GRACE Schools

Happy Easter! Alleluia, Jesus Christ has risen! Alleluia!

      Over 100 students whose families claim to be members of St. Willebrord Parish are now attending several of the schools in the Green Bay Area Catholic Education system (GRACE). The number of students from our parish has been rising annually. St. Thomas More School enrolls the highest number of parish children. Our parish children also attend St. Bernard School, Holy Family School, Our Lady of Lourdes School, as well as Claude Allouez Elementary and Middle Schools at St. Matthew and Resurrection Parishes, respectively.

      St. Thomas More School will be moving to the school building at Sts. Peter and Paul Parish the next school year. The school will occupy the first two floors of the building with the hope that increased enrollment in the future will require the use of the third floor as well.

      St. Willebrord Parish has supported GRACE since its inception in 2008. We contribute annual financial support to GRACE in collaboration with the other 22 parishes in the Green Bay area. If you have a child who goes to a GRACE school, then you are being supported by the contributions of all 23 parishes. Of course, this is important support for the students and their families. Many of the graduates go on to become leaders in the community in general, and in the church specifically. We have high hopes for the students who attend GRACE schools who go on to successful high school and university studies. Some of the GRACE students will attend Notre Dame de la Baie Academy (NDA), the only Catholic high school in the area. Our parish financially supports NDA as well.

      GRACE states on its website that: “Through strong parenting, your child inherited kindness, faith, curiosity and ambition. Through GRACE, we want to let these qualities flourish in the likeness of Jesus and ignite a passion to excel.” The website goes on to state: “Catholic values and a true dedication to nurturing the gifts of every child are at the heart of a GRACE education. In a world where so many things seem beyond our control, the GRACE schools help our children make sense out of the complex world around them and reinforce the foundation parents are laying at home.”

      Let us continue to pray for the success of the Catholic schools in our area. I encourage you to become knowledgeable about the unique educational opportunity at these schools. And, of course, may you continue to offer your financial support for the schools’ continued success. 

Happy Easter! Alleluia, Jesus Christ has risen! Alleluia!

Peace, Fr. Andy