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“I have received more than I have given. I have been blessed to work with a wonderful, giving and talented team of people. I have had an unforgettable and amazing experience. I left part of my heart in Haiti.” Those were profound words spoken by Rita Cwengros after accompanying a medical mission after the 2010 earthquake. On January 11, 2013, Rita and her husband Jim, Mary LaPonsie and Matt Kutsche died when the brakes of the vehicle in which they were traveling failed, resulting in the vehicle crashing through an iron barrier and down a ravine. The driver, Martin Glisil, survived the crash and is recuperating from his injuries. The group was traveling in a convoy of five vehicles with 14 other persons on a medical mission to St. Christopher Parish in Seguin, Haiti. This was the 11th mission organized by Tim Ryan of “Haiti Needs You” and Holy Spirit Church of Grand Rapids, MI. In an interview, Mary LaPonsie, age 54, told television station News 8 “There is something
very special there. We know that whatever situation we are put in, we are put in for a reason and we will have the strength to get through it.” For the LaPonsies, Haiti was a family affair. Each had made several trips, and daughter Debbie found comfort in remembering her first trip on the same road where her mom lost her life. “I was so scared and my mom was holding my hand and I remember exactly what she said to me. She said, ‘Debbie, if anything happens, we are doing what we love.’ ” Eric, Laura, and Andy Cwengros said their parents, Jim and Rita Cwengros, ages 54 and 53, had fallen in love with Haiti. Jim quoted on a blog after a January 2012 medical mission trip that “I’ve been on a number of trips to Haiti now, and I never cease to be amazed at how a group of strangers can come together to serve others. The team came together this week to share their talents and to serve in any way that was needed -- a great team. I also never cease to be amazed at the beautiful people of Haiti who welcome us each year. These people have so little material possessions, but they are rich beyond our understanding. I encourage others to serve. It’s an amazing experience.”
Matt Kutsche, 24 years old, was excited about his first trip to Haiti. His father, Dr. David Kutsche, had traveled to Haiti on a previous medical mission trip in January 2011 and was accompanying Matt for his first visit. Matt graduated from East Grand Rapids High School and Grand Valley State University and was working for Staffing, Inc. He was engaged to be married to Carly Andrews. (Continued Page 2)
Vol. 11, No. 1Vol. 11, No. 1 Building Sister Parish Relationships Since 1978Building Sister Parish Relationships Since 1978 FALL 2013FALL 2013
Upcoming PTPA National
Conference
- Fall 2014 -
Newsletter of Parish Twinning Program of the AmericasNewsletter of Parish Twinning Program of the Americas
Inserts in This Issue
Donation Envelope
Fonkoze—New Fees
Many twin parishes use Fonkoze Bank to wire funds directly from them to their twin parish’s Fonkoze bank account. Fonkoze has changed their fees. A schedule of the new fees can be found on page 8 of this newsletter.
Reminder: Send an email to the bishop of your diocese each time that your U.S. parish sends funds to your sister parish in Haiti. The dioceses in Haiti are trying to create more transparen-cy between them and their Haitian parishes.
Inside This Issue
Tribute Article
Matthew 25 House
Latin Am. Program
Sea Container
Parish Highlights
Twinnings Needed
Construction Recommendations
Advocacy Article
Resources
Fonkoze Bank
Sr. Mary Alban
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TRIBUTE TO FOUR HOLY SPIRIT PARISHIONERSTRIBUTE TO FOUR HOLY SPIRIT PARISHIONERS
The ConnectionThe Connection Parish Twinning ProgramParish Twinning Program Theresa PattersonTheresa Patterson 309 Windemere Woods Dr.309 Windemere Woods Dr. Nashville, TN 37215 U.S.A.Nashville, TN 37215 U.S.A.
