The scholarships will primarily benefit economically disadvantaged children and help make a Catholic education a reality for families who wish their children to attend Catholic school but do not have the means to afford tuition, according to the Rev. Matthew Foley, pastor.

“The mission of St. Agnes, and all other Chicago Catholic schools, is to educate the minds and spirits of all young people through a Christ-centered education,” said Fr. Foley. “I t is the donors’ hope that their donations will inspire others to assist needy children who want to attend St. Agnes of Bohemia Catholic School. Through a healthy endowment fund, we will be able to more fully complete our mission by providing a more affordable, quality education to students who might otherwise not be able to attend a Catholic School. We gratefully accept this gift as a sign of faith in the work that we do here at St. Agnes.”

A Mass of Thanksgiving that will include the entire student body will be celebrated at St. Agnes of Bohemia Church, 2651 S. Central Park Ave., Chicago, on Wednesday, October 6, 2004 at 1 p.m.

Plaques will be presented to two donors, Bernard Beazley and Arthur G. Tichenor, shortly after the Mass. Students also will present the donors with thank-you cards.

St. Agnes of Bohemia Catholic School is the largest Hispanic elementary school in the Archdiocese of Chicago. The school serves more than 520 students in a neighborhood where more than 25 percent of the families live below the poverty level.

For additional infor mation on the St. Agnes of Bohem ia School Endowment Fund or to make a contribution please call Peter Cullen-Conway at 312-655-7929.