St. Matthias Update: February 2023

It is important to start this update with a note of gratitude from our partners in Haiti. Every exchange with Pere Michaud includes an expression of gratefulness and blessings. St. John’s is always in the prayers of the St. Matthias congregation, as St. Matthias is in ours. St. John’s of Cold Spring Harbor has a special place in the hearts and minds of the children in Deslandes. We are part of each others’ lives.

As all of us know from the news, Haiti is facing profoundly difficult challenges right now. Haiti has never been an easy living environment, but, sadly, since 2022, things have worsened significantly due to factors like political unrest, gang violence, inflation, and disease. Rural communities like Deslandes are, thankfully, geographically beyond the worst of it, but they are nevertheless heavily impacted by increasing prices, food and fuel shortages and reduced access to essential services like medical care. Hunger and poverty are on the rise.

The story of our Fellowship, however, should not be overshadowed or defined by the greater events in Haiti. If anything, our work has taken on greater importance. Prior to the holidays, we received an update from Serena Beeks, coordinator of the Episcopal Haiti Partisanship Program. In her message, she highlights the return to school at St. Matthias at a time when most of the schools in the country were, of necessity, closed. She also sent encouraging pictures of the children happily engaged in their school day, dressed as always in their beautifully pressed uniforms. We have confirmation from Pere Michaud that St. Matthias School has been operational since October 10th. This is quite an accomplishment by our partners. Père Michaud and St Matthias were subsequently commended for his dedication by the leadership of the Episcopal Partnership Program.

“Getting some rural schools open isn't going to save the country, but it is going to provide a somewhat normal life for those children, their teachers, and their families. Never underestimate how important this is in a community like Deslandes.” - The Rev. Canon Dr. Serena Beeks, Coordinator, Haiti School Partnership Program, National Association of Episcopal Schools.

Travel to Haiti has obviously been limited in recent years for us, clearly making it more challenging to nurture our relationship with St. Matthias. We are being creative, however, and taking advantage of technology to stay in contact as best we can. Within Haiti, our partners have been forced to limit their travel, too. Our solidarity is more important than ever in reducing their sense of isolation. They continue to tell us how much it helps to feel seen, known and loved.

St. John’s support continues to make a profound difference to St. Matthias. We entered the Fall of 2022 with approximately $20,000 in the Fellowship account. These funds have been disbursed in stages to St. Matthias for the 2022-23 school year, with confirmation of receipt. They are being used primarily for teacher salaries and school supplies. Funds for the next school year will be raised from our annual Haitian Fete fundraising event, which the St Matthias Committee is pleased to announce will be on May 7th. The event is still in the final planning stages, but it promises to be very exciting. The Fete will have a new format and will feature a concert followed by refreshments. Please save the date!

And, please, keep the prayers coming.

For more information, please contact Peter Charles or Heather Spehr, St. Matthias Fellowship Co-chairs.

Episcopal Schools Partnership Information