Phone: Phone: (615) 298(615) 298--3002 3002 Fax: Fax: (615) 298(615) 298--22532253
EE--Mail: Mail: [email protected]@aol.com Web Site:Web Site: www.parishprogram.orgwww.parishprogram.org
A 501(c)(3) NonA 501(c)(3) Non--Profit OrganizationProfit Organization
Memorial cross made by Mark Glover and sent to Holy Spirit
Parish’s sister parish of Seguin
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TRIBUTE TO FOUR HOLY SPIRIT PARISHIONERS (Continued)TRIBUTE TO FOUR HOLY SPIRIT PARISHIONERS (Continued)
The Connection The Connection Newsletter of the Parish Twinning Program Newsletter of the Parish Twinning Program (615) 298(615) 298 3002 3002 [email protected] [email protected] FALL 2013 FALL 2013 Pg. 3 of 8Pg. 3 of 8
Giving of himself to serve others was not new to Matt. He helped to rebuild from a hurricane in Port Charlotte, FL with his Park Church Youth group, to coach Special Olympics basketball and a team from Palmer Elementary School, to work with Project Barc through the Kent County Juvenile system, and to organize teams through work for charity runs. Jim and Rita Cwengros and Mary LaPonsie led the same exemplary lives of always thinking of others first. Besides their involvement with medical missions, Jim and Rita also served as Scoutmasters with the Boy Scouts of America for many years. Passionate about Catholic education, they served in numerous West Catholic and Holy Spirit events, committees, and most notably, the West Catholic Bank Boosters. Mary was very committed to her work at the Parish of the Holy Spirit, the YMCA, and Saint Mary’s/Advantage Health Medical Group. Mary spent the last decade inspiring others with her passion and commitment to the people of Haiti and the Dominican Republic. The January 2013 medical mission was Mary’s 10th trip accompanying Holy Spirit’s medical team. Bishop Guy Sansaricq, Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Brooklyn, New York, wrote to me following the tragedy, “My heart goes out to the families of the deceased. I deeply share their sorrow. I know how painful it must have been for you too and all those involved in the Twinning Program. When involved in mission, we know that tremendous sacrifices are demanded from us. The gift of one’s life is the supreme sacrifice. Some are called to do it -- not to intimidate others, but rather to stir renewed commitment. Receive my heartfelt condolences and convey them to the families affected. As for these admirable witnesses of God’s love, my prayers will assist them to the gates of heaven where they will have a hero’s welcome.”
We have had a busy year with 3,715 guests staying at Matthew 25 House from January 1 to August 31, 2013. Again, we would like to extend our thanks to all the volunteers who so lovingly gave of their time to help out. In July, we welcomed a new associate at Matthew 25 House, Michelle Curran. Michelle recently completed her Masters Degree in Educational Leadership and Administration at Ball State University in Muncie, IN and has previously been a K-4 Resource Teacher at Cedar Elementary in the Avon Community Schools. From September through December 2012, Michelle also did an internship at St. Antoine parish in Petite Rivière de Nippes, Haiti. We are blessed to have Michelle with us at Matthew 25.
Jim & Rita, Mary and Matt You have indeed made the ultimate sacrifice.
It is only fitting to honor you for the tremendous gift that you gave to us and to so many -- the gift of love. May your lives inspire us with a renewed commitment to embrace the people of Haiti as you did so lovingly. Whether it was extending a hand to a neighbor or friend, to a crying Haitian child or parent hurting or in pain,
your lives were a personification of goodness, kindness, and compassion. We will remember you always in our hearts and in our prayers.
Matthew 25 HouseMatthew 25 House
Our Hospitality House in PortOur Hospitality House in Port--auau--Prince, HaitiPrince, Haiti
Matthew 25 HouseMatthew 25 House EE--Mail: Mail: [email protected]@yahoo.com
House Phone (011)(509)(4) 272House Phone (011)(509)(4) 272--91669166 Phone Phone –– Bertony Domond’s Cell: Bertony Domond’s Cell:
(011)(509)(3) 726(011)(509)(3) 726--4472 or (3) 2244472 or (3) 224--12631263
Matthew 25 Hospitality House Address:Matthew 25 Hospitality House Address: #6, Rue A. Martial & Jean#6, Rue A. Martial & Jean--BaptisteBaptiste
Delmas 33Delmas 33 PortPort--auau--Prince, Haiti W.I.Prince, Haiti W.I.
