Andrew Pomeroy
May-June 2023
TWINNING – COMMUNICATIONS – LIFE IN HAITI
“TODAY, MORE THAN EVER, WE NEED TO PRAY FOR THE LIGHT TO KNOW THE WILL OF GOD…FOR THE LOVE TO ACCEPT THE WILL OF GOD…FOR THE WAY TO DO THE WILL OF GOD ”
. . . essential teaching of Mother
TWINNING – A WITNESS OF FAITH
BENEFITS OF WINNING FOR OUR PARISH will be at the beginning of each update.
This month we are featuring spiritual growth for each community.
CABRINI HAITI OUTREACH- West Bend, WI AND CABRINI COMMUNITY CENTER -Jacmel, Haiti
Benefit of Twinning #2-SPIRITUAL GROWTH
This consists of a message that is loving, supportive, serving and bringing hope through faithfulness to God’s poor. These qualities will have a great impact on the lives of parishioners through this outreach of mission. It will create an awareness of the poorest of the poor and what God calls all of us to be for them.
FOLLOWING – TESTIMONEY of the last sentence above. “Stay with me” for the rest of the story. When Cabrini began this ministry 34 years ago, we realized that we had an obligation to include our school in this process. If done personally and consistently a bond could be built between the children of West Bend and Haiti.
In September, I realized that we had come full circle. I received a phone call from a former alumni student from Cabrini School who was now a young adult, and he was being led by the Holy Spirit to act on the knowledge he had acquired at Cabrini grade school.
John Roeber is now in college and was taking courses in computer design. (He saw my plea for help). He had always admired our yearly videos presented in church to raise funds. To make a long story short, I contacted John after receiving a call from Ann Taylor, the teacher at Cabrini in charge of raising funds for the Haiti Water Project. A Power Point Presentation was put together with John’s talents and perseverance. It was based on footage we shot over the years when Bill and Walnes would do an assembly program and spend another full day at the school visiting each classroom for a half hour of personal time. The assembly presentation would feature the Cabrini students and their personal involvements these many years. It was a huge success. John also came to help me set it up and spoke to the students briefly about his plans. Enjoy the following pictures. All had a great time! Me too, what a blessing to have that opportunity to see the fruits of our labors.
As one 2nd grade student offered a comment after the program said, “The Haitians really need our help!” The children must have carried that message home because they raised $2735.95 through a, “COIN WAR FOR HAITI.” Thanks to all who contributed and thank you for all the prayers you continue to send to Haiti. Miracles do happen! We just need to Trust in the Lord and be His Hands and Feet.
FOOD DISTRIBTUION
We delivered food to 41 families serving at least 300 people on April 13 & 14, 2023. God also blessed us with a special donation for that feeding. As Carmelo said, most of the moms cried when they see the delivery coming.
MAINTENANCE
Maintenance continues, the door gate was totally replaced as the old one was falling apart and the large gate needed repairs and paint. We hope to get our Starlink satellite connected and set up this coming month. In addition, maybe divided a few rooms inside the center. Solar is on hold until we get assurance that the equipment we need will be available. Shortages are all over the world and the supply line is difficult in Haiti because of the gangs controlling the ports and roads.
MINISTRIES
Bible Study Ministries are winding down for the summer. May 11 & 12 are the end of the spring sessions. Food distribution and water project will be done in July. That way Cabrini continues to maintain the relationship with the families during the summer months.
SPAGHETTI DINNER
SEPTEMBER 23, 2023 AFTER 4:30 MASS in the CHURCH HALL
We will be showing the Power Point Presentation at the Spaghetti Dinner on September 23, 2023. Save the date!
Volunteers needed, (servers, set up, take down, cooking). Call Kim Nielsen: 920-918-2517.
We will be doing gifts baskets again, as last time they were a huge success. Start collecting now!
April-May 2023
TWINNING – COMMUNICATIONS – LIFE IN HAITI
“TODAY, MORE THAN EVER, WE NEED TO PRAY FOR THE LIGHT TO KNOW THE WILL OF GOD…FOR THE LOVE TO ACCEPT THE WILL OF GOD…FOR THE WAY TO DO THE WILL OF GOD ”
. . . essential teaching of Mother Teresa
TWINNING- A witness of faith
BENEFITS OF PARTNERING AND TWINNING FOR OUR PARISH will be at the beginning of each month update.
