Giving » Testimonials

Testimonials

 

Don’t take our word for it! See why our families and teachers love Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School.

 

In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

Matthew 5:16

 

 

 

When we were looking for a preschool for our daughter, we wanted to enroll her in a school that she would be at through her elementary years. OLS had been highly recommended to us, but as products of public schools and myself being a former public school teacher, I admittedly had my doubts as to whether a Catholic education is better and actually “worth it.”

Trusting my gut, we gave it a try. Our daughter was placed in Mrs. Senkowski’s four-year-old preschool class that first year, and within only a few weeks, I knew we made the right decision. Our daughter was happy, learning, but most of all, feeling safe and loved. 

From kindergarten with Miss Bush to first grade with Miss Tasky to now second grade with Mrs. Law, there has always been the perfect balance between academics, the Catholic faith, and fun. (Plus, I’d be remiss to not bring up the amazing community of parents we’ve met who will undoubtedly be our lifelong friends!).

Yes, it’s an investment, and yes, the money could be spent elsewhere. Nevertheless, not a tuition payment that goes by where my husband and I regret our decision to send our daughter— and now our son— to OLS. There’s honestly no place like it.

The Alexander Family
2023 Day of Giving
 
The Alexander Family

Around 1995 Denise and I along with our 3 children repatriated from my overseas assignment in England to my next assignment in Romulus, Michigan. We started the task of looking for a house but we didn't want to choose a house until we knew where our children who were 7, 9, and 11 at the time were going to attend school. We looked at many catholic elementary schools in the area and finally visited OLS and immediately fell in love with the Church and the school. Thankfully we were able to get all of our children into the school and then quickly found a house in Farmington Hills. Our children progressed through Sorrows and then went on to Marian and Catholic Central High School. Our family has been blessed with a quality Catholic education which has greatly contributed to well-adjusted successful adults, and it all started at Sorrows. We were blessed to meet great friends and staff at Sorrows that made our acclimation into the community so easy.

I recently retired from General Motors and went back to school and received my 3rd college degree which qualified me to teach in Michigan. I chose to teach at Sorrows because of the great experiences my family and I have had at this parish and school. I look forward to giving back by preparing young men and women to succeed in life while exhibiting all the behaviors that would make our Catholic community proud.

Mr. Lewis Campbell
2023 Day of Giving
 
The Campbell Family

We chose Our Lady of Sorrows in 2018 as our children’s school originally based on familiarity with the school, as most of our siblings’ children attend, and my wife is an OLS Alumna.  

Our children James (2nd grade), Victoria (1st grade), and Luke (kindergarten) all love attending OLS. When they come home from school, we generally ask them what they learned, and more often than not, one of the highlights is something about Jesus, a bible story, or a Catholic teaching. They are generally enthused about the topic, and we can very clearly see based on these conversations and chats we have with the staff at OLS that this is because it is an authentically Catholic School.  

We are so grateful for that, and just as much for the community at OLS that has so warmly welcomed us from day 1. This is not limited to the staff, but extends through all of the families we have met at OLS. We are blessed to be part of the OLS Family and couldn’t be happier that our children attend such a wonderful school. 

God Bless, 


Vidal and Heather Denha and family 
2023 Day of Giving
 
The Denha Family

Our family has been a part of Our Lady of Sorrows since 2016. Daily exposure to the Catholic faith has always been important to us. Our Lady of Sorrows has a strong religious foundation that has helped nurture our children to make good choices in life. The dedication and support of teachers and staff motivate students to grow academically and spiritually.

We are proud to be a part of a school with a strong sense of community. Through the years, our family has been blessed with the relationships that have been built with teachers, staff and other families. 

