Bishop Earl Boyea of Lansing restated his enthusiastic support for the mission and work of Catholic schools during a visit to Huron Valley Catholic School in Washtenaw County, January 15.
“The Bishop made it very clear how important Catholic education is,” said 6th Grade Teacher, Debbie Brown, “I felt very supported and encouraged as a Catholic educator.”
Bishop Boyea’s visitation came in the lead-up to Catholic Schools Week (January 26 – February 1) which this year has the theme of “Catholic Schools: Learn. Serve. Lead. Succeed”. Bishop Boyea was keen to use his visit to Huron Valley Catholic School to encourage the school’s staff, parents and students in their shared endeavor of growing in holiness, virtue and wisdom.
“It is obvious how much Bishop Boyea enjoys being around children and teaching,” said 5th grade teacher, Cinthia Wolfe, “I will pray for God’s clear guidance for him as he leads his people and children during this next year.”
Huron Valley School was founded in 1982 as an outreach of The Word of God, an ecumenical community located in Washtenaw County. In 1999, after months of prayer and consultation with families, the school began to pursue becoming a Catholic school, while maintaining its independent status and parent-governed structure. This they achieved in 2000 with the official approval of the Bishop of Lansing. With generous support from The Ave Maria Foundation, a new school building was erected in 2002 while the school also renamed itself Huron Valley Catholic School.
Today, Huron Valley Catholic School continues to operate under the leadership of a parent-governed school board, whose members are elected to three-year terms. It aims to provide a nurturing environment with solid academic and extracurricular programs preparing their children for “lives filled with faith, gratitude, self-discipline, good judgment, and love of God and neighbor”.
During his visit, Bishop Boyea took time to answer questions from students on a range of issues. He also offered Holy Mass followed by a lunch with staff.
“I was excited when I saw him the first time in the school,” said Edward in the 2nd grade. Meanwhile Joe in 4th Grade said, “I liked the Bishop coming because he made me more holy and closer to God.”
To know more about Huron Valley Catholic School go to: https://huronvalleycatholicschool.org/
