Florida Catholic | Knights help with young member’s college tuition

Knights help with young member’s college tuition

MARGUERITE INSOLIA | FLORIDA CATHOLIC CORRESPONDENT

Published: 09.09.08

MARGUERITE INSOLIA | FC
Patrick Meleney is in his third year working on a double-major in theology and religious education at Franciscan University of Steubenville

NORTH PALM BEACH | Growing up an altar server only a block away from St. Clare Parish, Patrick Meleney became great friends with the pastor, Father William D. O’Shea.

As chaplain for the Knights of Columbus council in North Palm Beach, Father O’Shea introduced Meleney to the brotherhood that he would ultimately be invited to join – the organization that feels it is important for him to further his Catholic education.

“Patrick Meleney is a member of our council and he is studying theology at the university,” said Ed Souza, a member of the Knights of Columbus Santa Maria Council 4999. “He is a great young man.”

Meleney was awarded a $500 check from his fellow Knights this summer as part of the organization’s continuing efforts to support youth education. He is now a student at Franciscan University of Steubenville, Ohio.

“We are so very appreciative to the Knights,” explained his mother, Jacqui Meleney, who said her son felt a calling from God to attend Franciscan University. “Patrick has such an incredible faith. There was just no way I could tell him no.”

With her eldest son, Robert, studying business at University of Central Florida in Orlando, the Franciscan University of Steubenville tuition of about $20,000 a year, is no small feat for the single parent.

Patrick Meleney went to St. Clare School from kindergarten to eighth grade. Although he is the youngest member of his council, he fits in perfectly. Besides, “we who are 70 years or older still think we are young,” said Souza.

Meleney, who begins his third year at Francican Univesity this fall, is double-majoring in theology and religious education. Meleney said he hopes to have the tools needed to be a successful youth minister.

When he’s not working on his degree, Meleney said he’s “spreading God’s love and understanding through the town of Steubenville” through service projects of his school fraternity, “Disciples of the Word.”

The fraternity encourages community service work around Steubenville, which is an industrial, steel mill town with many people who are financially challenged. Being part of the Franciscan community, “is a great way to give back … and get support up at school,” Meleney explained.

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