| Author |
Message |
Miller, Nancy (Nsergeant)
New member
Username: Nsergeant
Post Number: 3
Registered: 3-2007
| | Posted on Monday, July 02, 2007 - 11:58 pm: |    |
On July 8th we are having a gathering of this year's delegates and some from previous years. Our purpose is to get answers to questions we, as the "new kids on the block". may have preparatory to our journey and also to get advice and learn from the source about their experience(s). Considering all that, if there's anyone out there who has gone to ES and has anything to share please email me at nsergeant@comcast.net and I will forward it to the group as a whole. Or join us at the parish center this Sunday as part of the collective group. (Just please send me an RSVP so we can have an appropriate amount of treats available. Thank you. |
Miller, Nancy (Nsergeant)
New member
Username: Nsergeant
Post Number: 4
Registered: 3-2007
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 01, 2007 - 10:55 am: | |
A Huge Thanks (and one last gasp request)
Once again St. Pat's has responded wonderfully to requests for material aid for Nueva Trinidad and this Sunday this year's delegates will meet to pack it all for the journey to our sister parish. There is one wish we haven't been able to fill (yet)..namely, printer cartridges. If there's anyone out there who has a "connection" that could provide/deeply discount Canon cartridges it would be hugely appreciated. The specific models are: Canon BC1-24 (black) and BJ S200/S300 (color).
Gracias! |
Miller, Nancy (Nsergeant)
New member
Username: Nsergeant
Post Number: 5
Registered: 3-2007
| | Posted on Thursday, August 02, 2007 - 3:01 am: | |
CORRECTION
It would appear that the numbers I provided for printer cartridges are a tad confusing since one of them is actually the printer model! My apologies...here are the correct numbers:
Canon BCI-24BK (black) and BCI-24C (color). |
Miller, Nancy (Nsergeant)
New member
Username: Nsergeant
Post Number: 6
Registered: 3-2007
| | Posted on Thursday, September 06, 2007 - 1:11 am: | |
This Sunday, in addition to fair trade coffee sales, we will be taking pre-orders for purses crafted by women in Teosinte, El Salvador. There are two beautiful styles (Kate Speltz says one of them is a great organizer and who doesn't need that!)and a choice of colors. The ladies who make these bags travel at considerable peril into Honduras to purchase the fabric they use, design and then craft the bags on a treadle sewing machine. Each of the styles is named for the woman who created it so you have the chance to own (or give) a Tomasa or a Lidia. This is their only income and given that they struggle to exist on a daily basis and that struggle is now compounded by the hurricane we are offered an opportunity to provide some hope and help. I hope to see a lot of you waiting in line! |
Miller, Nancy (Nsergeant)
New member
Username: Nsergeant
Post Number: 12
Registered: 3-2007
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 16, 2008 - 5:58 am: | |
Have you thought about joining a delegation to our Sister Parish in Nueva Trinidad? If so, please join us on Sunday, 1/27, downstairs in the social hall after both Masses to hear from previous delegates and ask questions to help you make your decision. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the establishment of Nueva Trinidad so it would be a particularly special year to make this incredible journey. If you choose to go, the spirit and hope of the people of El Salvador will stay with you for the rest of your life. |
Mescher, Ann (Mescher6)
New member
Username: Mescher6
Post Number: 4
Registered: 3-2007
| | Posted on Thursday, January 17, 2008 - 11:37 pm: | |
Shared below is a beautiful letter to St. Patrick's parish from our sister parish.
Nueva Trinidad, December 15, 2007
Dear Brothers and Sisters of St. Patrick’s Parish
Receive, in the name of the staff of the Cultural Center, the community council (“Directiva”), the sistering commission and the community in general, a warm and respectful greeting, wishing that God blesses you greatly and that our mother Mary helps and protects you always.
We are in the season of advent; the time in which we prepare ourselves for the birth of our Lord Jesus. We pray to God for all those persons around the world who, like Joseph and the Virgin Maria walk about asking for shelter, because they do not have a place to live, nor bread to eat. We pray for all of us, that God we help us not to be so selfish and that we will be capable of sharing and being in solidarity with our brothers and sisters who are most in need.
We congratulate you for being like those good shepherds of Bethlehem, as you are in solidarity with us and help us with necessities so that we can continue to survive in our poverty.
Our communities continue under the threat of the mining exploitation projects. The transnational businesses, supported by the three right-wing parties in the congress, are pushing for a law so that mining exploitation will be legalized with a vote of a simple majority of the congress. We feel as if Herod is working against us, but we do not doubt that just as God protected the holy family, so God will also protect us.
We send all our brothers and sisters in your parish and to your pastor a Christmas greeting. We hope with all of our hearts that the child Jesus brings many blessings to each one of your homes and your families. And that 2008 will be for you a year of great peace, of tranquility and of success, in your families as well as in the church and in politics.