The Jarbou Family
2023 Day of Giving
 
The Jarbou Family

My family moved to Michigan eleven years ago, and we joined the Our Lady of Sorrows School Community.   OLS instantly became more than a wonderful school for our children both academically and spiritually.  It became more than an amazing place for me to share my faith through teaching.  Our Lady of Sorrows quickly become our family in Michigan.  Mrs. Law was an amazing teacher for our daughter Abby, as she was the shy new girl in the class.  She made her feel so welcome, and Abby loved coming to school each day.  Blake began in preschool and quickly had a group of friends to play with after school.  My children were excited to be part of the OLS Community!  Abby is now a senior at Mercy, and Blake is a freshman at Catholic Central.  The education and faith filled experiences they received through their years at OLS have prepared them so well to be successful in high school.  The friendships that they made at OLS have given them a family that will be there to support them for years to come.  

I, too, have been so blessed to be part of the OLS community, not only as a parent, but also as a third-grade teacher.  I am so thankful for the opportunity to get to share my Catholic faith each day with my students.  Working with such an amazing group of educators is such a gift. Seeing the smiles on the kids’ faces and their enthusiasm to learn, participate in weekly school masses, and eagerness to see Jesus in one another makes my job beyond rewarding. My husband Dave and I are so blessed to call Our Lady of Sorrows family.  We are thankful for the blessings of friends that we have made that have truly become our family in Michigan.  We are beyond appreciative to all the teachers who encouraged and shared their faith with our children.

 
Mrs. Emily Maroun
2023 Day of Giving
 
The Maroun Family

Moving our daughter to a new school when the pandemic was still much of an issue was an emotional, difficult decision, not only for our child but for us. We were apprehensive to say the least.  However, the school staff was always very patient with me when I called with the numerous questions I had and they always had the answers or put me through to the person with the answers.  This brought peace of mind that helped me reassure my daughter her new school experience would be great.  Our Lady of Sorrows did not disappoint.  Our first year at Lady of Sorrows was simply amazing!  Our daughter made a smooth adjustment to the new environment, making some great friends right away.  Her teacher was amazing and very patient with us as we navigated our first year.  Watching her excel in school, grow her faith, make many new friendships and really blossom in self-confidence has been exciting and wonderful. As we volunteered for events and activities, we got to know many families ourselves, and felt good helping to raise funds for school activities and needs.  This school truly encompasses their motto “Faith, Knowledge and Community”.

The Spallone Family
2023 Day of Giving
 

The Spallone Family

Our family has found a home at Our Lady of Sorrows. Our children have benefited from an OLS education that provided them a strong education and faith based environment to grow up. Each child found a home in academics, sports, alter serving, scouts and clubs.  Through these opportunities, the whole family has made friends that will last a life time. 

Our family has found ways to serve God together through Our Lady of Sorrows Parish and school as well.  From collecting food for the less fortunate during the Thanksgiving food drive, to hosting game night at shelter week, our family has found laughs, fun and joy through serving others. 

All of this has been possible because we said yes to Our Lady of Sorrows. I look forward to seeing all the Our Lady of Sorrows will become in the future with the wonderful community supporting it.

The Zewatsky Family
Jason, Margaret, Cole, Ian, and Madelyn
2023 Day of Giving
 
The Zewatsky Family

I’ve been teaching Kindergarten at Our Lady of Sorrows for eight years and cannot even express how great of an impact this school has had on my life. I am so grateful for the friendships I’ve made here and proud of the community I get to be a part of. Growing up, I attended a catholic elementary school and knew at a pretty young age that I wanted to be a teacher. My first teaching job was at a public school and while there were so many amazing things about teaching there, something was missing and I couldn’t quite put my finger on it. Then, when I joined the staff here at OLS I was overjoyed to find what was missing: the values and sense of community and family that I remember experiencing when I grew up and that you can only find at a Catholic school. I knew that this was where I was meant to be and that it was my turn to help lead our youngest students to grow not only in their love of learning but also in their faith and relationship with Jesus. The generosity that people show on this Day of Giving benefits both our school and community by helping us to further our mission of creating disciples of Jesus. Thank you!

