Haitian Encuentro Experience – February 2020
At this point, the Encounter Missionis on hold due to instability in Haiti.
Who is invited to participate? Any adult parishioner (ages 18+) who is open to the possibility that their life and faith could be transformed through an encounter with the people of Haiti. The intent of this trip is not so much about doing something in Gris-Gris but, rather, simply be with the people and immersed into their lives, culture and experience.
Why is this called an “Encuentro” trip? The Risen Savior Sister Parish Committee is doing their part to help create what Pope Francis calls a “Culture of Encounter.” The word “encuentro” is the Spanish word the Pope uses which, in English, is translated as “encounter.” Jack Jazreel, founder of JustFaith Ministries, writes, “Encuentro is not solely about changing something that is wrong; it is about a communion that changes everyone involved. Encuentro changes those who leave home on mission, and it can change those who welcome them. Yes, those of us tugged by love to wounded places might journey in the hope of changing some part of the world, but the experience of faithful people who leave home and family is that we must be prepared to change ourselves. The Gospel promise of metanoia (Greek word that means a total transformation in a person’s thinking and consciousness), and indeed the mission of encounter and love delivers on that promise. Having formed relationships with brothers and sisters who have experienced hardship and abandonment, we will not remain the same.”
How long will this encuentro be? We are planning a 10-Day experience, which includes the travel time (flying, driving from Port au Prince to Gris-Gris, etc.), to take place in mid-February of 2020 (exact dates TBD).
What are the ways we experience encuentro while in Haiti? The activities in our proposed itinerary include:
· Time with Fr. Fayant and the people of Gris-Gris
· Celebration of the Mass at St. Rose of Lima & the Chapel in Labiche
· Activities with the Students of St. Rose of Lima School
· A tour of Gris-Gris, allowing participants the chance to interact with the people and see the various projects Risen Savior has been involved in
· Visit to the St. Jude House
· Travel to the outlying chapels and communities
· Afternoon excursion to the beach
· Opportunities to experience Port-au-Prince
Please note that we are still in the early stages of planning, and this itinerary will be modified and amended.
What is the commitment expected of the participants? We ask that all participants commit to the all of the following:
· Participation in formational and orientation events leading up to the trip.
· Full participation in the Encuentro experience while in Haiti, including discussions and reflections along with the travels and interactions with the people.
· A willingness to share with the Risen Savior community about your experience in Gris Gris sometime after we return.
· Openness to the possibility that this experience of encounter may change you and that your life might change because of it.
How much will this encuentro experience cost? The main cost of associated with this experience is the airfare, which has been in flux over the years. Based on the experience of the previous few years, the trip will probably fall in the range of $1200-1400.
How many people can go, and when is the registration deadline? Our mission team will be led by staff member Grace Koleczek. We have space on this experience for an additional 10 adults, which would make us a team of 12 disciples. We would like to have all of our disciples committed to participating in this experience by October 1, 2019. We will close registration when we have filled all of the open spots, or on October 1, whichever comes first.
An Encuentro experience sounds great! How do I reserve my spot and/or get more information? Submit a deposit of $150.00 to Grace Koleczek in the parish office. You may contact her via phone at 952.698.1724 or via e-mail at grace.koleczek@risensavior.org.
Our Children of Promise – Haiti: Help Us Spread the Word!
Click here to visit the website.
Our Children of Promise – Haiti is an ongoing, at-large social networking campaign to sustain full funding for the parochial school of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Gris-Gris, Haiti. The website is set up to mobilize support for St. Rose School with a broad based appeal for funding with very modest donations from a special group of about 300 patrons. We ask each to support the school – one child at a time and one school year at a time. A donation of $100 assures a place for a student at St. Rose School for an entire academic year.
This campaign was set up with the intention to invite in non-parishioners to be a part of our work in Gris-Gris. We are NOT asking Risen Savior parishioners to participate in this campaign, as we know that our community is very generous during our Sister Parish weekends. However, we need your help in spreading the word! Business cards promoting this campaign are available in the information racks, or you can simply refer people to the webpage. Thank you for walking in solidarity with the children of Gris-Gris!
Risen Savior Sister Parish Facebook Page
Click Here to Like & Follow!
One of the best ways to stay current on what is happening in Gris-Gris, the work the Sister Parish Committee is currently doing, and also staying informed of future opportunities to participate in a mission trip to Gris-Gris is by liking and following our Facebook page. At the very least, anyone who visits the page will enjoy looking through the pictures of past trips and snapshots of the community in Gris-Gris.
History of the Sister Parish Relationship
We partner with the community of St. Rose of Lima in Gris Gris, Haiti. The Risen Savior Sister Parish Committee has worked with St. Rose of Lima Parish since 1999, helping the people of Gris Gris in many ways: drilling wells, reservoirs and fountains giving them clean water; building a new school; rebuilding their church and poor home; providing medical and dental care; sending them essential supplies; educating them about agricultural techniques and maintaining good health. Click here to learn how Risen Savior helped bring “Living Water” to Haiti back in 2002!
Volunteer opportunities include working on subcommittees, donating goods to periodic collections to support the sister parish, and working with the community in Gris Gris when we travel to Haiti.
Volunteers serve on subcommittees to plan and coordinate periodic mission trips and supply shipments to our Haitian sister parish.
The Sister Parish Committee meets monthly, typically on the 2nd Monday of the month, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. New and inquiring parishioners are welcome to join us!
Contacts:
- George Kohler (co-chair): gkohler@hotmail.com
- Bob Schilmoeller (co-chair): 952-431-4901, socrates@schilmoeller.com
- Todd Rosen (agriculture/conservation): 651-336-8997, todd.p.rosen@gmail.com
- Jan Magnuson (education): 952-891-5015, janetmagnuson@comcast.net
- Agnes Lehn (medical/dental/health, education): 952-432-2103, agnes.k.lehn@gmail.com
- Todd Rosen (construction/maintenance/shipping) 651-336-8997, todd.p.rosen@gmail.com