We are very content that God has sent us an angel from St. Patrick’s; not called Gabriel, but Phelia, to bring us good news and to share along with us, like the shepherds in Bethlehem, the joy of this poor Jesus who is born every day and who fills our lives with blessings.
A BIG HUG TO ALL FROM YOUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS OF THE COMMUNITY OF NUEVA TRINIDAD. |
Mescher, Ann (Mescher6)
New member
Username: Mescher6
Post Number: 5
Registered: 3-2007
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 22, 2008 - 9:17 am: | |
Minutes of the Dec. 9, 2007 meeting of the Sister Parish Committee
Several parishioners have indicated interest in joining a summer 2008 delegation to El Salvador. Nancy Miller agreed to take on the role of delegation coordinator to assist Phelia.
Ann Mescher agreed to recruit St. Patrick's parishioners, each to write a letter to the sister parish, with the goal to have one letter per month. Mary and Kate Speltz will provide Ann with lists of former delegates and parishioners who have already written to our sister parish.
More information is needed on scholarship funds available to Nueva Trinidad students. Ann Mescher agreed to draft a letter to Padre Miguel and/ or Neto to request a copy of the report. Kathleen Cunningham will put in another request for a copy of the report from St. Joe's parish.
The committee wishes to make a report to the parish after mass (or during), and Kate Speltz agreed to do this, most likely in February.
The committee would like to have a series of educational talks made available to St. Patrick's parishioners on political and other challenges in El Salvador. Phelia will be able to assist in recommending and recruiting speakers. Maureen Niland agreed to invite Seattle U's Gary Chamberlin.
The committee agreed that it would be ideal to invite additional members to the sister parish committee and to develop new leadership for coordinating activities such as the Walk-a-long, Salvadoran craft fair, and hospitality for special visitors. With regard to the Walk-a-long, it was suggested that IRS tax receipts could be provided to sponsors outside the parish. Maureen Niland agreed to investigate this possibility.
If increased membership involvement occurs, it will allow the sister parish committee to take on new initiatives, such as a clean water project suggested by Ann Mescher.
The next meeting of the Sister Parish committee will be on March 2, after the 10 am mass. |
Mescher, Ann (Mescher6)
New member
Username: Mescher6
Post Number: 6
Registered: 3-2007
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 27, 2008 - 1:42 pm: | |
The Sister parish committee will meet this Sunday March 2 after the 10 am mass at the Parish center. If you are interested in third-world needs for clean drinking water and want to help with planning a project in collaboration with our sister parish of Nueva Trinidad, please join us at 11:30 this Sunday! |
Miller, Nancy (Nsergeant)
New member
Username: Nsergeant
Post Number: 13
Registered: 3-2007
| | Posted on Friday, April 04, 2008 - 4:09 pm: | |
St. Pat's 2008 delegation to Nueva Trinidad met this week to begin planning their journey. It's a fantastic group of seven eager travelers made up of Lisa Dennison and Karl Edwards with their two daughters Sarah and Theresa, Patty Farmer. Sarah Hale and Maureen Niland. Everyone is excited and they've planned their first fund raiser for May 4th (quatro de Mayo?) after the 10 o'clock Mass when you have the chance to support them by enjoying a "Burrito Bash". So get out your red pens, mark your calendars for brunch on May 4th and prepare to celebrate our delegation in true St. Pat's style....with food! |
Mescher, Ann (Mescher6)
New member
Username: Mescher6
Post Number: 7
Registered: 3-2007
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 22, 2008 - 7:39 am: | |
Sunday April 27 after the 10:00 am mass at the Parish Center: Sister Parish Committee meeting to discuss scholarship funds and water project.
Please join us to discern how we can assist with scholarship funds for Nueva Trinidad students. In the second half of the meeting, we'll have an open discussion, with questions and planning for a possible water project with our sister parish. |
Mescher, Ann (Mescher6)
New member
Username: Mescher6
Post Number: 8
Registered: 3-2007
| | Posted on Saturday, April 26, 2008 - 10:03 am: | |
Minutes of the March 2, 2008 meeting of the Sister Parish Committee
Our committee has received detailed accounting of the scholarship funds utilized by students from Arcatao and Nueva Trinidad. In summary, for 10 high school students, 13 Technical School and 40 University students, approximately $45,000 is needed for 2008. With available funds of $27,000, there is a remaining need of $18,000 for 2008.
Padre Miguel will be visiting St. Joe’s and St. Patrick’s parishes Oct. 13-19, 2008. St. Patrick’s parishioners will be invited to share an evening with Padre Miguel and we will also be asked to participate in a fund raiser (bowling night) to help defray travel costs.
In late March, our sister parish will celebrate the 17th anniversary of the repopulation of Nueva Trinidad. A special mass will be offered.
Plans for the new high school are continuing; however, there have been challenges associated with identifying the necessary resources for a computer center.
The sister parish committee wishes to make a report to St. Patrick’s parishioners after mass (or during), and Kate Speltz has agreed to do this. Ann Mescher will put forward the request to the liturgy committee.
