Posts Tagged ‘Mission Appeals’

We had the unique pleasure of making a mission appeal at St. Anne’s Parish in Detroit. Founded in 1701 it is the oldest church in Detroit and one of the oldest in the country. The people of Ste. Anne welcomed us warmly and understood the plight of the children in Kenya. They have responded generously. Pictured here are Nabor and Guillermina Hernandez and Connie Meade who are parishioners of St. Anne’s.

The parish is well remembered for Fr. Gabriel Richard, who was not only a saintly man, but an extraordinary pastor of St. Anne from 1802-1832. He is remembered as the co-founder of the University of Michigan, being a member of congress representing Michigan, founding the first newspaper in Michigan, establishing the first school for the blind in the Midwest and bringing looms to the Midwest so single women could learn a trade and support their families.

We are most impressed by the fact Fr. Richard visited his entire parish each year. That may not seem like much but when you consider his parish included all of Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota and the Dakotas, that is
quite a feat on horseback in the early 1800’s.

We are most indebted to Sr. Angela Cerna Plata, IHM, who is the pastoral associate at the parish and a long time friend. Because the 10 AM mass was totally in Spanish, Sr. Angela translated our message for us to the people. She was
excellent. Thank you Sr. Angela and thanks to Fr. Tom, the pastor, who warmly welcomed us to Ste. Anne.

Pictured here are Sr. Angela with Bud and Angela Hernandez.

We had the privilege to make a presentation and appeal to the parishioners of St. Martin de Porrres parish in Warren, Michigan. We are most grateful to , Fr. Roman (pictured here with us outside the church) and Mrs. Celeste Herman, the pastoral associate,  for their warm welcome and support. The people of St. Martin understood the plight of the children in Kenya and have responded generously.

Pictured here are Nancy Jankovic and Susan Hostnik, parishioners of St. Martin parish who reached out to us to help us feel at home.

Thank you Fr. Roman, Celeste and the wonderful people of St. Martin de Porres parish. It was a delight to spend a weekend with you.

Last week we traveled to western Pennsylvania to speak at the masses at Sts. Gregory and Barnabas parish, in the Altoona Johnstown Diocese .  We were welcomed graciously and extended wonderful hospitality. This was the annual mission appeal for the parish and we felt privileged to be invited to speak to the community about the Children’s Village.

Thank you to the pastor, Fr. Bob Ruston for your kindness and openess to our appeal. It is our hope St. Gregory and Barnabas will create a link with the orphans in Kenya which will continue year after year.

God bless you, Fr. Bob and your wonderful parishioners.