Père Rony with some children
Ricot, Gail Grady and Jean
Gail Grady and Chamara
Boys At St. Laurent
Père Rony with some parishioners on our walk to Déclin
Happy boys attending summer camp
Père Wilner, Steve Akers, Père Rony
Père Rony and his dear friend Père Dachemy
Steve Akers and Titine
Bishop Pean, Père Rony, Steve Akers
Altar displayed with our many gifts
Steve Akers, our fabulous cook Chimène, Gail Grady
The Church and school at St. Laurent
Eyes Full of Wonder
The Church at St. Laurent
Cooking area at St. Laurent
Lining up for school at St. Laurent
Lunchtime at St. Laurent
Cooking at the Mission in Declin
Lunchtime at the Mission in Declin
Happy Children
Our Sister Parish in Haiti:
St. Laurent Parish & the Mission Chapels in Declin and Sedren
We have returned from a life changing 11 days...here is just a snippet...
The Lord has blessed us. Our eyes have been opened to the suffering of children in Haiti. We have witnessed the challenges they face each day. We have heard stories that tear my heart apart.
We are burdened with these images of suffering but we are graced by the burden. For we have also seen the joy in their hearts. We have seen firsthand their resilience and resolve to move forward with God's grace. We have been loved by them and although strangers, been welcomed into their lives unconditionally.
This burden calls us to action. We must tell their stories to all who will listen. We must do all we can to make a difference in their lives.
We have come to know the profound holiness of Père Rony. His faith in God is never shaken no matter what trial he faces. He will lead these children if they open their hearts and minds to his impassioned plea.
Please pray for all we met, that they remain faithful to God and that they help their holy pastor in any way they can.
Mission
- We will reach out to our Haitian brothers and sisters of St. Laurent Parish and the Mission Chapels in Declin and Sedren with blessings and support both spiritually and physically. Through the power of prayer our communities will become one as Jesus intended.
Goal
- The goal of the sister parish relationship is to foster a spiritual relationship between our parishes, while supporting the students with a nutritious feeding program.
Challenges
- 90 miles from Port-au-Prince … a FOUR hour drive most of which is deeply rutted and unpaved.
- The area is very rural and extremely impoverished.
- About 600 students – 300 at St. Laurent, 300 at Mission of Declin, no school for Mission of Sedren. School ends at grade 6 in both locations.
- Declin – 40 minute walk, Sedren 80 minute walk. Pere Rony has no vehicle.
- No food for children at school. As a result, many absences occur. If there is a meal provided they will come to school!
- Newly established parish elevated from Mission. No vestments, no sacred vessels, no structured Sacramental Prep programs.
- No available drinking water in village.
- Only 3-4 hours of electricity per week.
- No rectory, just a small room with a single bed and a desk.
- Very few lay people involved. As a former mission the priest was only present every few months.