NEWBURYPORT — Father Paul Berube retired five years ago from the Immaculate Conception Church, but his retirement has been less than typical. He has spent his time off raising money for the construction and maintenance of a school in Fond des Blancs, Haiti.

"We would like to do something that is a long-lasting project," he said.

As a child growing up in Salem, Berube was inspired to improve the lives of Haitian people. Every summer, a bishop from Haiti visited Berube's parish and preached about the need to bring aid to Haiti.

With support from Immaculate Conception, Berube was able to get his project up and running. So far, IC has raised $60,000, most of which has come from church collections. Three weekend collections alone raised roughly $30,000.

Students at the Immaculate Conception School have already donated school supplies to Haitian children. The IC hopes to maintain a strong connection between the two schools.

"It is the responsibility of the church not just to help people get to heaven, but also to help people on earth. They (Haitians) are our brothers and sisters, and if they are suffering, we should be suffering. How can we just sit back and close our eyes when we have brothers and sisters who are in need?" Berube said.

The school will provide Haitian children not only with an education, but also with a meal each day. This meal is provided by the Catholic Relief Services, an organization founded by the American Catholic Church. A primary school education may also enable some students to attend higher education institutions in Haiti.

Berube has hope for the future of Haiti. He praised President Obama for promising American aid to Haiti.

"Haitians are a faith-filled people who are no better off than they were 200 years ago. These people have been living for 200 years with no money, no electricity, no water," Berube said. "But despite being dirt poor, they have a great attitude."

On Saturday, Aug. 1, there will be a yard sale in the IC parish parking lot. All proceeds will go toward this Haitian school project.

To donate to this cause, contact Eric Brennan at 978-807-1966.