I ask your prayers for those of us who are traveling from our parish to visit our twin parish St. Gerard’s in Haiti. Accompanying me will be: Taylor Andolina, Belinda Lee, Elli and Carrie Maurais, Cathy Stickney, and Kendall Zonghi. We will be traveling February 17th and returning from our visit February 25th.
In preparation for our trip we have been in communication with Fr. Tilus who has informed us that the roofs of the main church and two of the chapels we helped build were blown off by Hurricane Matthew and need to be replaced. We will be holding a bake sale this weekend to begin raising money for this purpose. If you would like to make a donation for this purpose, please do so at the bake sale table following each of the Masses.
Fr. Tilus has also mentioned the need for soccer equipment for the children. Many have lost their homes and belongings and the adults are encouraging the children to focus their energies on activities such as soccer rather than dwell on their losses. There is a box for soccer donations in the parish center.
Our journey to Haiti is to be in solidarity with our sister parish and to show our support for them as we have over the past 15 years. We want to listen to their hopes and dreams in rebuilding their lives and parish community and voice our support for all from our faith community here at Sacred Heart. Upon our return we will share what we have heard and invite us all to walk together with our brothers and sisters at St. Gerard’s through our prayers and financial assistance. All the skills needed to rebuild throughout Haiti are in the capable hands of its citizens; what is necessary is the materials needed to rebuild.
Please join us in prayer:
Out of the depths we cry to You, O God. We cry to You for our Haitian sisters and brothers. We thank You for upholding them in their suffering. Give them continuing strength and comfort. Give us love and courage to stand with them and work with them as they struggle for justice and freedom. Keep us committed to the truth and empower us with Your Spirit of love;
O Holy Spirit descend on us; we have a mission for Haiti. Amen.
Fr. Bill