Phelia, Nancy, and Greg will plan and organize a “conversation café” for March 30, after both masses to commemorate the life of Monsignor Romero.
The next meeting of the Sister Parish committee will be on April 27, after the 10 am mass. |
Mescher, Ann (Mescher6)
New member
Username: Mescher6
Post Number: 9
Registered: 3-2007
| | Posted on Thursday, May 08, 2008 - 1:42 pm: | |
For those interested in reading, the letter below is the most recent addressed to our parish from friends Neto and Julio of our sister parish in Nueva Trinidad.
April 2, 2008
Dear brothers and sisters of St. Patrick’s Parish:
That the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of the Father, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you always. HAPPY EASTER!
We send greetings full of love from the entire community of Nueva Trinidad. We wish with all our hearts that the Lord shower you with many blessings, and that the spirit of the resurrected Christ protect, encourage, and make you strong so that you keep working at building the kingdom of God.
We have recently celebrated Holy Week. During Lent, we also celebrated the stations of the cross as related to Christ’s suffering and that of other christs who are being crucified-both in El Salvador and the rest of the world.
By means of Father Miguel, our priest, we were able to have another Jesuit priest-a great friend of the community- be here full time during Lent, and were therefore able to celebrate all the liturgical services.
For us , this is also a time for special food. During Holy Week, we eat fish cakes in soup and honeyed bread and drink an atole of corn without sugar. It is our custom not to eat any other type of meat during those days.
We don’t fast very much since Monsignor Romero said that the poor fast all their lives.
On Monday, March 24th, we had the “Romerocrucis” with its fourteen stations, which culminated in the church with a celebration of the word of God. Monsignor Romero continues to be as alive for the people as if all of us, even the children, had actually known him in person. Monsignor Romero is the one who encourages us and his example challenges us not to give up when things are difficult.
Recently, the Commission for Diocesan Life in Chalatenango, to which our parish belongs, convened a diocesan gathering on the street that forms the border between Honduras and Chaltenango. which sees a lot of import and export activity, in order to show both as a people and as a church, our rejection of the construction of the hydroelectric dam of Cimarron; which would flood more than 16 communities and their agricultural and grazing land( This does not directly affect us ), and our rejection of mining exploitation. Nueva Trinidad was present and active.
We are in a pre-electoral year, and it is one of great hope for our communities. The journalist Mauricio Funez-a great defender of justice and the poor by using the media-is the candidate for the Left. He is well liked by the media as well as the majority of the people. The “hot” issues used against the Right are safety as well as the extremely high cost of living. We ask God to make sure that change with justice will arrive here one day, since we are in a full economic and social war, and people feel ever more desperate.
We also have to say that, as usual, ARENA continues to use terror and blackmail to confuse people. They are already holding back Identity documents for hundreds of workers and threatening them with job loss if they vote for FMLN. The means of communication are 95% clearly identified and working hard in favor of the Right and against the Left. The ignorance of many of the people is also a strong and sinister enemy.
To change the subject, we’d like to comment that it’s summertime and we’re worried that we’re living through one of the worst heat waves of the past few years. From 1991, when we got here, until now, the climate has changed a lot. This year is much hotter than previous years. Has your climate stayed the same for many years?
Lastly, before telling you about our projects, we’d like to inform you that this week we are celebrating the 17th anniversary of the repopulation of Nueva Trinidad. It was on March 21st and 22nd; but since it fell in Holy Week, we moved it to the first week in April. Before the celebration, we had days of reflection- first with all the community leaders, and then with the entire community-an assembly to reflect upon our history and the challenges the future holds. On April 5th and 6th we’ll have a bit of a party including a mass of thanksgiving at 10:00 AM on the 6th followed by sports, dancing and cultural acts. We hope that you will join our celebration in spirit.
On April 27th we will celebrate the 10th anniversary of the tragic death of Professor David Rovira, one of the founders of the catalan cultural center that bears his name.
A couple of remarks about our projects:
Prices have gone up brutally and are leading us to hunger and desperation. As far as support for the senior citizens, the average amount spent was around $500; but in January it cost $700. For this reason, we have considered making some cuts.
Salaries and budgets remain the same; not so services and the cost of living. We have made several attempts to make better incentives for librarians; but have never received any answer. This is the main factor that provokes emigration, the disintegration of the family and depression-among other evils. The number of beggars in town is going up –some from this municipality.
We would like to know if you have received the last part of the 2007 report that we sent by mail. We are not completely confident of our mail system.
We got your first deposit for 2008, as well as your e-mail.
May God bless you. Warmest greetings from the entire community.