Cross at the accident site built by the people of Seguin and the Diocese of Jacmel
For those of you who travel frequently, we would be grateful if you could save the unopened small soaps offered by hotels and motels for use at Matthew 25 House. If you will not personally be traveling to Haiti and don’t know anyone who will be, you may send them to: Theresa Patterson, 309 Windemere Woods Drive, Nashville, TN 37215. Thanks in advance for your help.
The Connection The Connection Newsletter of the Parish Twinning Program Newsletter of the Parish Twinning Program (615) 298(615) 298 3002 3002 [email protected] [email protected] FALL 2013 FALL 2013 Pg. 2 of 8Pg. 2 of 8
Central & South America, Mexico, Philippines, Central & South America, Mexico, Philippines, SpanishSpanish--Speaking CaribbeanSpeaking Caribbean
Latin American ProgramLatin American Program
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COORDINATOR Frances Sosadeeter Phone: (941) 921-3368
4048 Olive Ave. E-mail: [email protected]
Sarasota, FL 34231
- Programa de Hermanamiento de Parroquias de Las Americas
By Frances Sosadeeter
Holy Spirit - Indianapolis, IN: Parishioners John and Kathy Evans, Associate Pastor Fr. Chris Wadelton, and others from Holy Spirit parish in Indianapolis have been visiting San Francisco de Asís parish in Texiguat, Honduras bi-annually since 2010. In the last two years they began a
“vision mission” as a response to a local request. John shares that the team has been trained in a unique computerized system for remote areas. “We dispense sun glasses to prevent cataracts and macular degeneration...” They also help those that complain of problems
when reading or sewing or with distant vision. “They then have their eyes measured using a hand-held device called an auto-refractometer. The readings are sent to a computer with their prescription. The computer sorts through an inventory of 2000+ glasses” to find the best fit for each patient. These missions are fairly inexpensive. If a parish is interested in more information, please e-mail PTPA’s Latin American Program at [email protected] .
St. Peter Catholic Church - DeLand, FL: Since 2012, St. Peter Catholic Church in DeLand is successfully sponsoring their micro-credit loan program in Nuestra Señora del Rosario parish in Sabanagrande, Honduras. The Mission Circle of St. Peter thought they would only be able to sponsor one group of 15 wom-en. Today they have sponsored 244 women. The Opimuca Group (pictured) is the largest group participating in the Micro-credit Loan Program with 40 women. The Program expands to more women in different parish communities annually. So far, 100% of the women have paid the interest, met their savings goal, and repaid their first loan.
Using the auto-refractometer
Latin American ProgramLatin American Program (Continued)
St. Monica Catholic Church - Indianapolis, IN: St. Monica will celebrate their 10th twinning anniversary this year with Santiago Apóstol parish in Lepaterique, Honduras. His Eminence, Cardinal Oscar Andrés Rodriguez Maradia, plus all the priests from Santiago Apóstol during these 10 years, have been invited to their celebration in Indianapolis. The 10th year anniversary coincided with their first trip with a youth group. Kevin Corydon from St. Monica shares: “It took ten years to get it off the ground, but we had the first youth trip, and it was fantastic!” In addition, they have had several medical missions. Congratulations to St. Mon-ica for 10 years of exemplary service!
Med Teams to Continue Bringing Own Meds
We have been given no new changes from the Ministry of Health; therefore, the medical teams should continue bringing all their own meds into the country. My only suggestion is to contact Bertony Domond within a few weeks before the planned arrival if you have a large group. Let him know the date and time you will arrive. Some smaller teams have recommended using old suitcases rather than tubs or duffel bags. They reported fewer difficulties from Customs when using such suitcases.
Medical Mission NewsMedical Mission News
April 2013 Shipment Released Quickly
The five separate forty-foot containers which we organized in Nashville/Smyrna, TN arrived in Haiti on June 2 and were unloaded two weeks from the date of their arrival. A million thanks, once again, to Coordinator Pat Rehovsky for doing a tremendous job receiving, marking, organizing and loading all of your goods, and to Bertony Domond for his doggedness and persistence in getting the containers released from the Haitian government in record time. There were approximately 60 participants/parishes taking part in this year’s Sea Container shipment, and a total of about 3,403 items were shipped to various needy parishes.