PERSONAL
- Parishioners can identify with their contributions to MISSION. Our Parishioners will know the missionaries, the mission grounds, the country and its political problems. They know the people; they see pictures of their donated items, the children whose lives are changing and how their money is being spent. DVD and photos will help to put “Flesh” on the faces of a people beyond our borders. We have given them a safe way to give to God’s poor and help them to fulfill the call of the gospel.
ASK YOURSELVES IF WE HAVE ACCOMPLISHED THIS IN OUR
Twinning relationship with Haiti.
POSTPONING MARCH 2023 MISSION TRIP
After months of preparation and planning God closed the door to our traveling to Haiti at this time. Since we began Cabrini’s outreach to Haiti in 1988 and started traveling in 1994, we have had to alter our mission trips five times. The Holy Spirit continues to show us ways in which we can continue to do the ministries. Look what the Lord Provided. With all of the new technology we are able to continue our work in Haiti. Personal time is always important but we can continue building on the seeds we planted during those in person visits.
We have applied and been accepted to start receiving the services of the satellites that are now in skies above the Caribbean. Soon the center will have its own web connections for IPADS, NOTE BOOKS, Cellphone, etc.
If anyone has an Apple or Android Cellphone that they are upgrading and your phone works and, there is still life in the battery please call Marianne. (262- 338-8845 Leave a message). The more memory the phone has the better. They need to be unlocked, not just cleared by the service company you have.
WATER FILTER MAINTENANCE
On March 17, 18, 19, 2023, Director of the water project, Gephte, accompanied by Director of Ministries, Carmelo, visited the homes of 40 of our families to service their water filter systems and provide them with cleaning supplies for several months to keep their buckets clean. The water testing was to take place but it was postponed until the testing kits arrive in Haiti via DHL transport. The Mission team had planned to bring them but could not travel to Jacmel. The testing will be done in July.
FOOD DISTRIBUTION
Food Distribution will take place in April. We are thankful for a donor that gave us a grant for the complete distribution. God sees the heart of His people and gives blessings abound.
MAINTENANCE
Maintenance continues on the large gate this next month. It needed repairs and scraping of rust and repainting. Jacmal is close to the salt water from the Caribbean Sea so that painting is very important.
MINISTRIES
All the ministries are continuing through these turbulent times. We continue to help our families with medical care as well. Our Partnership with CCH continue to work alongside of the families of the Cabrini Community Center.
Please note we are planning for the Cabrini Haiti Outreach Spaghetti dinner on September 23, 2023. We hope you will reserve the date on your calendar and if you wish to volunteer please email or call Marianne and she will pass it forward.
LIFE IN HAITI . . .
PRAY, PRAY, PRAY!
NO ONE HAS EXPERIENCED WAR IN THE HOME LAND OF UNTIED STATES. SO IT IS DIFFICULT FOR US TO REALIZE THE IMPACT IT HAS ON DAILY SURVIVAL. I PRAY THAT WE NEVER WILL. SO PLEASE CONTINUE TO REMEMBER OUR HAITIAN FAMILIES ARE LIVING IN AN UNDECLARED WAR ZONE AT THIS TIME IN A SMALL ISLAND NATION.
God sees our response to their need!
February-March 2023
PRAYER – PLANS – PROJECTS – PROVISION
“TODAY, MORE THAN EVER, WE NEED TO PRAY FOR THE LIGHT TO KNOW THE WILL OF GOD…FOR THE LOVE TO ACCEPT THE WILL OF GOD…FOR THE WAY TO DO THE WILL OF GOD ” . . . essential teaching of Mother Teresa
The country of Haiti finds itself at the precipice of becoming a failed state. We have known this for a while as the gangs become more powerful with every minute that passes. The biggest problem is that they control the roads and the ports. So food, water, and gasoline are not available to the general population and only the rich can purchase them. Many Haitians owned businesses have had to close their doors and the upper middle class are leaving the country. (Those with visas and green cards). Therefore, Haiti Outreach comes once again to ask for prayers. Please pray daily the prayer card above. You can also find one in the church narthex Haiti Display. Pick one up and put it somewhere visible.
