At the grand opening and celebratory ribbon-cutting of Bishop Baraga Academy 500 Iroquois Drive, Fremont) on August 14, Bishop Walkowiak spoke highly of the school’s mission in “expanding outstanding Catholic educational ministry” in Newaygo county. “This project is one that I think Frederick Baraga would have been proud to support himself. Bishop Baraga Academy will now carry out its particular mission by providing individualized care and education for children and families.” Less than a week later, the preschool/childcare opened its doors to 20 families seeking a dedicated team to partner in ministering to the intellectual, physical, and spiritual needs of their children.
Bishop Baraga Academy is led by Dr. Shari Ann McCarty, who is no stranger to Catholic education. Dr. McCarty graduated from Aquinas College and then went on to earn her doctorate in educational technology at Nova Southeastern University before returning to Grand Rapids to join the faculty at her alma mater. Dr. McCarty served as associate professor of mathematics at Aquinas for twenty years and now looks forward to helping educate and form Catholics at the earliest stage. "I am incredibly grateful that it's part of God's plan for me to open Bishop Baraga Academy. I am filled with anticipation to witness the enduring, positive influence our academy will have on the lives of children and families for years to come!"
One of these families expressed deep gratitude for the new school during a walkthrough of its beautiful facility. Carrying her daughter, who has since started at Bishop Baraga childcare, the mother beamed. “I’m most excited about helping the children deepen their faith and truly know Jesus.” This echoes a powerful remark that Bishop Walkowiak made before cutting the ribbon with Dr. McCarty and the Bishop Baraga board of directors. “The purpose of Catholic education from the youngest age is to create places of encounter with Our Lord Jesus Christ. Each child that enters this school is loved unconditionally by God.”
Bishop Baraga Academy has been a long time in the making, and its 2024 opening is an incredible blessing for PreK-12 Catholic education in the Diocese of Grand Rapids. This project would not have been possible without the hard work, generosity, and fervent prayers of so many faithful advocates of Catholic education at its supporting parishes and throughout the diocese.
Even tomorrow, the academy is raising its digital hand on Giving Tuesday and seeking donations in order to buy durable Catholic items for the children. These items include washable saint dolls, unbreakable statues, interactive Mass books, and much-needed Bibles. “We want our children to engage with and learn about Jesus, Mary, Joseph, and the Saints daily,” says Dr. McCarty. “Even $5 or $10 makes a difference.” Visit https://rebrand.ly/GivingTuesdayGivingPage and select Bishop Baraga Academy (or another Catholic school of your choice) from the drop-down menu.
Congratulations to all those who continue to work to make this dream a reality! Let us pray to see the fruit of God’s work in the lives of the staff, students, and families at Bishop Baraga Academy.