Rebuilding Together

We are sure many of you have seen the pictures of Mount Carmel Academy after Hurricane Katrina did her worst, thinking back to times past when you walked the halls as a student. Whether you were a Butterfly, a Ragdoll, or a Pink Panther… we are all Cubs. In our own unique experience of MCA, we were each supported, challenged and educated within a system dedicated to furthering our minds, hearts, faith and spirit. The Sisters of Mount Carmel were there for us… sometimes with prayers, sometimes with laughter, and sometimes with demerits!

Mount Carmel needs us now. Our MCA family has experienced destruction on a scale we can hardly imagine. In their response to this tragedy, Sister Camille Anne and Miss Simno have exhibited uncommon heroism and exceptional courage and strength. They are truly examples of the Carmel Spirit and have provided us with a model of Christ’s love in action. This is not a time to think that someone else is going to step up and help. This is not a time to assume that the current Mount Carmel Cubs don’t need your assistance. This is not a time to take for granted that whatever you can do isn’t enough to make a difference. You are needed. Can you offer a daily prayer? Can you ask your employer for a donation of office supplies? Can you organize a fund raiser at your church or office? Can you ask your family members if they can spare $10.00 each? Can you ask the vendors you do business with if they will match your $25.00 donation? (Maybe you could raise another $200.00 that way!) Call your old MCA friends and challenge everyone to each raise $100.00 for our school. When you each have successfully raised the money, then use that as a great excuse to get together and reminisce about old times!

We have so much to be thankful for… from our yesterdays and our todays. Below are just some of the ways alums are helping our alma mater.

Remember, there is no gift too small… today is the day it is needed… and you are the one who can help. May God bless you and keep you in the palm of His hands.

In addition to monetary donations, listed below are just some of the many ways alumnae have come forward to help our alma mater:

Alumnae from the classes of '70 and '92 have been writing grants to seek donations to rebuild Mount Carmel.
An alumna from the class of '86 is organizing a fundraiser in Houston, Texas as well as helping to provide new flooring.
An alumna from the class of '93 is organizing a fundraiser in Boston, MA.
An alumna from the class of '94 is brainstorming fundraising ideas for the Prairieville, LA area.
Alumnae from the classes of '93 and '94 are working on fundraising efforts in New York City.
An alumna from the class of '97 assisted with a fundraiser in Los Angeles, CA.
An alumna from the class of '86 is working on fundraising efforts in Indiana.
An alumna from the class of '95 is assisting with appliance donations for the cafeteria.
Alumnae from the class of '72 are working in Pennsylvania and New York writing letters to the U.S. Senate and Congress soliciting help for Mount Carmel Academy as well as working on fundraising efforts in each of their home town neighborhood and schools.

We thank all of our alumnae and their families
for their contribution in rebuilding Carmel.

Class of 1985 alums (both locals & evacuees) reunite in Austin, Texas on September 19.
The class was scheduled to have their 20 year reunion in October. Due to Katrina, the
class plans to reschedule their reunion. Stay tuned for more information to follow.

Locals & evacuees from the class of 1985 reconnect in Houston, Texas on November 19.

Special thanks to Lori Pennison and Rosie Witcher for organizing a New Orleans Dinner Party hosted by
Our Lady of Mount Carmel School in Tempe, AZ. The fundraiser raised over $5,000. Way to go ladies!