Rev. James Chelich, pastor of Saint Thomas the Apostle parish and school in Grand Rapids, has received an award from the Michigan Association of Non-public Schools (MANS). The organization recognized him at a ceremony on Oct. 16, during their statewide school administrators’ conference.
Father Jim was honored for his efforts “to create an environment where church and school are united as one in the ministry of inviting everyone to Christian fellowship, service and support of our faith,” according to the nomination from Suzi Furtwangler, principal of Saint Thomas the Apostle school. Read more in this Facebook post from the school:
Twenty-four administrators from Catholic schools in the Diocese of Grand Rapids are attending the conference in Traverse City.
(Pictured at top: Father Jim, center, with Suzi Furtwangler, Saint Thomas the Apostle principal, and Brian Broderick, MANS executive director. Courtesy Saint Thomas the Apostle school.)
The 31 Catholic schools in the Diocese of Grand Rapids serve more than 6,340 elementary and high school students across West Michigan. Through faith formation, outstanding academics, events like this, and more, we partner with parents to provide children with an education where Christ illuminates learning and life.