Attentively
Neto and Julio |
Mescher, Ann (Mescher6)
New member
Username: Mescher6
Post Number: 10
Registered: 3-2007
| | Posted on Thursday, May 08, 2008 - 1:57 pm: | |
Minutes of the April 27, 2008 meeting of the Sister Parish Committee
A letter was drafted several weeks ago to our sister parish asking them to communicate if there is still interest in a possible water project, as discussed with the previous 2007 delegation. The letter was vetted and revised with input from committee members and 2008 delegates. Danny Burridge, a representative of SHARE (Salvadoran Humanitarian Aid, Research and Education Foundation) was provided with the letter, and he agreed to discuss this topic during a recent visit to Nueva Trinidad. Danny will be visiting St. Patrick’s parish May 2-4, and we anticipate hearing the results of the discussion at that time.
Committee members raised questions and had a discussion regarding the potential water project with Nueva Trinidad. The first phase of the project would be water testing, and 2008 delegates might carry out some testing if Nueva Trinidad indicates an interest in learning the test method. Kate Speltz and Terry Innskeep could possibly assist in translating instructions. The committee agreed to table further discussion until we hear from Danny Burridge.
A letter was received from our sister parish dated April 2, 2008 which communicated concerns about increasing food costs associated with the senior project. We anticipate making a somewhat larger payment in June 2008 to cover the increased food costs. Sufficient funds are available for the upcoming biannual payment.
The committee reviewed information provided by Padre Miguel on scholarship funds utilized by students from Arcatao and Nueva Trinidad. With 2008 costs of $45,000 for approximately 70 students, and available funds of $27,000, there is a remaining need of $18,000 for 2008. Committee members generated several excellent ideas to raise scholarship funds. These include: offering “scholarship certificates” which could make very nice graduation, mother’s or father’s day gifts, selling certificates along with coffee and donut sales, using the “green envelope” funds as before, having a raffle, and encouraging friends and parishioners to make a scholarship gift from return of income tax filings.
Greg Speltz noted that he had greatly enjoyed a script about Monsignor Romero, written by Nicky Nichols, a member of the Wallingford United Methodist Church. Greg is interested in planning a St. Patrick’s – Wallingford UMC joint production, and the idea was well received by the committee.
Detailed plans were made for the upcoming visit of Danny Burridge and also for the “burrito bash” which will be held at Paddy’s Place on Sunday, May 4. |
Mescher, Ann (Mescher6)
New member
Username: Mescher6
Post Number: 11
Registered: 3-2007
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 11, 2008 - 1:11 pm: | |
On Sunday there will be another chance to contribute to the scholarship fund for Nueva Trinidad students, prior to the delegation's departure on June 19. Someone made an excellent suggestion that we should get pictures of each one. We'll ask Padre Miguel to help us with this. In the meantime, here is the list of students from Nueva Trinidad, along with their major areas of study.
Abrego Orellana, Ovidio - Comunicaciones
Alas Alas, Jesús Antonio - Diseño Gráfico
Abrego Urbina, Rosa Delmy - prof. Parbularia
Cruz, Ulises - Lic. Trabajo Social
Guardado, María Adela - Admon Empresas
Ortega López, Yenny Isabel - Lic. Ciencias Jurídicas
Urbina, Dimas Roberto - Arquitectura
Urbina, Rosa Liseth - Lic. Computación
Urbina, Ana Verónica
Alas Alas, William Humberto - Tec. Ing. Civil
Franco, Elmer Manuel - Tec. Ing. Civil
Alberto, Francisco - Tec. Ing. Civil
Urbina, Bety Marilú - Brto.Técnico Asist Admitivo |
Mescher, Ann (Mescher6)
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Username: Mescher6
Post Number: 12
Registered: 3-2007
| | Posted on Saturday, August 30, 2008 - 2:53 am: | |
Please mark your calendars for these important upcoming events!
Sunday Sept. 14: El Salvador delegation's report to the Parish after both masses, Paddy's Place.
Sunday Oct. 5: Annual WALK-A-LONG. This is the major fundraiser for supporting activities with our Sister Parish. Please consider walking with us, or pledging to support our walkers!
Next Sunday Sept. 7: Sister Parish Committee meeting at the Parish Center after the 10 am mass. This is an important meeting for anyone who would like to increase their involvement with great upcoming activities like - our Salvadoran craft fair, the WALK-A-LONG, or helping to plan for a visit from Padre Miguel! |
Mescher, Ann (Mescher6)
New member
Username: Mescher6
Post Number: 13
Registered: 3-2007
| | Posted on Saturday, September 06, 2008 - 2:22 am: | |
Volunteers Needed!
Please attend our sister parish workgroup meeting this Sunday Sept. 7 if you can volunteer to help with any of the following:
WALK-A-LONG, Sunday Oct. 5. We need lots of walkers and lots of sponsors! Brochures and pledge forms will be available this Sunday. Join us for wonderful food and prizes at Gas Works Park!
Why is this event so important? The WALK-A-LONG is our major fund raiser to support activities with our Sister Parish of Nueva Trinidad. St. Patrick’s Parish has been asked to support new programs to address the food-crisis in El Salvador, micro-credit, education, and clean water. For more information about how you can directly support these programs, please see the attached project descriptions.
