The Haiti Ministry consists of Christians led by the Holy Spirit, in conjunction with the priest of our sister parish, to preach the good news and better the lives of our sisters and brothers in Haiti.
Haiti has been in a downward spiral for many years, with the recent problems beginning in February of 2019. In 2021, Haiti's President, Jovenel Moise was assassinated. For the past 3 years, armed gangs have terrorized neighborhoods, kidnapping anyone, including local priests, who they thought might have resources to pay a ransom. A few weeks ago, the violence increased, with prisons being attacked and over 4,000 dangerous criminals being set free. Gang leaders attacked Port-au-Prince airport and seaports, shutting them down and demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry, who assumed power after President Moise's assassination. On March 12, Prime Minister Henry resigned, effectively leaving the gangs in charge. U.S. Marines have been sent to protect our Embassy and personnel.
Our sister parish in Mariani is only 15 miles from Port-au-Prince. The ripple effect of the violence is causing many problems for the people of our sister parish. Many cannot work, some have fled their homes, for safety reasons, escaping to the surrounding hillsides. Very few send their children to school or visit our clinic, as it is not safe to be outside. Fr. Johnson continues to celebrate Mass daily and has told me he draws his strength from the spiritual strength he receives from us. He is very grateful for our support and hopes to visit us someday to express his gratitude. A friend of his from the Seminary, Fr. Antony Jean-Baptiste, was repeatedly threatened by the gangs. Last year, he was able to flee to the United States and is currently serving the people of St. Elizabeth Seton in Carmel, IN. I met Fr. Antony a few months ago and have remained in contact with him. Fr. Ted has arranged for Fr. Antony to visit our Pastorate the weekend of May 18-19. There will be more information about his visit published in our bulletin soon. I hope many of you will plan to meet Fr. Antony and learn more about the struggles of daily life in Haiti. Thank you for all you do to support our sister parish.
Haiti Ministry Committee
January Winners:
$50 - Bill Webb, Christina Ciresi, Harry Gehrich, Laura Ralston
$25 - Lydia Claghorn, Larry & Clorette Rausch, Bill & Kathy Kaytor, Bill Webb
February Winners:
$50 - Lisa Reffett, Lloyd Jennings, Chris Hunting, Ray & Susan Hazen
$25 - Ted Bauer, Darin & Sue Beeker, Charles Knarr, Mary Beth Higgins
March Winners:
$50 - Kim McKim, Jim Straeter, Maria Baca, Amy Bauer
$25 - Deb Weber, Andy Vanden Bossche, Steve Moore, Michael O'Conner
April Winners:
$50 - Laura Ralston, Susan LaFree, Michele Brown, Maria Baca
$25 - Simone Absi, Carol Walker, Lucinda McLochlin, Bill Webb
May Winners:
$50 - Tet Sitjar, Diana Baca, Chari Meiser, Steve Moore
$25 - Adam Ghanti, Bill Webb, Lydia Claghorn, Greg German
June Winners:
$500 - L. J. Loehmer
$50 - Charles Knarr, Dave & Trinity Lease, Tim Renie, Diana Baca
$25 - Lisa Becker, Laura Ralston, Marilyn Curran, Nora Delworth
September Winners:
$50 - Susan LaFree, Tricia Sederholm, John Fry, John Schaller
$25 - Marilyn Curran, Dee McKim, Jim Straeter, Nora Delworth
October Winners:
$50 - Keith McKim, Chris Hunting, Shamay Ruff, SunHo Lee
$25 - Rachel Morris, Steve Moore, Craig Sederholm, Natalie Gehrich