For over a decade, St. Margaret Mary has journeyed with parishes in Haiti with the theme of “You can do it. We can help.” Our programs have included projects which provide a self-sustaining impact and crisis funding as natural disasters have required.
Latest News
We would like to extend a heartfelt THANK YOU to all those who gave during the Lenten almsgiving campaign. The contributions you made have helped to fund truly enriching programs for our brothers and sisters in Haiti. Despite the country’s present political unrest, our missionaries returned last week with stories of how SMM’s programs continue to thrive and change lives. He is a video update on the ministry:
Lenten Almsgiving
Thank you to all who contributed to our Parish Lenten Project for our Haiti Ministry this year. The response was overwhelming and will used for the needs of the many projects that are on-going in each of our 5 collaborative committees: Economic Development, Education, Faith and Worship, Medical, Peace.
In addition to these ‘people projects’, and looking back over the history of our relationship with Haiti since 2006, we are also grateful to the many donors who have helped build the many ‘sacred spaces’ so badly needed for our sister and brothers there. Because of your generosity, our friends there can now worship in safe and beautiful spaces. See the List of Projects.
Newsletters
We publish a newsletter a couple times a year, to keep people informed, here are the latest ones.
The Program
The program is based on 4 principles:
- Haitian Self-Sufficiency: With a guiding hand, Haitians can do it themselves!
- Sustainability: We've identified numerous programs and projects that work!
- Transparency: Any exchange of money or deal is a clear and well known transaction. Each person's role is clearly defined.
- Clear Exit Time: The parish knows they will have us for 5 years. "If you stay too long, you become part of the problem, not the solution.
The Committees
Economic Empowerment
Livestock, village banking and agriculture.
Health
Disease prevention, water accessibility and purity, and supporting destitute seniors
Education
Teacher training and compensation (cow project). In some cases, school construction
Faith and Worship
Training for chapel leaders to conduct services, music and sacrament preparation. Extra support for couples getting married
Peace Program
Youth program focusing on leadership training and promoting peace through conflict resolution and mediation skills
Videos about the Haiti Ministry
If you are interested in starting a mission program at your parish, we can help you get it off the ground using "Ken's Model" for Haiti. If you have a current mission program, regardless of location, these methods can be implemented.
Contact us and we will set you up with a member from our ministry!
Haiti Outreach Ministry Brochure:
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