Meeting with Padre Miguel, Wed. evening potluck after mass, Oct. 15. St. Patrick’s parishioners have generously supported education for Nueva Trinidad students. Together we raised $3,268 for the parish scholarship program which was delivered by our delegation in June 2008. Here is a very special opportunity to hear directly from Padre Miguel about access to higher education in El Salvador and how scholarships can change the lives of our young friends from Nueva Trinidad.
Volunteers needed for the annual craft fair! The Sister Parish Committee is looking for volunteers to assist with selling Salvadoran crafts at the craft fair, and also for those with culinary inclinations, your assistance in the kitchen!
Additional agenda items for the sister parish workgroup meeting this Sunday include:
• Translation of recent communication from Nueva Trinidad – Kate Speltz
• El Salvador socio-political update – Phelia Lorenzen
• Personal letter communication with Nueva Trinidad – Mary Speltz
  |
Mescher, Ann (Mescher6)
New member
Username: Mescher6
Post Number: 14
Registered: 3-2007
| | Posted on Friday, October 03, 2008 - 7:26 am: | |
Kudos to the 2008 delegates for an excellent presentation on their trip to El Salvador! Special congratulations to Theresa Edwards whose article appears on the SHARE foundation website http://www.thesharefoundation.blogspot.com/, and also in the social justice newsletter “Roots of Justice.” It is truly an inspiring article and if you haven’t yet had a chance to read it, please do!
If you wanted to see the delegation’s slide show on Sept. 14, but didn’t have a chance, there will be another opportunity on Wed. Oct. 15 when the parish hosts Padre Miguel from the St. Bartolome parish serving Arcatao and our sister parish of Nueva Trinidad. Mass will celebrated at St. Patrick’s church on Oct. 15 starting at 6 pm followed by a delightful Salvadoran dinner in the social hall at 7 pm. The slide show will run during dinner and then Padre Miguel will share with us about scholarship recipients, and how the scholarship program has impacted the lives of Salvadoran students. Tickets for the dinner are $20 and go on sale starting this Sunday.
Don’t forget our annual walk-a-long this Sunday! It’s not too late to make a pledge by contacting one of our many walkers or Mari at the parish office, mari@stpatsseattle.org
Below are the minutes from the Sept. 7 meeting of the Sister parish committee. The next meeting will be on Oct. 26 after the 10 am mass in the parish center.
In preparation for the walk-a-long, Maureen Little volunteered to purchased food and snacks for sharing at Gas works park. Several drivers volunteered to shuttle anyone who needs a ride back, and we have some great prizes!
In preparation for the annual crafts fair, several individuals volunteered to price the items that we currently have after the 10 am mass on Sept. 28 and then determine if additional craft items should be ordered.
In preparation for Padre Miguel’s visit, Sean Lynch, Kate Speltz and Ann Mescher agreed to meet with Padre Miguel on the morning of Oct. 18 to specifically discuss the scholarship program and education more broadly in the Arcatao and Nueva Trinidad communities. Anyone who would like to attend is most welcome. Padre Miguel will also visit our parish on Wed. Oct. 15 and Father Pat suggested that we shift the mass time to 6 pm with the hope of increasing attendance. After mass there will be a reception in the social hall. Sean Lynch agreed to organize photos and stories about Salvadoran scholarship recipients for posting on our web site when this information becomes available.
Phelia Lorenzen presented highlights of four major issues that are ongoing across the country of El Salvador which also impact Nueva Trinidad: Mining Companies entrenched and opposition to them; Food prices spiraling out of control due to excessive imports and inadequate local production; Rural unemployment, especially in coffee regions due to owner’s cost in fertilizer which results in cutbacks on the cultivation; 2009 Elections and the harmful effects of U.S. intervention in the campaigns of a sovereign country.
In closing, Phelia read an excerpt from the June 27, 2008 NCR editorial, part of which is included here in the minutes. The Salvadorans are living in a crisis. Rise in militarism, gang-violence, the economic grip of a wealthy elite, and emerging “shadowy death-squad groups” that are making politics a dangerous game.” The editor reflects: “All that the people of El Salvador ask of their American friends is this: Do not forget us. Pay attention to what is happening here. But it is we who are blessed to open the door to El Salvador, which means ‘the Savior.’ If we fail to hear the cry of the poor in events there, we risk closing ourselves to the Gospel that Lazarus once brought to Divies, who failed to see his own Savior in the poor man on his doorstep.”
The Oct. 26 meeting will be devoted to discernment about the most pressing needs of our sister parish in El Salvador, including micro-credit projects for food crops, clean drinking water, scholarships, and education on mining effects. All St. Patrick’s parishioners who plan to attend the Oct. 26 meeting are strongly encouraged to review the proposals which have been posted on our web board under the sister parish workgroup minutes. |
Mescher, Ann (Mescher6)
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Post Number: 15
Registered: 3-2007
| | Posted on Sunday, October 19, 2008 - 11:47 pm: | |
A heartfelt thanks to all who helped welcome Padre Miguel last Wednesday! The lights and decorations, desserts, preparation and clean-up crews all made this an extraordinary evening to enjoy Padre Miguel’s presence with us.  In addition, $700 was raised for the scholarship program benefiting students from Nueva Trinidad.