Kara (Rose) Golightly, Kindergarten Teacher 2022 Day of Giving

Check out Miss Rose's own Kindergarten picture!

Miss Rose Kindergarten pictureMiss Rose teaching   

 

 

Miss Rose   Miss Rose


 

Together we: help each other get to Heaven

My family has a long history at Our Lady of sorrows parish; we have been members since 1955. We have celebrated over 100 sacraments at OLS and our family holidays and celebrations often begin at Mass.My husband and I were married at Sorrows in December 2021. On display at our wedding were the photos of 11 other couples in my family who were also married at Sorrows. We feel so blessed to join these couples by beginning our marriage under the patronage of Mary, Our Lady of Sorrows.  During my four years teaching at Our Lady of Sorrows, the words “we help each other get to Heaven” hung at the front of my classroom and wove their way through our lessons and social interactions throughout the year. At the end of the year, my current students wrote advice letters to the students who would be in my class the following year. In those letters, unprompted, they wrote “most important, we help each other get to Heaven.”

The community at Our Lady of Sorrows is a family. We take care of each other. From personal struggles and spiritual needs to celebrations and achievements, the students, families, faculty, and administration care about each member of our family and about helping each other get to Heaven.

Deidre Regalbuto
Advancement Associate
Deidre Regalbuto
2022 Day of Giving
 
 
Deidre Regalbuton Deidre Regalbuto
Deidre Regalbuto

Deidre Regalbuto

In 2016, we enrolled our children at Our Lady of Sorrows (OLS).  Upon first touring OLS, we immediately felt the sense of community.  We were also drawn to OLS because its mission embodied a sense of community in that OLS and parents, together, educate children “spiritually, academically, and socially.”  Jesus reminds us that when two or three are gathered together in His Name, He will be in their midst. (Matthew 18:20).  While neither my husband nor I had the privilege of attending Catholic schools, we witness Jesus’ presence in our children’s lives daily through the commitment of teachers, priests, and administration at OLS.  The handwritten “thank you notes” from our children to their teachers are a small representation of the large impact these dedicated teachers have on our children’s faith journey.  Thank you, OLS, for all that you do!  Together we were there for: sports games, a chess game, first communion, spelling bees, drama productions, math competition, saints puppets/parade, Veteran’s Day assemblies, cantor and choir at school mass, living wax museum, and more. But most importantly, together we are shaping saints for tomorrow.

The Bakkal Family
2022 Day of Giving
 
Bakkal Family

As parishioners since 2008 and parents of a 5th, kindergarten and preschooler, together we are able to raise our children with God in their hearts and mind. When both boys were in preschool 3’s and early 5’s last year, they came home during lent and were adamant about creating a prayer table. They told us that it would make our prayer time better and make us feel closer to God. And recently, while having a conversation with a 5th grade teacher, I commented on how cool that last month’s science assignment was making 3D models of human and plant cells and this month the students are examining different human and plant cells on slides with a microscope so that they are able to recognize what they see. The teacher’s response was, “what’s cool is that they know that God made all of these cells to make us and make all living things, that we are so complex and God thought of all of this for us.” At Our Lady of Sorrows, God is present in every subject, every cause, every day. We are so proud to be parents, parishioners, and partners with all of the wonderful teachers, administrators, and staff at Our Lady of Sorrows. It takes a village to raise children to grow in their Catholic faith and we are all proud to be Saints!

