Alumni of Saint Mary’s Catholic School

St. Mary’s is always interested in hearing from its alumni.  We like to here what’s going on in the lives of our great graduates.  Feel free to drop us a line, or just stop in and say Hi!  The doors are always open.

St. Mary’s Favorite Son

Fr. Marty

Father Martin Solma, S.M., affectionately known as Fr. Marty is a 1963 graduate of St. Mary’s Catholic School.  He graduated from The University of Dayton in 1971.  He professed first vows at Marcy, N.Y. in August 1967. He made final vows in 1973 and was ordained a priest in 1978.  He earned a master's degree in religious education from Boston College and a master's in divinity from the University of St. Michael's College in Toronto. Fr. Marty began his ministry in Africa in 1982. He currently serves as the District Superior of Eastern Africa for the Marianists. 

The Marianists have served in various parts of Africa since 1957. Today, Marianists from the U.S. Province serve in Kenya, Malawi and Zambia. They face challenges associated with cultural differences, poverty, AIDS and poor education. Marianists sponsor four schools, two parishes and four ministries that provide the poor with the skills and training to be self-supporting. The Marianists also provide formation training for young men interested in joining the Society of Mary: The scholasticate and aspirancy house are located in Nairobi, Kenya; the novitiate is in Limuru, Kenya.

Fr. Marty returns home often to St. Mary’s School, to say hi to the students and staff, and to relax with family and friends at his “home” parish.  Several times throughout the year, St. Mary’s School has “Fr. Marty” days.  In exchange for a $1.00 donation, the student may dress down on Fr. Marty Day.  The money collected is then sent to Fr. Marty to help in his mission work and to support his schools.  While no formal count has ever been taken, it is estimated that well in excess of $10,000 has been collected to date.

There is a large poster in the main hallway that has information about Fr. Marty, Kenya, and pictures of his schools.

The primary (elementary) school that Fr. Marty oversees is Our Lady of Nazareth Primary School.  It offers classes from kindergarten through 8th grade, and serves 1370 boys and girls.  You can check out their website by clicking here.

The children at Our Lady of Nazareth wear uniforms, just like our kids!

Fr. Marty’s website can be found by clicking here.

A video interview with Fr. Marty can be found by clicking here.

For information contact alumni@smsberea.org