The annual walk-a-long was also a great success, raising very nearly $3000.
The sister parish committee will meet next Sunday October 26 after the 10 am mass to discern which of the proposed projects associated with the food crisis and education in Nueva Trinidad are of most pressing need. Any interested parishioner is most welcome to attend. Please meet promptly after mass in the north room of the social hall, as a contingent of St. Patrick’s parish will leave at noon that same day for the Malkandi family vigil in Tacoma.
If you’d like to volunteer to assist with the annual craft fair on Sunday Nov. 2, please contact Nancy Miller at nsergeant@comcast.net |
Mescher, Ann (Mescher6)
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Username: Mescher6
Post Number: 16
Registered: 3-2007
| | Posted on Saturday, January 31, 2009 - 10:26 am: | |
The sister parish committee will meet this Sunday Feb. 1 at 11:30 am in the west room of the social hall. The meeting will be devoted to discernment about the most pressing needs of our sister parish in El Salvador, including micro-credit projects for food crops, clean drinking water, scholarships, and education on mining effects, in continuation of our Oct. 26, 2008 meeting. |
Mescher, Ann (Mescher6)
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Username: Mescher6
Post Number: 17
Registered: 3-2007
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 31, 2009 - 10:36 am: | |
Please plan to attend the Sister Parish workgroup meeting this Sunday April 5 after the 10 am mass in the social hall. Recent correspondence from Nueva Trinidad regarding the country’s presidential election will be shared. Also at this meeting, we will review correspondence from Padre Miguel and a video disk about the San Bartolome scholarship program. To conclude the meeting, we'll discuss and reach agreement on funds to be transferred to the scholarship program. Minutes from last month’s meeting are below.
Minutes of the March 1 Meeting
The Sister Parish workgroup met on March 1 and reviewed updated information from SHARE about the "Education on Mining" and "Seeds of Hope" projects. Consensus was reached to support the “Education on Mining” project at the level of $1000. Additional raised funds from 2008 are being held in reserve in anticipation of greater difficulty in raising funds in 2009, along with rising food prices in El Salvador. The committee agreed to approve our Sister parish’s request to utilize a small amount of carry over funds for a new computer. A copy of the letter sent in early March is below.
The workgroup also reviewed correspondence from Padre Miguel in which he identified a strong need for computer(s) by students in the San Bartolome scholarship program. It was agreed that a request would be made to the St. Patrick’s auction committee to include as an auction item a new computer for use by students in the scholarship program. This request will be discussed again at the April 5 meeting. An excellent suggestion was made that we might ask St. Patrick’s parishioners if they would donate keyboards, mice and monitors in good working condition. It was suggested that CPUs would be better purchased in country, along with the appropriate operating systems and software. Kate Speltz suggested a resource that is available for “rebuilding” computer systems http://www.interconnection.org/. This Seattle-based computer recycling and reuse program provides computers to underserved people and communities around the world.
March 1 letter
Dear brothers and sisters of Nueva Trinidad,
Thank you for sharing about the success of the Third Age project. We are very happy to know that 25 elders are participating and that the field trip to Suchotito was so enjoyable! We also look forward to hearing about the meeting of the Third Agers with the community of San Antonio Los Ranchos.
We are deeply concerned about the increases in food costs, and we feel great peace and reassurance to know that the Third Agers are eating well. If you have some funds left from last year and you feel it is a wise choice, please use the excess funds towards purchasing another computer so that the community of Nueva Trinidad may have use of a public computer.
Your dream of having a computer center with cable internet is a wonderful dream, and we are praying with you and Cataluna that it will come true. Will you send a proposal for the computers that are needed, the computer costs, and the monthly internet charges?
During this Lenten season we are very happy to have in our St. Patrick’s sanctuary an “Arbol de Esperanza.” This idea was inspired by Theresa Edwards who was among our delegation to visit you in 2008! At this tree, parishioners may offer prayers for justice in El Salvador: for the right to good medical attention, higher education, good food, a decent living, and justice for all. We also pray with you for your upcoming presidential election, that those who are elected to office will truly seek to benefit the people.
In solidarity and the love of Christ,
Ann Mescher and Kathleen Cunningham |
Kathleen Cunningham (Kathlleen99)
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Post Number: 1
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| | Posted on Monday, April 27, 2009 - 1:56 pm: | |
The Sister Parish Work Group will meet on Sun., May 3 at 11:30 in the "carpeted area" of Paddy's Place. Kathleen Cunningham |
Mescher, Ann (Mescher6)
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Post Number: 18
Registered: 3-2007
| | Posted on Saturday, May 02, 2009 - 1:26 am: | |
This month’s meeting of the Sister Parish workgroup has been rescheduled for the first Sunday of next month, June 7. There will be no meeting this Sunday May 3. Please plan to attend an informative discussion with Paul Sampson and the Sister Parish Committee on June 7 about the possibility of involving our youth to obtain computer donations for delivery and set-up on a future delegation to El Salvador. Minutes for last month’s meeting are below, followed by the agenda planned for the June 7 meeting.