Sea Container Sea Container -- April / May 2013April / May 2013
Patients wait in line to see the doctors
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Saint Bernard Parish - Crawfordsville, IN: St. Bernard Parish has been twinned with Saint Francois Xavier in Carrefour-Sanon since 1989. Two of their current initiatives are making a big impact and greatly improving the quality of life for residents of the Carrefour-Sanon community. The first initiative seeks to provide concrete floors in family homes since dirt floors are common in Haiti, and they pose a great health hazard for the children living there. Infants and young children in frequent contact with the rough and often muddy floors can contract pinworms and respiratory infections. When it rains and the floor is wet, they may have nowhere to sleep. St. Bernard Church, led by parishioner Ron Hess, is working to eliminate this problem. Through individual sponsorships and fundraisers, St. Bernard has been able to pour concrete floors for more than
100 families in the Carrefour-Sanon area. The floors cost about $330, but for just a $250 donation, they will build that floor in honor of the donor. The work is done by local Haitians, but the families receiving the floors must work on the
project, carrying concrete and water and breaking up rocks for gravel. When the floors are complete, they take a picture of the receiving family and send it to the donating family. The results are notable. The families with the new floors take pride in them, and doctors who have visited have noticed that the health of the children is improving. St. Bernard has also taken on the challenge of creating small businesses. They have hired an agronomist, a local Haitian, who is helping to create and grow businesses. One example of the kinds of businesses being created is a farm to raise chickens and sell the eggs. Haiti imports many of their eggs. This farm will help lower the cost of eggs, making them a more affordable source of protein for the community. Further, as this business grows it stimulates more businesses, building chicken coops, making chicken feed and so on. The agronomist also has several greenhouses, orchards and many gardens operating throughout the mountain. There are other businesses like rabbit farming and beekeeping in develop-ment. The program has been so successful that the agrono-mist has been able to take on several interns to assist him. If you are interested in learning more about any of these programs, you can e-mail Ron Hess at [email protected] or call (765) 401-1165.
Twin Parishes in Haiti (Haïti / Ayiti)Twin Parishes in Haiti (Haïti / Ayiti)
TOTAL HAITI
TWINNINGS: 300 (newly revised figure)
Please send us stories, photos, and feedback from your trips to possibly use here.
Parish HighlightsParish Highlights
Partners with Haiti - St. Petersburg, FL: Partners with Haiti (PWH) is a non-profit founded by St. Paul’s Church in St. Petersburg, FL. Their mission is to provide support to their sister parish, St. Isadore Church, in La Gonâve, Haiti. They have been twinned through the Parish Twinning Program since 1999. They have many projects that they are working on to better the lives of their sister parish -- some that have been ongoing for many years. Their medical missions started in 2005, and dental missions started in 2007. They have successfully started 3 new projects in the past 3 years. They have opened a medical clinic, begun a clean water program, and started an econom-ic development mission. On September 27, 2010, after six years of planning, Partners with Haiti opened their medi-cal clinic. The clinic fea-tured a new roof, a solar power system, a satellite phone, an internet connection, plumbing and a water supply system, and a six-month inventory of medicines and supplies. The clinic employs 9 people, including several nurses and a clinic supervisor. It has been a blessing to the rural community. In January 2011, PWH began a new clean water program. Poor water quality is one of the biggest problems in Haiti. With the cholera epidemic that followed the 2010 earthquake, the situation became critical. Through the new PWH program, families are given a “Gift of Water” filtration system. They have hired a water technician who trains the families in how to use the system. In March 2012, many of the families who have received the water filtration systems were surveyed, and they all reported being pleased with the systems, and they reported that their health had improved since receiving it. The newest project for St. Paul’s is their first ever
“economic develop-ment” mission. In October 2011, a group of six parishioners traveled to La Gonâve to deliver and set up a diesel-powered corn grinder. The grinder is located near the clinic in an agricultural co-op.
