I am very happy to report that Saint Mary's School is starting this school year with more students than we started with last year!  We have 22 in our first grade alone!!  This is a great development, and I want to commend the wonderful faculty, administration and staff for this achievement!
 
One of the statistics that people find surprising is that only 66% of the school population are parishioners.  It is not due to a lack of youngsters - we have well over 1,400 in the faith formation program.  One of the factors that prevents parents from enrolling their children here is the tuition which is currently $5,200.00.  I want to see as many parishioners as possible enroll their children in the school, particularly those who are here at Mass each week.
 
So I am asking some of our older or "veteran" parishioners to consider being a "Guardian Angel" to a student - to help a family who wants to have their child attend the school but cannot afford the entire cost by paying for the difference.  The families fill out financial data so that their need can be calculated objectively by an outside service.  You can make a world of difference for a family by participating in this program.  Simply send a check to the school with the designation "Guardian Angel."  The need can range from $500.00 to $5,000.00.  You would know that you are making it possible for a girl or boy to be formed in our Catholic tradition with an excellent academic education.
 
I or Mr. Matthew Bourque, the school principal, would be happy to answer any questions you might have about this program.  Even though it seems far off, Christmas will be here (faster than we would like!), and instead of getting caught up in the material side of that beautiful holyday, you could instead use some of those funds to brighten a child's future.  Just something to consider.                                       Fr. Michael