Even though life is extremely difficult and dangerous in Haiti, our twin parish (Our Lady of Nativity) is managing to get by.  Fr. Murat, the pastor of our sister parish, holds Mass almost every day. Most schools in and around Verrettes are open. In August, he sent us a heartfelt thanks (please remember that English is not Fr. Murat’s first language):

I send you, in the attached file, the report for 2023/2024 regarding Sponsor program, Canteen and teachers’ salary.  In the name of my People and on my own name, I would like the thank your Pastor, all committee Members for Haiti and your Parishioners for my pastoral field.

A few months prior to the above message, Fr. Murat also sent the following note:

I’d like to thank you again and again for your especial donation in favor of my new parish school in Verrettes …  Today, l’ll send you some pictures about what l already realized.  I have to complete your especial donation to realize two things:
1) Build the kitchen for the canteen at the new parish school in Verrettes
2) Finish the sanitary block for the new school in Verrettes.

As l said to you, l already built the kitchen and l started the canteen. Next month I’ll work on the sanitary block. Next take a look on the pictures…

The new school, named Pere Mitton, is behind the church/rectory and it is a big success.  There are over 200 children attending school. Fr. Murat used donations from St. Roberts to finish building the “kitchen” (so lunches can be provided to children) and recently to build toilet facilities for the new school.

It is too difficult to buy groceries in the city of St. Marc (about an hour away) because that city is predominantly controlled by gangs. However, Fr. Murat has land where crops are grown and the food is used to feed children at school.  

There is still a fear of kidnapping, and Fr. Murat’s life has been threatened. The lives of some of our school administrators in Verrettes have also been threatened. Our support is valuable and very much appreciated now more than ever. Thank You, parishioners and student sponsors of St. Robert’s! 

The new 2024-25 school year begins in late September.  There will be a special parish collection for Haiti this weekend (September 14 & 15). Please sponsor a student or provide any “investment” if you are able.

Ask us how to sponsor a student!  We can send you a form.  It’s only $500/year for a secondary student and $250/year for a primary student. Your donation makes a huge impact. If you have any questions, please contact us.

• Tom McDonald: tmcdonald7287@gmail.com
• Kristen Mahoney: tmahoney4@aol.com
• Cindy Ritter: critter0614@gmail.com

As Fr. Murat ask of us, “Please do not cease praying for Haiti!”

Mike Hogan was a dedicated member of the Haiti Committee. Although we lost Mike to cancer over a year ago, this is a special note of thanks. For those who might not have known it, Mike left $25,000 in his will for our sister parish. Mike visited Haiti twice and adored the children and parishioners. He followed Christ’s call to help others, especially those in need.

© 2024

St. Robert of Newminster Catholic Church
6477 Ada Drive Southeast, Ada, MI 49301
https://strobertchurch.org
(616) 676-9111