PROJECTS – FOOD DISTRIBUTION
Our Cabrini Community Center continues to help the families in the Jacmel area, feeding 300 people each distribution. We complete the first distribution January , 2023, giving them more than double the rice. We have eight families that need cooking pots and more that need charcoal to cook the food we give them.
WATER FILTER MAINTENANCE DURING THE DISTRIBTUION OF FOOD – all water filters were inspected and small repairs made.
MAINTENCE OF THE SECURITY WALL – after 10 years serveral repairs and door replacements had to be made to the security wall.
PLANS – Mission trip plans – tentatively March 16-27. The biggest problem is getting from Milwaukee to Miami without six & nine hrs. of layovers taking almost two days to arrive in Haiti. Prayers needed that AA Airlines will put on an extra flight for Spring break. The Cabrini team continues to be small because of the political unrest. Marianne Boehme and Michael Digmann, who have gone many times, continue to lead the charge. Bill Nathan and Walnes Cangas, our Haitians administrators, will join them in Jacmel. Part of our job will be to plan and hire a company to install the solar system and to vent the plumbing pipes. Also to resurface the front porch and install railings, plan a prayer garden with trees and plants surrounding the cross. We will also be taking much needed pictures and video for the 2023 Video to be shown at the mission appeal on September 16 & 17. Also, this is the year for the semi-annual spaghetti dinner on September 23rd. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED. WATCH FOR INFORMATION TO FOLLOW.
PROVISION
Because of the generosity of many donors we are able to focus on the food, water project, faith formation, leadership skills, as well as the construction. We need to ask once again for your continued monthly, support if possible. The lean time of the year will be coming up, spring and summer. We know you have many great choices for investing your hard-earned money and we hope you will continue to consider Haiti Outreach worthy of your giving.
As we learned in the update last month, twinning is a new way of being a parish. The people of Haiti continue to smile and love Jesus in the mist of abject poverty and hardships. When we visit Haiti, they give us so much more than we give them in Jacmel. We feel God’s presence among the poor as Mother Teresa said, “You will never know how much the poor have done for you until you reach heaven.” Blessings again and thank you. In God’s Love. Haiti Outreach Team
Update December-January 2022-2023
WHAT IS TWINNING AND WHY WE DO TWINNING AT ST. FRANCES CABRINI?
The October 12, 2022 issue of the Catholic Herald answered those two questions. The article featured Cabrini Haiti Ministry as well as answering the above questions. The following is a short synopsis of that article. I encourage you to look it up on the World Mission web site. I thought it might be a good idea to share a little of this history with our supporters.
As a reminder of Jesus’ call to justice, twinning expands a parish and parishioners self-identity and reflects the Vatican II definition of mission. This also demonstrates appreciation for the universality of the church. For a parish to enter an ongoing relationship with another country, i.e. Haiti, that ministry has chosen to embrace a new way of being a parish. Several years ago, Fr. Nathan referred to Haiti Outreach Twinning ministry as establishing a beachhead for evangelization in Jacmel. That is what we have become to the community of Jacmel. Each year that passes, our families become a force for Jesus in the community. Contractors that come to work on the building experience a peacefulness and enjoy coming to work at the Cabrini Community Center.
Sixty-three parishes twin in the archdiocese of Milwaukee. Through the 34 years, Cabrini’s Haiti Twinning has helped several other parishes start their own program in the Global Community. Therefore, we at Cabrini continue outreach in the US as well as with fellow missionaries in Haiti. Being involved in outreach should reflect on your personal life. This is PART OF THE REST OF THE STORY!
FOOD DISTRIBUTION AND WATER SYSTEM TESTING AND MAINTENACE CONTINUES. THESE MINISTRY – OUTREACHES HAVE A PRICE TAG OF $5,000 EACH TIME WE SERVE THE FAMILIES. During the political strife in Haiti, these services are lifesaving. Thank you for your support but we can only be the hands and feet of Jesus through your support.
