The St. Elizabeth Haitian Commission has been formed! ~ by Mary Ann Allen

Last Sunday, July 20th, Fr. Andrew introduced the newly formed Haitian Ministry Commission to the parish. He spoke about our special project that will be a twinning arrangement with an Orphanage and School for Deaf Children in Haiti. These students are learning American Sign Language as you can see from the picture above. There are approximately 21 students in the orphanage and they are from the ages of 7 to 14 years.

Jay Schwermer will be travelling to Haiti toward the end of this month and will visit the orphanage, meet the children and their guardians and teachers and then determine just what the role of our parish will be in assisting them. Jay will carry with him a small welcome package, a notebook with parish photos and a soccer ball signed by our parish members as an introduction to our parish.

One of the important steps for our committee and the church is to involve as many of our youth as possible in this project. There is even the possibility of an immersion tour into the Haitian culture for some of our young people to take part in. This has been tentatively planned for 2009.

There will be much more information about this project after Jay returns from his Haitian visit. In the meantime, here is a listing of committee members. If you don't see your name included and you wish to be a part of this wonderful project, please let a committee member know that you are interested.

HAITIAN MINISTRY COMMISSION

Micole Jordan & Mary Ann Allen, Co-Chairs

Mieko Timmons, Recorder

Jannie Allen

Mildred Green

Michelle Jordan

Jackie McDonnough

Melvon McMillan

Rosemary Overton

Patrice & Jay Schwermer

Katie & Scott Stell

Lucy Thompson

Kiyoko Timmons

Kariin Timmons

Mary & Sam Walker

Larry & Barbara Williford