On November 9th, Partners with Haiti will hold their 8th Annual “Walk for Hope in Haiti.” The event is a two-mile walk, and it raises funds to support the “Partners with Haiti” mission in Haiti.
Parish Highlights (Continued)Parish Highlights (Continued)
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Twin Parishes in Haiti (Haïti / Ayiti)Twin Parishes in Haiti (Haïti / Ayiti)
Parish Highlights (Continued)Parish Highlights (Continued)
Saint Margaret Mary Catholic Church - Winter Park, FL: Saint Margaret Mary Parish has a strong emphasis on three major projects in the parish of Coq Chante in the Diocese of Jacmel: a trees project, a hen project, and a Peace Program. They have made a commitment to work in that parish for 5 years only, and in order to assure that the outcome of their projects will be successful, they have hired an experienced and capable agronomist. The trees project has been in operation since early 2012. Local farmers have been attending classes to learn better
ways of farming. They have learned to diversify their crops, plant tree breaks to improve the soil and protect their plants, and have learned the benefits of growing crops for sale instead of cutting down trees for firewood. At the same time, they have
been planting and maintaining nurseries for new trees. After hundreds of years of cutting down trees, local farmers are learning about the impact this practice has on water and their own crops. This year, farmers will plant 50,000 seeds in the nurseries and out-plant 25,000 trees onto their own and common lands. After nearly a year of dreaming and planning, a hen facility was made fully functional in February 2013, when 700 hens arrived. The aim of the hen project was to pro-vide jobs and to return profit to support parish and school life. It will also allow the parish to provide nourishment for the school children. This project is a totally Haitian enterprise and a source of pride to local inhabitants. Over the long run, this facility should significantly improve the health of the residents and provide an opportunity to learn how to run a business. Funds provided by St. Margaret Mary also support a Peace Program that has involved 300 young people. They gather to create a culture of peace through study, discussion, creative activities, and community involvement. Participants develop leadership skills and take the program to small chapels in the area. The youth are now raising ani-mals to meet the expenses of their program. For information regarding any of these projects, you may e-mail Ken Firling at [email protected] .
Parish Highlights (Continued)Parish Highlights (Continued)
Sacred Heart Church - Winnetka, IL: The potable water system in the parish of Sassier was substantially ruined in 2008 by four storms that swept across Haiti in just three weeks. As a result, a 28-member Project Steering Committee was established to oversee a massive water system rehabilitation and expansion project that would provide potable (safe) drinking water to about 7,000 people in the whole Sassier area. They first met with leaders from 14 villages in the area that would be affected by the project. The Committee also scheduled a training session that would help them learn to manage and operate the system successfully once the rehabilitation and expansion were complete. In December 2012, meetings were held with DINEPA, the Haitian Government’s public water agency in both Jérémie and Port-au-Prince, who gave their assurance of support. Sacred Heart Church received Confirmation from DINEPA in February 2012 that the Sas-sier water project was on their list of 2012 projects. That meant that DINEPA would provide all the engineering and technical studies, including the cost estimates for construction, at no cost to the Sassier com-munity. The Haitian group Oganizasyon Zanmi Sasye (OZS) would need to provide a topographical study and mapping, which DINEPA’s engineers would use as the basis for the engineering and technical work. Funds for this were provided by Catholic Relief Services (when they had their former grant program in 2011) and by Sacred Heart Parish’s 2010 Lenten Mission Collection. As of June 2013, when the engineering work was completed by DINEPA and the plans were reviewed by the Project Steering Committee, some adjustments were made, and the plans were finalized and accepted. The draft bid package and cost estimate has now been received. Late in September, they will be meeting with the Director General of DINEPA about developing a funding package to seek funds from international organizations, including the World Bank and the Inter-American Bank. They hope that construction can begin by early 2014 and be completed by the end of that year. Another recent highlight that occurred in Sassier was the construction of three schools that were funded by the German organization Association for Schools in Hispaniola. Nine years ago, there was no school building for the parish in the center. Now, there are two school buildings with more than 30 classrooms. Sacred Heart’s teens helped to enhance the appearance of the school by painting some of the classrooms.
