Adult Faith Formation: Focus on Haiti

Sunday's Adult Faith Formation was led by parishioner Patrice Schwermer, who also happens to work for the Diocesan Office of Justice and Peace. The focus of the discussion centered on whether there might be interest among St. E's parishioners toward an outreach twinning relationship with a parish or group in Haiti. The Richmond Diocese has had a longstanding twinning relationship with the Diocese of Hinche in Haiti and a number of parishes have already been paired with like parishes or groups in Haiti.

Patrice explained what twinning would mean to us. Our relationship with God is shown in our actions. Catholic social teaching emphasizes an option for the poor and a solidarity with others. We are brothers and sisters to each other. Lent gives us an opportunity to reflect and to act on these social teachings.

Haiti itself is probably the poorest country in our hemisphere. It is only a 2 hour flight from the richest country, the United States. The difference between Haiti and the USA is readily seen when one notes the huge gap between the rich and poor. Many Haitians eat only one meal a day. The yearly income in the cities is about $400; in the rural areas, $100. As you can see, the typical Haitian is materially deprived; but Haitian faith in God and the spirituality of the people is abundant.

Patrice describes the commitment needed before a twinning relationship could be set up. It is important to realize that twinning would be a long term commitment. It would also need the support of the parish leadership. Indeed, the leadership would need to approve the parish's participation. A small committee would be set up to focus on the twinning itself. That committee would also energize the rest of the parish by providing information about the twinning partner and what was needed as far as goods or funds were concerned.

But Patrice emphasized that the most important part of the twinning arrangement was the relationship between the parishes or groups. She mentioned email as a means of communication and an important aid to learning about each other. Asked about the language barrier, Patrice noted that translations could occur at either end. English-speaking Haitians or American translators would make sure that each partner would be understood by the other.

The program was very interesting to everyone and there were a number of questions asked, as we explored the idea of twinning. More will be known at a later date as more information is given to us. A signup sheet was passed around to those who indicated further interest. At that point, I had to leave, but I believe I have captured most of what the discussion was about. If there are any additions, please place it in a comment to this article.

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My own thoughts are centered on our church renovations and how God has blessed us beyond anything we could have imagined. I also know that St. E's has a long history of helping those less fortunate than ourselves. We need only to recall the many Ethiopian and Vietnamese refugees we helped resettle. I think the parish will soon feel a real need to find a means of passing our blessings on to others. Whether it will be twinning in Haiti or something else, only time will tell.