The construction of a vital safety and security wall and gate around the school of its sister parish, Saint Antoine, in Lavanneau, Haiti, has been completed, according to QUINCY Blessed Sacrament Parish. Over 200 students today attend Saint Antoine’s Bon Berger School, and their safety depends on the $30,000 initiative that was raised over the course of a year.
The renovation was funded by a number of fundraisers organized by the church and school, as well as the kind donations of Blessed Sacrament parishioners who gave monthly during Mass.
Longtime Blessed Sacrament parishioners Ralph and Barb Peters fostered the Sister Parish link. Parishioners are proud to uphold and carry on the enduring legacy that their unwavering devotion and compassion left behind.
“This wall is a symbol of hope and protection for the children of Saint Antoine,” said Heather Friday, a fourth-grade teacher at Blessed Sacrament School, in a news release.
Throughout the initiative, Friday assisted in planning a Penny Wars fundraiser in which kids took part. Particularly during these extremely trying times for our Haitian brothers and sisters, we are appreciative of the kindness and assistance of our parish community. This wall was a crucial step in protecting these kids’ education in the midst of instability and danger, which made school security a top priority.
Haiti still urgently needs ongoing assistance. Food insecurity, access to clean water, sanitation, and healthcare are persistent issues in Saint Antoine. Regular donations are still made by Blessed Sacrament parishioners in Quincy to fund initiatives that offer clean water, restrooms, and medical care as well as to assist buy food. In Saint Antoine, a lot of families experience hunger and frequently go for a week or longer without eating.
Father Tom Meyer, the pastor of Blessed Sacrament Parish, stated, “We are dedicated to carrying out our mission in Haiti and to meeting the continuing needs of our sisters and brothers at Saint Antoine.” More than just providing for their immediate needs, our collaboration with them aims to give these families hope for a sustainable future.
Blessed Sacrament is incredibly appreciative of the Quincy community’s and its parishioners’ support in this important mission of service and unity. Donations are accepted at the Blessed Sacrament Parish office, which is situated at 1119 S. Seventh St., Quincy, IL 62301, to help with the ongoing needs of the residents of Saint Antoine. When making a donation, please mention the Haiti Mission.