Minutes of the April 5, 2009 Meeting
Opening prayer was led by Barbara Kearney-Schupp. Lisa Dennison and Theresa Edwards reported on the "Arbol de Esperanza," set up during Lent to solicit funds, prayers, and letter-writing for Nueva Trinidad. Financially it was very successful, raising more than $1500, most of which was for scholarships, some for computers. Donations for student scholarships totaled approximately $1200, and about $400 was donated for computers in Nueva Trinidad. A discussion followed on whether there should be a permanent place for the Tree of Hope due to its success. Further discussion will be held on this topic at a future meeting.
Kate Speltz shared recent correspondence from Nueva Trinidad regarding the country’s presidential election. The letter communicated some of the history of elections in El Salvador and the great joy felt by the community of Nueva Trinidad and in the country on the newly elected president.
Terry Inskeep reported on the CD from Padre Miguel which describes the San Bartolome scholarship program and shows interviews with some of the students and their families that our scholarship program has helped. Terry was very inspired and reported that the video was excellent. It is in Spanish and there was discussion about how we might get a translation and dubbing in English so we could share the video more broadly with the sister parish workgroup and St. Patrick’s parish.
Nancy Miller reported that there was some indecision / uncertainty about whether the auction committee will allow for funds to be raised for computers for Nueva Trinidad, or for students in the San Bartolome scholarship program. Committee members expressed their hopes that the auction committee will include at least one auction item for our Sister Parish, or perhaps allow auction fundraising for a future delegation to El Salvador.
The Sister Parish workgroup decided that the scholarship proceeds from the Tree of Hope ($1200) will be sent as soon as possible along with previously collected scholarship funds (approximately $2300) for the San Bartolome scholarship program to Padre Miguel. It was further decided that the Tree of Hope funds designated for computers would be sent in June along with the regular bi-annual disbursement to Nueva Trinidad for the senior project. It was pointed out that we are still awaiting a proposal from Nueva Trinidad for their computer needs in the cultural center or in a new high school.
In closing, Theresa Edwards suggested that her family would like to have another “Italian Soda” fundraiser this year, possibly in the month of June.
Agenda for the June 7 meeting
1. Discussion with Paul Sampson on the non-profit organization "Technology Services Corps" (TSC) and its activities. This organization planned and successfully executed a recent trip by Garfield high school students to Guatemala where they delivered and installed 30 refurbished computers. Further information can be found at http://www.technologyservicescorps.org/
We hope that our next parish delegation to El Salvador would involve some of our teenagers delivering and setting up computers. The Sister parish workgroup will discuss with Paul how a smaller scale effort to El Salvador might be carried out with technical training support from TSC. We will also discuss potential interest among the St. Patrick’s youth group, and we invite youth group members to attend this meeting.
2. Report on disbursement of scholarship funds (Kate Speltz)
3. Report on auction funds raised for our Sister Parish of Nueva Trinidad (Nancy Miller)
4. Planning for Italian Soda fundraiser (Theresa and Sarah Edwards, Lisa Dennison) |
Mescher, Ann (Mescher6)
New member
Username: Mescher6
Post Number: 19
Registered: 3-2007
| | Posted on Friday, June 05, 2009 - 11:17 pm: | |
Please join the Sister Parish workgroup meeting this Sunday June 7 at 11:30 am in the social hall.
The planned agenda:
1. Discussion with Paul Sampson on the non-profit organization "Technology Services Corps" (TSC) and its activities. This organization planned and successfully executed a recent trip by Garfield high school students to Guatemala where they delivered and installed 30 refurbished computers. Further information can be found at http://www.technologyservicescorps.org/
We hope that our next parish delegation to El Salvador would involve some of our teenagers delivering and setting up computers. The Sister parish workgroup will discuss with Paul how a smaller scale effort to El Salvador might be carried out with technical training support from TSC. We will also discuss potential interest among the St. Patrick’s youth group, and we invite youth group members to attend this meeting.
2. Report on disbursement of scholarship funds (Kate Speltz)
3. Report on auction funds raised for our Sister Parish of Nueva Trinidad (Nancy Miller)
4. Possible planning for an Italian Soda fundraiser (Theresa and Sarah Edwards, Lisa Dennison)
And any other items you wish to discuss! |
Mescher, Ann (Mescher6)
New member
Username: Mescher6
Post Number: 20
Registered: 3-2007
| | Posted on Sunday, November 29, 2009 - 7:53 am: | |
Please join us Sunday Dec. 6 after the 10 am mass for this year's last Sister Parish workgroup meeting in the social hall. Agenda items include:
1. Review of 2009 proceeds from the walk-a-long and crafts fair. Discussion on sustainable support of the Third Age program, and additional projects: a) scholarship program and, b) proposed computer center in Nueva Trinidad community center. We requested but have not yet received a formal proposal from Nueva Trinidad about a new computer center. If there are any updates, these will be discussed.