The John Family
2022 Day of Giving
 
The John Family

We are the Maizi family and have been part of the Our Lady of Sorrows school community for five years now with our four children, Madison, Charlotte, Noah and Katherine. Unfortunately, we did not have the privilege of attending a Catholic school and wanted to give our children this opportunity, especially since our Catholic faith is very important to our family.  We chose a Catholic education at Our Lady of Sorrows for our children, because we wanted to instill Catholic values and morals in every aspect of their lives, above and beyond just attending weekly Sunday mass. This Our Lady of Sorrows setting also offers our children the opportunity to grow spiritually, academically, and socially in a disciplined, respectful, and encouraging environment. The teachers nurture the students toward excellence while implementing critical thinking skills and challenging them to become the best people they can be. As parents, it’s comforting to know that strong moral values are being reinforced on a daily basis by the wonderful teachers at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School. Our children are excited to go to school each day and look forward to interacting with their friends and teachers. We can honestly say that sending our children to Our Lady of Sorrows is in line with the values we are teaching our children within our home. It is important to our family that our children learn about their faith, both in words and actions in order to become good, faith-filled adults. TOGETHER we encourage critical thinking and independence to set a strong foundation for our children.

The Maizi Family 
2022 Day of Giving
 

 

The Maizi Family

In the many years since we have been welcomed into the OLS community, we have seen many way in which this place is truly part of our family. We have watched each of our three children grow there in faith and in academics. We have seen the strong love and support this family has given us through happy and stressful and tragic times. We have experienced our school prevail through the these scary and unprecedented current times. OLS has taught my children, my husband, and myself what a true Catholic should be. That’s why we give our time, talent, and treasure to advance the mission of our school and church family. 

The Rossi Family
2021 Day of Giving
 

Rossi Family

In the many years we have been parishioners at OLS and the five years we have been an OLS school family, we have seen our Catholic faith grow and strengthen.

We love the strong sense of community that we experience at OLS. The teachers and the staff are supportive, caring individuals that help our children grow and develop in their Catholic faith and identity.

We couldn’t be prouder to send our children to our Lady of Sorrows Catholic school and to belong to the parish where we genuinely feel like part of a bigger family.

The Dehn Family
2021 Day of Giving
 
Dehns

As parents, Melanie and I are SO PROUD of OLS.  What you guys have been able to do when no one said it was possible, is a credit to the amazing people who believe in these kids and the message of God.  Thank you and everyone at Sorrows.  We  feel so joyfully emotional to have our children in the hands of such great people.

The Gerzema Family
2021 Day of Giving
 
Gerzmas

We want to acknowledge the staff at Our Lady of Sorrows for their sacrifice and dedication in providing our son with a quality education in a Christ-centered environment.

We transferred to OLS in 2019, which is never easy during the elementary years. When you add in a global pandemic, shortened school year, and remote learning, one might worry it could be a rough start. We are thankful to say, amidst all of this, that our son has thrived academically and spiritually, and our family has found a new home at Our Lady of Sorrows.

It is evident that every teacher, staff member, and priest is focused on the whole person in their dedication to academic and religious instruction. With so much uncertainty across our country and the world, it has been amazing to see our educators go above and beyond for our school families. It has provided an immeasurable amount of stability for our son in these uncertain times. I know we made the right decision and look forward to what the future holds for OLS students, staff, and families.

The Morgan Family
2021 Day of Giving
 

Morgans

"Children have a strong tendency to rise to the expectations you set for them."  These words, from an old newspaper clipping, are still on my refrigerator today, even though my “Saints” have grown and flown. As a parent of OLS Alumni, Dr. Karlie Kashat-Satin, DDS, Class of 2006; Dr. Allyssa Kashat, DPT, Class of 2008; and Joshua Kashat, Class of 2015, currently enrolled at Loyola University, the expectations set forth for them at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School is one of the benefits of a Catholic Education that I appreciate the most. At every level of education, K-8, expectations/standards grow and build on each other and in all areas of learning-spiritually, academically, and socially. Academic expectations at OLS set a foundation of learning for my children that continued on with them throughout high school and higher learning opportunities. Spiritual growth at OLS led my children to choose mission trips and giving opportunities as they matured. They had a school family and continue to experience life with some of those friends today. I spent four years employed in the ECC building as a kindergarten aide, and I assisted our youngest Saints as they were introduced to the basic expectations/goals of learning through the play-based curriculum. As a current employee in the main front office, I witness the growth of the student body in all grades. Sacrificing to give a child a Catholic education at OLS, provides them with an opportunity to begin to meet lifelong learning expectations so they can “live to inspire and serve others in the world”.

