The grand total for the 2003 Project Starfish campaign exceeded $154,000. With all gifts counted, the total raised by the Nativity Church community this year was $154,343.17. This year's campaign brings the total contributed since 1998 up to more than $650,000. The 2003 gift will support Nativity Church's continuing commitment to Nativity Village in Merger, Haiti with the construction of approximately 70 additional duplex units housing another 140 families. The last two years' Starfish Projects provided funds to house 180 families, to provide community sanitation facilities at Nativity Village, and to replace the roof on the community church. This year's total also included a generous gift from Fr. Henry Roodueen and the parishioners of St. Collette's Catholic Church in Livonia, Michigan

One of the highlights of Nativity Church's fundraising this year was a Walk/Run around Burke Lake, co-sponsored by Nativity's Catholic Youth Organization and the Knights of Columbus, Fr. Sikora Council. Dave Johnson and Maria Olivieri, who have been to Haiti on Nativity pilgrimages, coordinated the event.

The Nativity Craft Group continued to support the children at Rainbow House, an orphanage for kids with HIV/AIDS outside Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Last year, the Craft Group made over 100 dresses and outfits which were delivered during last August's pilgrimage to Haiti. This year the Craft Group donated $800 to purchase new blankets for the children. The Rainbow House kids have also been "twinning" with the 4th and 5th grade classes at Nativity School. The entire school raised funds for Rainbow House by selling Christmas cards designed by the students and they published a cookbook, with all proceeds going to Rainbow House. And one of our parishioners, Bill Hummel, continued his volunteer work raising funds and helping plan the move of Rainbow House into new facilities.

The patients at Cardinal Leger Leper Hospital in Haiti crocheted snowflakes which were sold at Christmas time. More than $3,000 was returned to the patients, helping support their families and giving them new confidence and self-esteem.

This year has again seen an outpouring of care, compassion and generosity for our brothers and sisters in Haiti. This ministry is strong and growing stronger. The people of Nativity Church truly give life to the words of Jesus: "For I was hungry and you gave me food; I was thirsty and you gave me drink; I was a stranger and you made me welcome; naked and you clothed me, sick and you visited me.."
(Matthew 25:35-37)

We salute all the good "shepherds" at Nativity Church for their evangelism of love.

Revised: 7/25/03