First Friday Phenomena from Bay Area Catholic Schools

a Each year Bay Area Catholic Schools, along with dioceses and schools across the country, observe Catholic Schools Week, beginning the final Sunday of January. It is a special time to focus on our mission, celebrate, and reach out to the community. The schools’ service focus this year will be providing additional resources for homeless people in our area. Many other activities will also take place within each school. An All Schools Mass with Bishop Cistone is slated for Thursday, February 3. We look forward to the students and staff of Our Lady of Lake Huron Catholic School in Harbor Beach joining us for this liturgy. Due to their location, it will be their first time to celebrate with other Catholic schools during a Catholic Schools Week.

a With the establishment of the Development Office, grant writing has increased and is already bearing fruit. All Saints Middle and High School recently received charitable grants from

• SC Johnson and Sons Co. for improved lighting in the school and in The Little Theater. We look forward to the use of increased lighting at a reduced cost because of their help.


• The Helen Casey Memorial Fund to plant a community garden to assist the Good Samarian Rescue Mission in yet another way.


• The John W. and Rose E. Watson Foundation for $4,000 toward student equipment and supplies. It will be used for technology upgrades and ACT preparation materials.

All Saints is proud to partner with these generous organizations to improve our schools. Should you become aware of possible grant opportunities for Bay Area Catholic Schools, either the system or individual schools, contact Paul or Tim at (989) 892-2535 ext. 44.

a Marge Bullock, veteran teacher at St. James School and All Saints alumnus (‘83), also landed a MEEMIC Book Grant for her school. Last month the MEEMIC Foundation for the Future of Education presented Mrs. Bullock with a check to cover the purchase of more than $400 worth of Michigan History books and resources for St. James. Keiven Trombley, of the Enright-Trombley Agency, local MEEMIC Insurance representative, was entertained with Christmas carols by the second and third grade classes at the presentation ceremony. He also provided a treat for the children and a surprise gift certificate for Mrs. Bullock. The entire St. James School family is very appreciative.

a Earlier this week, Michael had the unique and wonderful opportunity of participating in the All Saints "Challenge Day" provided by the Bay Area Community Foundation. This program is designed to help individuals to recognize the values, challenges and gifts that are in each of us. When we become aware of how we affect each other, we are better able to build each other up rather than tear each other down. 100 young people experienced a day they are bound to remember for a long time. Better yet, coupled with the daily faith environment within our schools, the potential for significant change in how we treat each other is greatly increased because of this incredible day.

a Occasions for enjoyable evenings out are on the horizon as All Saints Middle School presents Winter Whoopee XIII. This annual student variety show welcomes special guest Magician Tim Carlson, who is "guaranteed to raise a smile". Performances are 7:00 p.m. Friday, January 14 and Saturday, January 15 at St. John Auditorium, 619 Main St., Essexville. $5 tickets are available at All Saints (989-892-2533) and at The Sweet Boutique, 816 Washington Avenue. Tickets for "Late Nite Catechism", also Saturday, January 15, 7:30 p.m. at The State Theatre (989-892-2660) are going quickly. We invite you to attend one or both of these events next weekend.

Look for more Phenomena: February 4.