Gerry Keenan (2nd from right)and parishioners of Sacred
Heart - Winnetka, IL
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If you have been asked by your twin parish to support one of their construction projects, there are a few guidelines that would be worth considering. Most importantly, you should ask for a copy of an estimate (“devis”) from the contractor/engineer. (Builders in Haiti are usually referred to as engineers). The devis generally gives the project cost in gourdes and also in US dollars. Secondly, you should consider contributing towards the overall cost of the project in certain increments; for example, you might send the amount needed to build the foundation, then the walls and roof, and lastly, the amount for the finishes. Ask for electronic photos after each step. There will be instances when you can choose to deviate from the above conditions. If the project involves a relatively small amount of funds (e.g $10,000-$20,000), you may want to give the entire amount after receiving the devis and photos during the construction. The decision about giving larger amounts, such as for the foundation, walls & roof at the same time, would depend entirely on your relationship with the pastor -- whether you know him well and have total confidence in him. If you have never personally met the pastor, I strongly urge you instead to follow the recommendations for sending funds in incremental gifts, requiring photo evidence of construction stages, etc.
PTPA Construction RecommendationsPTPA Construction Recommendations
By: Fran Quigley, Clinical Professor Health and Human Rights Clinic
Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law
So many of us already share our time and treasure with our brothers and sisters in Haiti. But, sometimes, we can help just as much by raising our voices. Decisions made in Washington, DC and in the inter-national community have great impact on Haitians and their struggle for adequate food, clean water, housing, health care, and education. The Parish Twinning Pro-gram is in the early stages of a collaboration with the Institute for Justice and Democracy in Haiti (IJDH) and other organizations and volunteers to create free resources we can all use, individually or in groups, to learn more about these issues. This new collaboration also plans to issue monthly alerts of opportunities for us to advocate to local, national, and international lawmakers and opinion leaders on behalf of our Haitian friends and colleagues. Your voice can make a difference. For more information about this developing program, e-mail Fran Quigley at [email protected] . We’ll have more details to share soon!
Advocate for HaitiAdvocate for Haiti
There are over 40 parishes in Haiti on a waiting list for a sister parish. This is mainly due to an increase in ordinations and numerous parishes being created in all of the dioceses in Haiti. Because chapels suddenly become a parish and new, young priests are assigned to the parish, they have almost nothing. Often, they have no financial support for teacher salaries or maintenance, no vehicle, no rectory, and a church that needs to be rebuilt or renovated, plus the need for schools and clinics to be built. If you have a friend, a relative, or a connection in another parish in your city or in another state or diocese that might con-sider a twinning relation-ship or be interested in a third-world outreach, please let me know. I will send them a packet of general info. Thanks for any help you can give.
Baille Tourible & Holy Savior Church
I often hear from priests that their parish is the poorest in their diocese and in Haiti. I would like to share with you a little information on a parish in the Diocese of Hinche that I personally consider to truly be one of the poorest. The center of Baille Tourible and all of its chapels are located on remote mountain tops. With the exception of the center, all six chapels are accessible only on foot or by mule. The pastor, Fr. Ketnet Deus, says they have no drinking water, no good health care, and a great need to both build schools and churches and to train & pay teachers. The people would profit tremendously from help with agricultural and livestock production. Père Deus says, however, that the local popula-tion of about 30,000 is very proud of their new parish and that their faith is very lively in spite of their extreme poverty.
Haitian Parishes Need Your Help!Haitian Parishes Need Your Help!
Chapel of Mannack in Baille Tourible
Chapel of Bois-Joly in the parish of Baille Tourible
Parish Highlights (Continued)Parish Highlights (Continued)
Two new efforts in the works for Sacred Heart are to develop a hen business to produce eggs and to construct and operate a clinic. Their agronomist visited the hen project at Gros-Morne, and they now hope to have their first location with about 1,500 chickens in operation in the first half of 2014. Local jobs would be created, and a portion of the profits would go towards scholarships, the school lunch program, and other education-related needs in Sassier. Support of Sassier has been spearheaded by Sacred Heart parishioner Gerry Keenan, who can be e-mailed at [email protected] .
