Starlink and Students Starting School
Updates from St. Marcs in Jeanette, Haiti through Haiti Partnership
The community of St. Marcs in Jeannette has had much to celebrate this summer. In July, families, friends, and parishioners filled the church to overflowing for the 2025 Kindergarten graduation. With bright pink and blue graduation outfits, music, dance, and prayer, the youngest students marked an important milestone in their education. The celebration honored their growth, resilience, and joy, and reflected the strong partnership of teachers, families, and the parish that nurtures them. The pride in the room was unmistakable, and the service highlighted the bright future awaiting these students as they continued their learning journeys. Prior graduates from St. Marcs have gone on to become doctors, agronomists, and more; some have even returned to support the area.
Now, as the new school year begins on October 1, another reason for celebration is on the horizon. Thanks to a grant from the Diocese of Wisconsin, APSHA has secured Starlink internet access for St. Marc School, along with four brand-new solar batteries to replace older ones that no longer held a charge. This gift will transform classroom life by making it possible for students and staff to conduct research, expand learning opportunities, and connect in real time with partners around the world. This also allows multiple students to use the computer, as opposed to one individual at a time throughout all classes, which was the previous standard.
The new technology opens doors for outreach committees, youth groups, Bible studies, and parish partners across Wisconsin to meet with students and staff at St. Marc’s, using an interpreter to facilitate conversation. These gatherings will help rekindle long-standing relationships while also sparking new ones. Pére Moise, priest-in-charge of St. Marc Parish, has also shared his hope that this connection will allow him to meet regularly with clergy across the Diocese of Wisconsin, building bonds of friendship and ministry across distance.
Message from Pere Moise and his family. Translation below.
Summary of Video in English:
To the people of the Lord — the wise and courageous people in Christ, the church family of Père Moïse, and everyone connected to the parish in Jeannette — warm greetings. We’re so happy to be seen and remembered by you; it has been a long time since we were together, and your care means a lot to us.
This past year, the school closed in June. Some students did very well in their exams, and others are still waiting for results. We’re gathering those final scores now, and as soon as we have them, I’ll share them with you.
Young people here are doing their best, and we’re grateful for the support that helps the ministry in Jeannette continue. Thank you to everyone — our presenters, our leaders, and those who ask after the time and needs of the community. Your protection and guidance make a real difference.
I want to say a personal thank-you for the unwavering support that helps us keep going. I’m grateful every morning for the chance to serve, to protect one another, and to care for those who are most vulnerable. Thank you to the Father for leading us, and thank you to everyone who stands with us.
[His children shared their names and ages, his wife said a very quiet hello. His wife is named Kati (Kah-tee).]
It’s been a long time since we’ve seen some of you, and that makes the reconnection especially joyful. I want to thank Kati in particular for keeping a steady connection with me and with our community — your continued friendship and care mean a great deal.
Thank you, everyone, for your love, your prayers, and your steady support. We look forward to more moments together soon.
Together, the joy of the kindergarten graduation and the anticipation of a new school year with expanded opportunities reflect the vitality of St. Marc’s School. This ministry remains a beacon of hope for children, families, and the broader community in Jeannette.
St. Marc School and Clinic continue to depend on your generous support. Please consider making either a one-time or a monthly donation today to sustain this vital partnership. You can give online or send checks to the location below with “Haiti” in the memo line:
The Episcopal Diocese of Wisconsin
PO Box 137
Oshkosh, WI 54903
As we give thanks for the students of St. Marc’s and look with hope toward the year ahead, we join in the words of prayer from the Book of Common Prayer (p. 829):
God our Father, you see your children growing up in an unsteady and confusing world: Show them that your ways give more life than the ways of the world, and that following you is better than chasing after selfish goals. Help them to take failure, not as a measure of their worth, but as a chance for a new start. Give them strength to hold their faith in you, and to keep alive their joy in your creation; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
