JOACHIM CENTER AT ST. ANN CHURCH IS REPAINTED

Over the summer, a crew painted the exterior of the Joachim Center at St. Ann Church on St. Croix.

KIDSLEARN SUMMER ENRICHMENT PROGRAM

Catholic Charities of the Virgin Islands (CCVI) conducted the KidsLeam Summer Enrichment Program at Ss. Peter and Paul School on St. Thomas from June 19 to July 28.

"The objective of the KidsLeam Summer Enrichment Program was to provide a safe and enjoyable learning environment for financially disadvantaged youth between the ages of 7 to 13." Michael Akin, Executive Director of CCVI, told The Catholic Islander that "Emphasis was placed on reinforcing healthy family values and developing life skills, which included the avoidance of alcohol and controlled substances."

The tuition for the six-week course was kept low in order to attract the target population. The program was funded primarily though a grant from the Virgin Islands Department of Human Services and from the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands. The program was staffed by teachers from the school and by teen counselors.

Shown above, Chenese Clendenin taught the children in one of the classrooms.

PRIEST TURNS 40

ON A CARIBBEAN CRUISE

Msgr. Michael Kosak (left) and Fr. Simon Peter Opira of St. Ann Church on St. Croix went on a Caribbean cruise to celebrate Fr. Opira's 40th birthday in August. Pictured above, one of the stops was at the fresh water lake in Laudat, Dominica.

Left to right, Cynthia Victor, Inez Walker and Theodosia Christopher serve at the Light of Christ Retreat Center on St. Croix, especially in the kitchen.

THE CATHOUC ISLANDER    *SEPTEMBER 2006*    9