2. Discussion on possible 2010 delegation to El Salvador. List of possible dates, and compatibility with schedules of those who wish to go on the delegation.
3. Report on 2009 funds that will be sent to Nueva Trindad for the Third Age Project in December. This payment is the 2nd of two biannual payments.
4. Any additional items SP workgroup would like to discuss.
We'll look forward to seeing you there! |
Speltz, Kate (Katespeltz)
Moderator
Username: Katespeltz
Post Number: 53
Registered: 3-2007
| | Posted on Saturday, February 20, 2010 - 6:36 am: | |
Please take a moment to sign a banner of solidarity this Sunday February 21
Friends –
Our friends in Nueva Trinidad along with their brothers and sisters throughout El Salvador are organizing to protect their land and livelihood from the effects of mining (see article in the winter 2009/10 issue of the Roots of Justice). This effort has become dangerous (a number of community leaders on the issue have been assassinated in recent months), but the people continue to work for justice in their communities, and to ask for our support.
A group of faith communities (including St. Joe’s, Wallingford Methodist, and St. Pats.) and organizations in Seattle (CISPES) with connections to El Salvador are organizing to learn about the issue and to support the Salvadoran people.
This Sunday, February 21 you are invited to take a moment to sign a banner expressing solidarity with our brothers and sisters. The banner (which has already been signed by members of the Wallingford Methodist community) will be taken to El Salvador and presented to the people who are standing up for justice on this issue as a symbol of our solidarity and prayers.
Gracias! |
Mescher, Ann (Mescher6)
New member
Username: Mescher6
Post Number: 21
Registered: 3-2007
| | Posted on Saturday, April 10, 2010 - 4:01 pm: | |
Please join the Sister Parish committee for a meeting tomorrow (April 11) after the 10 am mass in the social hall. We'll be completing a response letter to our sister parish of Nueva Trinidad. |
Mescher, Ann (Mescher6)
New member
Username: Mescher6
Post Number: 22
Registered: 3-2007
| | Posted on Monday, May 31, 2010 - 1:36 pm: | |
Please join us for our kick-off fundraiser for the 2011 delegation to our sister parish in El Salvador!
Enjoy the festive music of the Chief Sealth Mariachi Band this Sunday June 6, after the 10 am mass in the social hall.
Bring your appetites as well! Youth group members will be serving a delicious burrito brunch with fresh fruit and bagels. And to celebrate with families and their children receiving first communion, there will be enough cake to share with everyone!
If you haven’t already had a chance, this coming Sunday will also be the last opportunity to contribute to the St. Patrick’s “Arbol de Esperanza (Tree of Hope)” which funds scholarships for Salvadoran students and assists seniors with vital food resources. |
Susan Dewitt (Susanvdewitt)
New member
Username: Susanvdewitt
Post Number: 1
Registered: 1-2009
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 01, 2010 - 12:22 am: | |
Hello, St. Pat's community - You probably know that we have been suffering through a week of very heavy rains in El Salvador (tropical storm Agatha). This morning I read in the paper that the road to Nueva Trinidad has been cut by the flooding Rio Sumpul, so they are isolated from the rest of the country. I imagine they are still connected by cell phone.
We are all hoping for lighter rains this week so the supersaturated soils throughout the country can begin to dry out. I hope Nueva Trinidad will soon be reconnected.
Peace,
Susan |
Mescher, Ann (Mescher6)
New member
Username: Mescher6
Post Number: 23
Registered: 3-2007
| | Posted on Thursday, June 10, 2010 - 1:53 am: | |
Would you consider being part of a delegation to El Salvador and our sister parish of Nueva Trinidad in summer, 2011? Please join us this Sunday, June 13 at 9:15 in the Social Hall (north end room). We are meeting to discuss interest and scheduling with the (SHARE) foundation which partners with us and arranges for translation, accommodations and transportation. If you are not able to attend the meeting but you would like to know more information about the delegation and possible travel dates, please send email to Ann at mescher6@yahoo.com.
Congratulations to all the young adults who helped with the first fundraiser for the 2011 delegation! It was a great success with a net profit of $600. Special thanks to Byrony Tresser for her tremendous organizational skills and to Sandy Sanford for allowing us to benefit from the Mariachi band performance!
Also, please join us this Sunday, June 13 after 10 a.m. mass in the Social Hall. There will be a special presentation by the Seattle chapter of CISPES on the anti-mining struggle in El Salvador, the serious lawsuit of Pacific Rim against the country of El Salvador, and the implications of CAFTA and future trade agreements. Afterwards, there will be a short committee meeting. Everyone is welcome! |
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