Photo submitted to Times Observer A check for $500 is presented to St. Joseph Catholic School by Knights of Columbus Warren Council No. 964 on Monday, in the name of Matthew Zurcher. Pictured from left are K of C Family and Community Chair Steve Guadagnino, Principal Nancy Warner, Bob Zurcher, K of C Grand Knight Bob McGinn, and the Rev. Rick Tomasone.

Making a donation to help someone through school is common enough, even when the student is working to become a priest.

But, if that person has taken a vow of poverty, the intended donation may have to be diverted.

This week, the Knights of Columbus Warren Council No. 964 made a donation to St. Joseph Catholic School in the name of seminarian Matthew Zurcher.

“The Knights of Columbus Warren Council No. 964 periodically donates to local seminarians as a way of helping to foster vocations,” Grand Knight Bob McGinn said. “This is one of many activities that the greater Knights of Columbus organization sponsors.”

“Matthew Zurcher, son of one of our parishioners and a member of our council, is now a seminarian and we wished to provide some financial support,” McGinn said. “His particular order takes vows of poverty, so he could not take a donation directly.”

“Instead, with guidance from Matt’s family, we provided a check in the amount of $500 to the St. Joseph Catholic School in his name on Monday, Oct. 12,” he said.

The Warren Council represents both the St. Joseph and Holy Redeemer parishes.

No restrictions regarding how the money is to be spent by the school were placed on the donation, according to McGinn.