Beautiful Boginvilia

The workers at the Mission are always looking for new ways to beautiful the compound. Marc has taken the responsibility to develop a boginvilla garden on the auditorium veranda.

Marc and Sheppie give the new plants some nourishment.

St. Joseph Cupertino

Thanks to all our overseas supporters, Kemar loves to learn!

Today (September 18) the Franciscan Order celebrates the Feast of Saint Joseph Cupertino OFM Conv. This Saint is a favorite among students as he himself found studies difficult and is thus the Patron Saint of Students. Now in the 4th year, the Cupertino Program at the Mission helps students who need extra attention. Two sessions are held each day. The morning session is for grade 6 students ( 12 students attend) while the afternoon offers assistance to grade 2-5 students ( 20 students attend). This program is funded entirely by our supporters in the States, especially the Parishioners of Saint Joan of Arc in Maryland. Anyone interested in helping the future of Jamaica can send their monetary donation to our Mission Office in Ellicott City Maryland. Who knows - maybe we have a future St. Joseph Cupertino in Above Rocks!

Miss Kadian (Coordinator of the Cupertino Program) helps Jordan with his math.

Grade six students use the computer (donated by Archbishop Curley High School) to develop their skills.

St. Joseph of Cupertino - Pray for us!

Welcome Back Students

For the past two weeks the students have been back in school - unfortunately the power has not - we are without power for various reasons up to 15 hours a day! Students, teachers and administration look forward to a successful year and hope the brain power kicks in!!!

All-Age students are all smiles as they begin the new academic year

The entire student body of St. Mary's College gathers for the opening assembly in 95 degree heat. We have the students but are in desperate need of a large auditorium. Naming rights are available to anyone who is interested in making a sizable donation to the auditorium fund. Father Michael is open to any name even if it is named after the Red Sox!

College girls happy to see their teachers after a long Summer

Shoes and Power (lack of)

Sorry for the lack of Blog updates but we have been experiencing many hours of poweroutages - due to wind, rain, sun and .... yesterday we we out of power for about 15 hours.

Our recent shoe sale ($1 usd for two pair)was a tremendous success. Thanks to our friends at St. Louis Parish, Batesville IN., we were able to sell shoes to our local community and use the returns to help fund our food projects. This year there seems to be more and more people looking for food - due to the recession. With your help we are doing our best to feed God's Little Ones!!

Shoes, shoes, everywhere!

Anna, a Postulant with our FSE Sisters (who will be spending time with us until October) gets a kick out of Brother Michael's skills collecting money

Greg Heine (owner and operator of G. Martin Builders of N.J.) father Michael's brother stands guard at the door. Greg donated his time to help the Mission prepare for the opening of the school year.

College girls get a bargin!