Twinning with Haiti ~ by Phyllis Booth

Fr. Andrew stated: "...that to receive freely, one must give freely." St. Elizabeth's has received freely from the community and now we have an opportunity to give freely. This opportunity was explained by one of our own, Mrs. Patrice Schwermer, Associate Director of Haitian Ministries.

The Parish Council, at its June 20, 2008 meeting had discerned again, the idea of twinning with the Haitian people. Sixty parishes in the Diocese of Richmond have a twinning relationship with Haiti.

The proposal for St. Elizabeth is to twin with the New Jerusalem Orphanage that houses Deaf Children. Currently, there are seven girls and fifteen boys ranging in age from seven to fifteen with three teachers who teach sign language and other community children. The school needs school supplies and sign language aids.

In 1894, Haiti became the first independent Black Nation in the Western Hemisphere. Haiti is the third hungriest nation in the world. Only 5% to 10% of the children finish elementary school and the life expectancy is fifty-four years of age. The yearly income is $400.00 a year. American Media only report the unrest and social disorder from Haiti. The poverty, lack of medicine and moral issues are hidden from the news reports.


Mother Teresa once said, "The rich save the poor and the poor save the rich" because a relationship is developed. In twinning, St. Elizabeth hopes we'll work toward gifting each other.

The Parish Council discerned three areas that are needed for this project to work:

1. Leadership
2. Committee Focus
3. Communication with Parishioners

Youth involvement is desired on the committee, also.


Things that can be implemented immediately:

School Supplies
Pen Pals
Prayer Relationship
Cards and Letters

Possible Cost of Twinning:

Teacher Materials - $100.00
DVD Player - $100.00
Trip to Haiti - $1400.00 per adult and per youth. A Diocesan trip to Haiti occurs several times a year.

The proposal was accepted by the Parish with great enthusiasm and a committee was formed immediately after Mass.



~ Photos by Patrice and Jay Schwermer ~

~ 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time ~