HAITI OUTREACH MEDICAL MINISTRY
Medical care for the poor is nonexistent in Haiti. The Cabrini Community Center has a special fund to reach out to our families. One of our moms recently was suffering from severe anemia. She has seven children between 12 – 3 years of age. During the food crisis, she was giving her portion of food to her children. Something most mothers would do. Due to her sacrifice, she passed out one day. She went to the clinic for help. The best they could do was to provide an IV and testing which showed severe anemia. The treatment was iron shots, which she received from a nurse who came to her house to administer the three shots. The cost for this treatment was $110.00 US dollars. We have included a picture of her in the hospital and a month later at our weekly prayer meeting at the center. Without our help who knows what would have happened to her and her family. We are making a difference with lifesaving ministries to the body as well as the spirit.
THANKFULNESS TO ALL WHO SUPPORTED THE HAITI OUTREACH THIS YEAR THROUGH THE SEPTEMBER MISSION APPEAL, THE LOVE ONE ANOTHER APPEAL AND SUPPORT FROM NON-PRISHIONERS WHO FOUND OUR OUTREACH TO BE AN EXAMPLE OF BEING JESUS’ HANDS AND FEET. We know you have many great choices for investing your hard-earned money and we hope you will continue to consider Haiti Outreach WORTHY OF YOUR GIVING. We continue to pray for monthly giving so we can increase our ministries in the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. We provide much needed hope and dignity to the poor. With each small and large step we take.
Please pray for the Haitian government as well as for our leaders in the US. What happens in the US effects Haiti as well?
October & November 2022 Update
HAITI OUTREACH MINISTRY JOURNAL
By Marianne Boehme – October & November, 2022 Update
Testimonies-God continues to work in the midst of political unrest
HUMANITARION OUTREACH TO OUR COMMUNITY CENTER FAMILIES
Because of another successful Mission Appeal this past September, we are able to reach out to our families twice in the last month. Haiti is dealing with a political revolution. WE PRAISE GOD FOR CABRINI’S ABILITY TO AID THE POOREST OF THE POOR. As Mother Teresa said, “You will never know what the poor did for you until you reach heaven.” There are frequent shut downs and daily protests, mostly peaceful, unless the gangs see an advantage to come against “We the people” trying to be heard.
Haiti is now entering its 4th month of this revolution. The de facto government is non–functional, there is no Senate for checks and balances. There is no sign of any type of transition. The ripple effect of fuel shortages is significant – businesses, utility companies, hospitals, and now water purification plants are shut down. Our families are blessed with water filter systems that Cabrini has provided for them the last 5 years.
Haitians have taken to the streets, lifting their voices in anger and frustration. Protesting is the only voice that remains. Schools are closed. Banks are open only on limited basis, also gas is limited and very expensive, $40.00 per gallon. Decisions about safety and survival are made daily. Bacterial infection are running rampant and not enough antibiotics to cure them.
People are dying from starvation and diseases that have cures. This is what our Haitian friends and families are living through daily. Marianne is in contact with leadership daily. We need to keep out eyes on Jesus, who is the author and finisher of our faith. Everyone is weary and frustrated. However, we all need to get up daily and persevere every single day; we believe that as long as we have breath, the next day will be better. Cabrini is right in there with them even in the hardships as the work continues.
The testimony that we share now with you will remind us that the Lord is with us and He will provide.After several conversations with a mother, it became apparent that we might have other families that had not eaten in several days, as there was no food to beg from a neighbor or family member. Carmelo and Marianne had a conversation about getting food even if was only enough for one small meal a day for a week. We had to come up with funding to purchase one large bag of rice and some oil to divide for seven mothers who were in desperate need. We borrowed funds from several of our leaders and Carmelo started on his journey that Sunday afternoon to deliver what we had gathered. He went on foot, as there was no gas for the moto.
When Carmelo began his journey on Oct.2nd, he filled his backpack up that he could hardly carry it in on his back. Carmelo is a tall strong man but the load was a challenge for the long walk ahead of him. After delivering to several houses, he was praying to the Lord for strength to make all the deliveries. He realized that the backpack was getting lighter with each gift of food he gave way. He felt a nudge in his being that the Lord was telling him that the more you give to another in need the lighter your load becomes. He then realized he would have the strength to complete his task that day. It was a long day. He returned to his house and family at 8:00 pm that night. He was hot, sweaty, and dirty, and his cold shower really felt good that night. He was so happy to share the revelation that the Lord gave him that day. This is what love one another is all about.
