Blessed Sacrament Parish completes safety wall for Sister Parish school in Haiti

QUINCY — Blessed Sacrament Parish has announced the successful completion of a critical safety and security wall and gate surrounding the school of its Sister Parish, Saint Antoine, in Lavanneau, Haiti. The $30,000 project, raised over the course of one year, was essential to ensuring the safety of the more than 200 children currently attending Saint Antoine’s Bon Berger School.

Funding for the project came through the generous contributions of Blessed Sacrament parishioners, who participated in monthly giving during Mass, as well as a series of fundraisers held by both the church and school.

The Sister Parish relationship was cultivated by the late Ralph and Barb Peters, longtime Blessed Sacrament parishioners. Their tireless compassion and dedication left a lasting legacy that parishioners are proud to honor and continue.

In a press release, Heather Friday, a fourth-grade teacher at Blessed Sacrament School, said, “This wall is a symbol of hope and protection for the children of Saint Antoine.”

Friday helped organize a “Penny Wars” fundraiser in which students participated throughout the project. “We are grateful to our parish community for their generosity and support, especially in these most challenging times for our Haitian brothers and sisters. In the face of instability and danger, the need for security at the school was paramount, and this wall was an important step in safeguarding these children’s education.”

The need for continued support in Haiti remains urgent. Saint Antoine faces ongoing challenges related to food insecurity, access to clean water, sanitation and medical care. Parishioners of Blessed Sacrament in Quincy continue to contribute regularly to help purchase food and support programs that provide clean water, latrines and medical services. Many families in Saint Antoine struggle with hunger, often going a week or more without eating.

“We are committed to continuing our mission in Haiti and to supporting the ongoing needs of our sisters and brothers at Saint Antoine,” said Father Tom Meyer, Pastor of Blessed Sacrament Parish. “Our partnership with them is about more than meeting immediate needs; it’s about building hope for a sustainable future for these families.”

Blessed Sacrament is deeply grateful for the support of its parishioners and the Quincy community in this vital mission of solidarity and service. To support the ongoing needs of the people of Saint Antoine, donations can be made at the Blessed Sacrament Parish office, located at 1119 S. Seventh St., Quincy, IL 62301. Please indicate “Haiti Mission” on your donation.