The Kashat Family
2021 Day of Giving
 

Kashat

My wife Nicole and I give to OLS for many reasons. First and foremost because in the gospels Jesus asks us to share our talents and treasures (“to whom much is given, much shall be required”), but I also give because I know firsthand what a major impact OLS has had on my life both spiritually and academically. It was a blessing to be born and raised as a parishioner of OLS. I have received all of my sacraments here. My parents made huge sacrifices to send me and my 9 siblings to OLS. I cannot thank them enough for this gift, but more importantly for the gift of my Catholic faith. Our parents continue to be wonderful role models of our faith and we aspire to be more like them in this respect. The Catholic education that my siblings and I received at OLS was tremendously impactful on all of us. Nicole and I knew we wanted to provide the same for our two children. We give because we believe in the vision for our parish and school. The catholic identity of OLS continues to grow and thrive. My wish is that OLS will continue to grow and graduate generations of future Saints. When I volunteer at the school, I see our future, I see the future Catholics of this community, and I am hopeful about that future. Please prayerfully consider donating today, so that OLS can continue: “to educate students who will develop spiritually, academically and socially into disciples of Jesus” for generations to come! I know what an impact OLS has on my life each and everyday. I pray that students will be able to experience OLS in this way for years to come. May God continue to bless us all. Our Lady of Sorrows, pray for us!

 

Gerry and Nicole Mato

2019 Day of Giving

 

Mato WeddingMato Family

        

Each morning as I parked my car in the teachers’ lot here at Our Lady of Sorrows, memories rushed back to me on my days spent here as a student.  The memories I hold of the teachers who once taught me inspire me every day to bring my best to each student in my class.   

At OLS, academics and religious formation are held equally to high standards. I learned about scripture, the sacraments, and how to build an intimate relationship with Jesus. I received a phenomenal education that set me up for high academic success.  After completing my degree in elementary education at Franciscan University, I was honored to be hired and assigned to teach second grade, a very special sacramental year. I was also assigned to room 110, the same room in which I had an incredibly wonderful teacher who inspired my desire to become a teacher like her. I knew from this very young age that teaching was my calling and I feel very fortunate to begin my career where I already feel at home.

While I don’t know if my class holds another future teacher, doctor, lawyer, engineer, or business manager, I know it holds the precious children of God who are growing to know Him and His plan for their lives.

We wish now Mrs. Chambers many blessings as she continues to “bring the best” to her students and her husband in North Carolina!

Mrs.Meghan (Meyers) Chambers
2019 Day of Giving
 
 
Miss Meyers

 

Miss Meyers as a third grade student in room 110!

 

Meghan's Wedding Day

Mrs. Chambers on her wedding day.

 

As an Our Lady of Sorrows Alumna, I have repeatedly referred back to the foundation I received here to describe the person I am today. OLS did not only prepare me to further my education in high school, but it put forth a foundation of faith, success, and character in becoming an adult. I am grateful to my parents for making the decision to enroll my sisters and I at this school so many years ago. I am also grateful to the many teachers, principals, Priests, and Pastors that have come and gone, adding layers of foundation to build a stronger community of faith here at Our Lady of Sorrows School. My faith in Jesus is stronger because of this school, and when the job opportunity arose for me to return as a teacher here, I did not hesitate. I am honored to have worked in a place that has helped me to grow as a child of God, and now God has given me the opportunity to help others do the same. 

We now wish Miss Bahoura many blessings as she continues to help high school students grow as children of God!

Ms. Alana Bahoura
2019 Day of Giving
 

Little Bahoura

Miss Bahoura