Please visit the web site to watch the September 2022 video titled, ”The Christian Life Is Daily.” Check out below the three ways to give. Consider a monthly giving just call the office to set up. There are no fees if you choose that way to support Haiti. Praise you all for your continued support helping to grow the Cabrini Legacy in this part of the world that the Lord wants to bless through you.
***MONTHLY FOOD DISTRIBUTION WAS DONE FOR 38 FAMILIES ON Oct 22, 23 2022. Only because we had the funds to do so. We can only do what Cabrini supports.
August & September
HAITI OUTREACH MINISTRY
By Marianne Boehme – August & September, 2022 Update
Food Insecurity Is A Way Of Life In Haiti
Christian Life Is Daily!
FOOD DISTRIBUTION
“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat” Matt. 25:36
Due to budget constraints food is delivered to the 40 families and leadership every third month. The price of food has risen 22% in a year. Our funding was getting low and we hoped that several other mission groups would fill the gap but no one did. Therefore, Cabrini stepped forward after two of the mothers came to the Directors house asking for food for a few days, as they had nothing. The Director took from his own kitchen to help them. We did food distribution in July instead of August this year.
The following are testimonies that our leaders received from the families they served in July 19, & 20, 2022 when they personally delivered food to 40 families on motor bikes in Temperatures over 100 degrees in two days. Director Carmelo shares the overall thoughts from the moms on the day of delivery.
Bonjou, to all Cabrini supporters of the Cabrini Community Center in Haiti. Carmelo continues to share that one of the most important things Cabrini Parish does for the families is to put them in their hearts in the hard time. Another mother says, “This food is Gold. I have no funds to buy these items at the market. Thank you God Almighty and all the Cabrini members. We continue to share the Salvation Prayer we prayed last March when Mrs. Marianne and Mr. Michael visited with our family and friends.
May & June 2022
HAITI OUTREACH MINISTRY
By Marianne Boehme – May & June, 2022 Update
Life Of Endurance
Christian Life Is Daily!
Michael Digmann and I returned from Haiti on April 3, completing our 11-day mission visit to Jacmel, Haiti and the Cabrini Community Center. We thank you all for your prayers as we could feel them. The situation in Haiti continues to be difficult but God has chosen Cabrini to be the light in the darkness. The Lord presented so many wonderful opportunities to us daily. I will be sharing just a few of them now and in the yearly video on the Mission Appeal Sunday in September. Please pray that Bill Nathan and Walnes Congas will be with us this year. They are still waiting to receive their visas.
The Cabrini Community Center sign officially hangs in the building accompanied by the 10 Commandments in Creole and English. We have started to do a few things to turn the center space into a meeting & service center. Our budget does not yet allow us to begin construction of rooms inside the building.
Projects started or completed during the mission trip:
- Digging of Septic System
- Mounting of the Iron Cross
- Formation of Security Team
- Leadership Training
- Electrical hook up completed and now connected to city power when it is available.
- Development of plans for the Back Deck & Gazebo in conjunction with the Septic System plan.
- Updated training on Water System Filters presented by the Director, Gephte Pierre
- Water Testing done twice a year on the filters systems in homes
- Faith Formation with Bible study groups
Through the 34-year history of the Haiti Outreach Ministry, many individuals have shared their TIME, TALENT & DAILY TREASURE with the Haitian people. Bill and Walnes , through the years have cemented generational relationship with SFC School with their yearly visits. This is the reason for our endurance and perseverance in the call of this outreach to Haiti.
Nothing is easy is Haiti.
We would like to recognize a “Faithful Volunteer” who has shared so many of his gifts, time and treasure with Haiti and the parish of St. Frances Cabrini.
Jim Wesp and his wife, Joanne, are longtime supporters of the Ministry. Jim has volunteered his services for at least 20 plus years. He has provided transportation to and from the airports in Milwaukee and Chicago-O’Hare, some years both ways, (50 trips). He has always been there to rescue us at 4:00AM in the morning when the airline would not allow us to take certain items. If you see him around the parish, please thank him for his service. Let your LIGHT shine.
I once heard someone say that the Christian Life is daily. It is not a 100-yard dash but a marathon run. Continue to pray for Haiti and for the Evangelism that is growing from the Cabrini Community Center in Jacmel.
Remember Haiti, God will bless you!