Haiti Committee
March 17, 2026
Hello Mel and Theresa and the parishioners,
I hope you are doing well. In Port-de-Paix, there is an earthquake at 1h29 am. People woke up. But, there is no damage. This situation makes us afraid.
As you know, yesterday, we had a mobile clinic. I thank you for your help. I would like to share with you some photos.
May God bless you and all the parishioners at St Anthony's parish!
I appreciate you!
Fr. Bénédick Lazar, smm!
St. Anthony Haiti Committee Minutes
February 12, 2026
Coordinators Report: Fr. Karl Schmitt passed away and he was wanting to donate money for children in Haiti. She is interested in donating money for the school roof at St. Montfort. Mel sent her the estimate for the project.
Treasurers Report: No report available. According to the bulletin $1,861 was received. The committee approved the usual $4,000 for food plus $2600 for a mobile clinic.
Parish Council Report: No report.
Publicity Report – No report.
New Business
School Roof Project: Mel had sent Fr. Lazar questions regarding the school roof project. The project would begin at the end of June. The engineer had reported the roof would be sealed to prevent future problems. The estimate is for only the one school building.
Mobile Clinic: Fr. Lazar indicated they would like to organize mobile clinics for the first part of March. The prison
is under red alert and they will not be able to go there. He would organize a day for the children at school.
Next meetings scheduled for March 12 and April 9
Haiti Committee Update
January Meeting 2026
Coordinators Report:
- Mel received an official document from the BVM’s stating that the grant received is to be used only for Haiti.
- Received from Fr. Lazar documents on the repairs to the school roof. The cost would be $35,000 for ½ the school roof. The question was raised would Michigan be willing to help cover the cost. Other questions included: how much money would be needed at a time; when would the project start; and what does Fr. need to get started. Let Fr. know we have a source of funding to help us. The consensus was to go forward with the project. Other questions to ask include do they have other issues that are more important than the school, is the project going to be water proofed when done and is this a complete project. Mel will email Fr. Lazar our questions.
Treasurers Report:
- The January Haiti collection was $1,827. In addition we had received $5,000 from a parishioner. We had received $5,475 in December.
- In December we sent $4,000 to St. Montfort.
- The question was raised if it was time for another mobile clinic. Mel will check with Fr. Lazar regarding that.
- It was agreed to send $4,000 for the month of January.
Parish Council Report: No report
Publicity Report:
Gradually introduce the nursing students
Next meetings are scheduled for February 12, 2026 and March 12, 2026.
Good afternoon everyone,
I hope you are doing well. I share with you the pictures of the students of the nursing program. I thank Ms Dee as a nurse for supporting this program.
May God bless you and all the faithful at St Anthony's parish!
I truly appreciate you!
Fr. Bénédick Lazar, smm!
November Haiti Committee meeting minutes summary.
The book sale was a great success. It raised approximately $11,000. That money will be donated to two local food pantries in place of the March food packaging event which had to be canceled due to supply and cost issues.
Two students selected by a committee at St. Montfort have passed the admission criteria for entry into a nursing program in Port de Paix, Haiti. We are covering their tuition. They have signed a contract with Fr. Lazar which includes volunteering to work for 2 years at the dispensary at St. Montfort after they finish the program.
October Haiti Meeting summary
The school continues to be a problem. Some repairs have been made to the school. It was felt to be safe enough to open for school. Looking into the long range plans for the school building. The annual book sale is scheduled for November 6,7 &8. Proceeds will go to a food packaging event.
Summary of September 2025 Haiti Committee meeting
Questions sent to Fr. Lazar regarding the nursing program scholarships were answered. The responses were sent out to committee members and everyone agreed we should go ahead with that program. The funds were sent to Fr. Lazar. Money will also be be sent to provide support for the mobile medical clinics which are held quarterly. This includes free services at the dispensary at St. Montfort and the local prison. A thank you letter will be sent to the BVM Sisters highlighting the financial support they have provided for St. Montfort over the years and thanking them for that support.
Updated September 2, 2025
The St. Anthony Haiti Committee is dedicated to nurturing the relationship with our twin parish, St. Monfort Parish in Port-de-Paix, Haiti and to help assist with their needs. The committee distributes funds collected from St. Anthony parishioners to St. Monfort to help provide nutritious food to malnourished children and adults, much needed medicine for their mobile and prison clinics and for parish needs. Please pray for our twin parish, St. Monfort and the Haitian people.
Members: Fr. Steve Rosonke, Chuck Kutsch (Chair), Mel Harvey, Brian Unsen, Dee Maahs, Ronnie Larkin, Theresa Harvey, Terri Buss, Mike Larkin, John Mauss, Becca Brosius
Meetings: Meets on the 2nd Thursday of each month (except in July & December) at 7pm in the Knepper Conference Room.
If interested in joining, please contact Chuck Kutsch.