opportunity to participate in the Pinkard Scholars Program. Not only have I been able to grow in my faith, but I have learned so much valuable information and made amazing friends along the way. I hope to take my knowledge and educate others on evil and the justice of the Lord. This is an opportunity I will never forget and I will encourage others to try. Thank you again for allowing me to have this wonderful experience.”

-Emma Gilbert