Technology Opportunities

I was just made aware that Comcast is (in their service areas) making low cost internet access to those who qualify.

Available now, eligible families receive:

•Broadband Internet Economy Service at $9.95 per month

•Option to purchase a computer for under $150

•Access to online, print, and in person digital literacy training

Details are at: http://www.internetessentialspartner.com/ and http://www.internetessentials.com/?utm_source=july27webinar&utm_medium=eblast&utm_campaign=essentials

This looks like a great way to bridge that digital divide we often see in our districts.

Ron Houtman

Education Technology Consultant / REMC-8 Director

616.365.2320 (w) - 616.318.5225 (c)

@ronhoutman - Twitter

CSS changes administrative structure - 6/30/2011

Following is the text of a letter sent by Father R. Louis Stasker to diocesan parish priests and Catholic Secondary Schools faculty, staff and parents today regarding changes in CSS leadership structure:

"Grand Rapids Catholic Secondary Schools (GRCSS) soon will undergo modifications to its administrative structure as approved this week by Walter A. Hurley, bishop of the diocese of Grand Rapids and based on recommendations from the secondary school board, the superintendent of schools, the Connecticut-based consulting firm Catholic School Management, parents and myself.

"The new structure is consistent with findings in an ongoing study of diocesan school governance commissioned by the diocese with Catholic School Management as part of the “Our Faith, Our Future” initiative.

"The new structure calls for the organization to be led by a canonical administrator – a pastor – with a president heading up external affairs for the schools. A principal at each high school will be charged with oversight of internal affairs, including day-to-day operations within the buildings. 

"I will retain my role as pastor, and current Principal Thomas Maj will assume the duties of president. Associate Principal Greg Deja of Catholic Central will take on the responsibilities of principal at Catholic Central. Jack Young, who is currently associate principal at West Catholic, will serve as interim while a search is conducted for a permanent principal for the school. 

"In my role as pastor, I will ensure adherence to canon law and will have specific reserved powers. As president, Tom Maj will be responsible for GRCSS external affairs, including oversight of mission effectiveness, business affairs, fundraising, board relations and liaisons with external constituencies, including parishes and the community. The principals will be charged with overseeing faith community, academic and student affairs for their respective buildings.

"The new structure more closely aligns the two Catholic high schools under a common vision while still allowing them to serve their unique communities. This process of restructuring and further defining roles is the next in a series of steps necessary to achieve the strategic priorities stated in our vision, which was adopted in 2010 along with 12 strategic priorities that are critical to building and maintaining a sustainable organization.

"These changes further align the organization and support the vision of our high schools to continue to be renowned as high-quality Catholic schools preparing students to realize their full potential as active participants in their faith communities. I have put my full support behind Tom Maj as a leader who is tremendously capable of guiding our schools toward a sustainable, viable future. "

For more detail on the CSS administrative restructure, see the Q & A.

Weekly Update

Daily Mass Times

No Mass Here – Tuesday, July 26

No Mass Here – Wednesday, July 27

No Mass Here – Thursday, July 28

No Mass Here – Friday, July 29

Weddings

     This week, Kathryn O’Hara and Nicholas Wallis will celebrate the Sacrament of Marriage at St. Patrick. We congratulate Kathryn and Nick on this blessed occasion. You have our prayers and support!

www.stpatrickparnell.org

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Saint Patrick School

Our school has hired a new preschool teacher for the upcoming 2011/2012 school year. Mrs. Courtney Krebill will join our school family and we feel lucky to add her to our team. Mrs. Krebill is a Lowell native and a parishioner here at St. Pat's.

Golf Outing

Time is running out to register for our first annual golf outing at Scott Lake on August 27 (1:30 Shotgun Start). Please visit our school website and click on the golf picture for registration forms and a link to our outing page. Hope to see many of you there.

www.stpatrickparnellschool.org

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You’re Invited!

Who:    Children entering Preschool through 6^th Grade

What:    Vacation Bible School

When:   July 25^th-29^th, 9am-12pm

Where: St. Patrick Parish

 

Why:     To make new friends and celebrate our best friend JESUS!

Registration forms are available in the back of church. Or contact Maryalene LaPonsie at 616-897-5942 or maryalene_L@hotmail.com for registration information.

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The 4G Network is here at St. Patrick!!!

The faster, better connection!

God 

Good Friends

Good Discussion

Good Fun

All Young Adults - ages 21 to 35 - are invited to an evening at the rectory with Fr. Mark and the parish staff to share ideas about how we can serve you faster and better!

Single Young Adults -  Saturday, August 6, immediately after the 5:00 Mass at the rectory.

Married Young Adults -  Saturday, August 13 immediately after the 5:00 Mass at the rectory.

Please RSVP to Wendy at 691-8541 or email her at secrepat@wmis.net

www.stpatrickparnell.org

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The Second Annual St. Patrick Church Family Fishing Tournament

When:  Sunday, August 28.2011

Where:  Big Wabasis Lake

Time:  12:00 p.m. (Noon)

Flyers with more information are available in the back of the church or in the parish office.

www.stpatrickparnell.org

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Altar Server Appreciation Day

When:  Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Time:  1:00 - 2:00 pm (arrive about 12:45)

Where:  Lowell Lanes

RSVP to Sandy Brooks @ 691-7609 by 7/26/11

www.stpatrickparnell.org

July 14th Parish/School Update

Saint Patrick Parish

Daily Mass Times

No Mass Here- Friday, July 15

No Mass Here – Tuesday, July 19

9AM Mass – Wednesday, July 20

9AM Mass – Thursday, July 21

9AM Mass – Friday, July 22

www.stpatrickparnell.org

Saint Patrick School

Saint Patrick School is offering half off tuition for full time Kindergarten-8th grade students who are new to the school for the upcoming year. Join our FAMILY!

www.stpatrickparnellschool.org

You’re Invited!

Who:    Children entering Preschool through 6^th Grade

What:    Vacation Bible School

When:   July 25^th-29^th, 9am-12pm

Where: St. Patrick Parish

Why:     To make new friends and celebrate our best friend JESUS!

Registration forms are available in the back of church. Or contact Maryalene LaPonsie at 616-897-5942 or maryalene_L@hotmail.com for registration information.

Saint Patrick School's First Annual Golf Outing

Join members of our community for the first annual "St. Patty's Scramble". All funds raised will be used to benefit our school children for the 2011/2012 school year.

Shotgun Start: 1:30pm, $70.00/person ($65.00 if paid before July 26, 2011) 

Save the Date: August 27, 2011 Scott Lake Country Club. Registration Includes: 18 holes with cart, Steak Dinner, Many Prizes

For more information visit our event site page at www.stpatrickschool.web.officelive.com or contact the school office (616)691-8833

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Golf Outing Assistance

Our first annual golf outing is scheduled for August 27 and is a school fundraiser. We are looking for a few volunteers to assist in organizing the event and to help find sponsorships. An additional two to three volunteers are needed and would be extremely appreciated.

Please contact me at scottczarnopys@gmail.com if you are willing to participate in planning this event.