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Mission Forum: Beyond the Beach, Mission in Jamaica
Join us at our May Mission Forum for a presentation on the situation in Jamaica. Beyond the beaches and the tourist resorts, Maryknoll and the San Jose Diocese have partnered with the Montego Bay Diocese to help the local Church address the challenges it faces in light of poverty and violence. In March, Matt Dulka and Marie Wren visited Jamaica with a delegation from the San Jose Diocese to explore ongoing opportunities for people to visit Jamaica on mission exposure trips and participate in short term mission opportunities. |
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Local youth reaching out to African youth
Jesus said, "Whatever you do to these least ones of mine, you do to me" (Matt. 25:40). The students of the seventh grade class at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish (Fremont) are a living example of what Jesus was talking about. Together with Deacon Mike Cantlon they raised $100 for the St. Justin Center operated by Sr. Margaret John in Tanzania, Africa.
 Sr. Margaret John operates two centers in Tanzania for children that are deaf and/or have learning disabilities. Recently the number of handicapped children has increased to 46. Most of the children are deaf as a result of contracting Malaria as infants and some also have learning disabilities. All the children come from extremely poor families that coupled with their physical challenges, would face very difficult futures were it not for Sr. Margaret. Even though they always need clothes and shoes, or simply paper and pencils, they are amazingly happy, love to go to school, and are very proud of their schoolwork. Their beautiful smiles captivate everyone and once you spend some time with these special children, it is difficult to leave!
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At the Mission Forum next week (Tuesday, May 12 at 7:30 pm at the Mission Center), Marie and I will give a presentation on our trip to Jamaica to visit the joint mission project of Maryknoll and the San Jose Diocese. While we were there, we went out with the street evangelization team to walk the streets of one of the poorest neighborhoods. We were amazed at how receptive folks were to hear about God's love and we noted how similar this must be to what the early Christian community did in reaching out to others in their time. Come and join us on Tuesday to hear more! 
Remember last year when we had movie nights at the old place? In conjunction with St. John's parish we're bringing back movie night and will begin showing "movies that matter" on the first Monday of the month, starting July 6th.
