Haiti Artwork Fundraiser

As we celebrate this year focused on Eucharistic revival and the meaning Eucharist in our lives, you are invited to purchase a print of the Eucharistic themed painting  “He’s got the World in His Hands,”

The Eucharist compels us to take what we receive and go out into the world to serve those who are forgotten, hurting, and alone by loving them like Jesus; “The Eucharist commits us to the poor. To receive in truth the Body and Blood of Christ given up for us, we must recognize Christ in the poorest, his brethren.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1397).

Proceeds will support the Our Lady of Mercy School construction project of our Haiti Ministry. Our Lady of Mercy is a very remote area in our sister parish that is in great need of a school to serve the 150 children who now have class in the chapel space all in one noisy, crowded room (learn more below).

Artist's Thoughts...

As I passed my mother’s casket during her funeral more than a decade ago, I lifted up my host to her as she lay in her casket, toasting her journey to meeting Our Father face to face.

Having lost my faith in college, I was on a constant search for “The Truth.”  I had read several accounts of encounters with God and longed for that experience.  Like the Jews wandering in the desert, I begged for a sign. While God never struck a tree with lightning before me, several signs were provided often in that small whispering voice.

Upon returning home, I decided to follow my first love, drawing and painting.  God’s grace working through art and dreams lead me back to the Church and to the Eucharist. Metanoia lead me to marriage and children with its inherent sense of purpose and meaning.

During my ongoing conversion, I used a picture I had taken of a vendor in a medieval festival who was dressed in period garb holding a spindle. I replaced it with the host.  I was dating the man I would eventually marry.  However, I had broken off the engagement at this time.  Surprisingly, when my friends saw the painting, they all remarked how much it looked like Jim.  I took it as another sign.  We have been married since 1977 and have two sons.

-Lynda Hope Swenk

Prints may be ordered through the month of April on our website or on April 13-14 in the courtyard after masses and will be delivered in May, with pick up available in the courtyard after masses on May 18-19th.