Hello, People of God!
This week we begin our newest school year. I cannot tell you what a rare and valuable blessing it is to be able to offer our kids a place where they can learn about Jesus and the world He created.
We celebrate that God has brought 43 new families into our school… this is not the normal reality in most places and it is a reflection of a community that is all in on Catholic Education. We will begin our school year with 435 students, ranging from pre-K to 8th grade.
While I am typing about our school, I want to let you know that we are looking for afternoon Extended Care Aides and Substitute teachers. We could use some help here for any who are interested. If you are interested, you should contact the school office at 810.694.9072.
I want to thank all of you for sacrificing so much to support our school. We have made and will continue to make a radical commitment to funding our educational efforts because our kids are worth that. One of my goals is to someday have a “Tuition Fund” to help us offset the cost of education with something other than our collection. I will definitely keep you updated on that.
This brings me to an important informational point that I realize I need to share with you all so that inaccurate information doesn’t take much more root in our community.
Earlier in the year, I told you about how during the Quarantine, people began mailing me money from quite literally around the world in support of the Catechetical show I’ve been doing on Facebook and Youtube. You may remember that I stated we created a nonprofit so I could send that money to the parish in order to support our School and fund a building and grounds effort.
One of the things that apparently got messed up in translation is about JoeInBlack beer. To be clear, I have no financial connection to JoeInBlack beer. A buddy of mine owns Lansing Brewing Company and named a beer after me, but neither I nor the parish receive any kind of money or funding as a result of that.
Think of it this way: “JoeInBlack Ministries” is a tax-exempt organization that supports our school and building and grounds. “JoeInBlack beer” is a product that I have no connection to, outside of the fact that it was named after me. I hope this helps.
You all take such wonderful care of me that I do not need or want such things. I just want to be your priest; to love and serve you with all I am able to.
On a final note, I am excited about an upcoming section in our bulletin that will provide us with neat information about the line of Popes from St. Peter to Pope Francis. I think you’ll enjoy it.
God bless you all. Thank you for letting me serve you.
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