|
Twin Parishes Begin Mission Together
 Our parish
is beginning an exchange of Catholic faith and culture with a parish in
Appalachia. The members of St. Joseph church of Clintwood, Virginia are
deeply committed to serving their neighbors. In the face of cultural,
economic and environmental challenges, they bear witness to their faith by
“being church and not just going to church.”
It’s
not easy to be Catholic in the south. The 35 members of St. Joseph in
Clintwood are the only Catholics in this county of 17,000 people. This
cultural challenge makes for a close-knit group, but they’re eager for new
families.
 The
tiny church maintains the largest food bank in the state, serving about 750
people each month. They also supply clothing and tutoring in basic reading,
math and computer skills through three outreach centers in different areas
of Dickinson County. Volunteers and materials are coordinated through St.
Joseph’s to provide housing repair for the elderly and poor.
Christine Ramirez, pastoral coordinator at
St. Joseph’s, visited our parish the weekend of June 25. Her
presentation gave us a glimpse of her community as she was introduced to
ours. Your generous financial response has made it possible to meet the
annual financial commitment involved in the twinning covenant. We’ll extend
our support throughout the year with activities that can involve everyone.
Our first project is “prayer partners.” At Mass on August 12 and 13 we will
distribute cards where you can write your prayer intention. Members of our
twin parish will do the same. When the cards are exchanged, you will be able
to pray for a St.
Joseph member in Clintwood as they will pray for you. While we pray for each
other daily, we’ll build a bridge of faith and understanding as we begin our
mission together.
There
are more plans for this year, from the collection of warm clothing and used
computer equipment, to visits, to making Valentines. The “Twinning Times”, a
new monthly update on these activities, will be inside the bulletin the
first Sunday of each month. Look for the bright green sheet and find out how
we can build God’s kingdom together.
Other Newsletters:
August 2006
| November
2006 | December 2006 |
January 2007 |
February 2007 |
March 2007 |
May 2007
|
