Haiti Sister Parish

St. John Paul II Parish began a twinning relationship with the Bayeux-Novion Parish in Novion, Haiti in January of 2014. The Bayeux-Novion Parish has two main Churches, St. Louis, King of France in Novion, Haiti and St. Francis Xavier in Bayeux, Haiti. The two Churches are about 3 miles apart. They also are responsible for two chapels-St. Maria Goretti in Les Gras, Haiti and St. Theresa of the Child Jesus in Gamelle, Haiti. All of these churches are located about 25 miles east of Cap Haitien, the second largest city in Haiti. The Bayuex/Novion Parish was founded in 2007 under the leadership of Fr. Jacquelin Gabriel. "I prayed for a sister parish for 7 years," Fr. Gabriel said on our first visit, "And God sent you to us!"

When we made our first trip to our sister parish in February of 2014, we met with Fr. Jacquelin, the  principals of our two schools, parish leaders, and many of the key parishioners to ascertain from them what they saw as the greatest needs for the parish. Over and over again, we heard education, education, education. And so our Haiti Committee set as its number one goal the growth and development of the elementary schools in Bayeux and Novion. We currently supply the salaries for all of the teachers and staff of both schools.

We have also begun an educational sponsorship program. Currently we are sponsoring 105 students at the secondary level. The sponsor for these students pays $300 per year which covers tuition, books, supplies and sometimes the uniform so that a student can attend Junior High and High School. We also sponsor 2 seminary students from the parish as well as a nursing school student, and we sponsor one medical student who will serve as a part-time physician in the town upon completion of his medical training. We are hoping to expand all of those programs in the future.

In addition to educational support, we also assist in providing for other needs in the parish: vehicle maintenance and expenses (The parish truck is the only vehicle in the town. It is used for parish work, but also as an ambulance for the sick.), a mobile medical clinic to visit the towns  once or twice a year,

By our regular visits to our sister parish we build solidarity with our brothers and sisters, we visit the schools and the chapels, we assess the current needs, and look for ways to grow our relationship with our sister parish. We also learn about the culture and history of the people of Haiti and their country. If you would like more information about our mission trip, you can review the mission trip document located to the right or contact Fr. Tom Clegg at tclegg@stjohnpaulparish.org.

Time Commitment: 1.5 hours every month and some outside work
 
Spiritual Gifts Helpful: Helping, Generosity, Mercy, Encouragement, Servant-hood, Evangelization
 
Contact Information: Debbie Waiz - djh1126@gmail.com
 
 

Listen to a sample of the music that can be found on the CD Fundraiser for our Sister Haiti Parish. CDs are $20 each.  To purchase one, please contact Fr. Tom. Listen here

2 green onions chopped
2 garlic cloves minced
1/2 T salt
2 T oil
1c rice
2 cups cooked red beans
1 1/2 cups broth
1 c water
Sauté onions and garlic in oil until soft
Add rice
Stir to coat rice with oil
Add broth, water and beans
Bring to a boil, reduce heat and cover, cooking until water has been absorbed
Stir until hot