Messengers of Hope Gala a Success

by Rick Potts, C.Ss.R.

Redemptorist St. Gerard School in Baton Rouge hosted its third annual “Messengers of Hope” Gala on April 7. Along with the social and fundraising aspects, the event offered the perfect opportunity to officially introduce our new principal, Dr. Jonas Jackson Clark, who attended the dinner with his nephew. Dr. Clark will begin his tenure at the beginning of June. We also welcomed Bishop Michael G. Duca of the Diocese of Baton Rouge and our own Provincial Superior Kevin Zubel, who was the evening’s keynote speaker.

“We are privileged to have 250 students from Pre-K to 8th Grade at Redemptorist St. Gerard School,” explained Fr. Tat Hoang, pastor of St. Gerard Parish. “We strive to become a particular Redemptorist Catholic Mission school to bring forth these qualities in our young people: Academic Excellence, Faith Formation, Leadership, Discipline, and Wellness.”

Fr. Kevin said that much is accomplished when we work together in His name. He alluded to the words of Superior General Rogério Gomez, who said that students at schools that carry the name “Redemptorist” are to become artisans of social transformation, architects of justice, gardeners of fraternity and poets of hope to proclaim to the world a new song of joy.

“Redemptorist St. Gerard Elementary School is not just where students come to learn to read, but where they come to learn to listen to one another; where they don’t just learn how to count, but they learn how to share what they have received; where they don’t just learn how the world works, but they learn why the world was created out of love, and deserves to be protected and preserved; where they don’t just learn how to sing, but they learn how to praise the Lord; where they come not just to be taught, but to be loved as part of the family; where they come not just to get an education, but to become messengers of hope, bringing this dream alive – heart by heart, using the gifts and talents that God has given them. We have committed ourselves to help and bring to new life, sharing across the generations, across the years, knowing the powerful things that can happen at Redemptorist St. Gerard Elementary School.

“There’s a lot in the Redemptorist name, whether it’s through our religious vows or our commitment to God and to one another. We can all say that we are Redemptorist proud; we are Redemptorist blessed; we are Redemptorist strong; and we are, brothers and sisters, Redemptorist family.”

It is neither easy nor cheap to operate a school, so tickets to this year’s dinner cost $200 each. With the help of a host of special donors and the silent and live auctions, we met our fundraising goal. Chef John Folse has prepared and donated the dinner each year at his White Oak Estate & Gardens. Along with various canapés, guests enjoyed wild mushroom bisque, smoked duck ham and arugula salad, filet mignon and crabmeat-stuffed shrimp, with a tart for dessert.

Donated live auction items included two private dinners-for-10 donated by Chef Folse, a metal print of one of St. Gerard’s stained glass windows, an icon of the Holy Family, and a painting of Christ by local artist Jacob Zumo. Although Jacob could not participate in the event this year, his parents were able to attended.

The dinner was considered a huge success by all – those who planned it, and everyone who enjoyed a wonderful evening at White Oak Estate & Gardens. Redemptorist St. Gerard School is very grateful for the community’s love and support. Please remember our children and the success of the school in your prayers. May God bless you abundantly!