In January 2001, Padre Juan Antonio Vasquez Leal was installed as pastor of San Pedro Jocopilas by Bishop Julio Cabrera. In September 2001 Padre Juan Vasquez visited St. Mary's parish and we were introduced to a joyful, peaceful, caring and very humble man. Many parishioners planned parties, get-togethers and dinners on honor of Padre Juan. We connect with our sister parish and Padre Juan once a month by telephone exchanging the events in each others parishes.

With the help of our Stewardship Fund, monthly Juan Ana Coffee sale, Lenten Alms, annual Mayan Hands Craft Sale, and private donations we have been able to help restore the church to its original pre-civil war condition, help establish a clinic and other services that were needed in the community.

Father Tom has visited the community of San Pedro Jocopilas and is always very warmly received. His last visit was in July of 2005. He was accompanied by Sister Christopher, 2 adults and 5 teens of St. Mary's parishioners.

Building Bridges Committee Meetings

This committee meets in the Parish Center. (See bulletin for times) Activities include book and film discussions as well as planning for the annual craft sale and other special events.. Any and all are welcome to come.

Coffee Sales

We sell coffee from Guatemala after liturgy on the third Saturday & Sunday of every month. Whole beans or ground coffee sells for $10 a pound. We purchase the coffee through the Diocese of New Ulm, Minnesota. The coffee comes from a coffee cooperative run by La Parroquia San Lucas Toliman in the town of San Lucas Toliman, Solalá, Guatemala. The coffee profits go to the Social Justice Fund for our sister parish.

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Guatemalan Mother and Child

I recently purchased an oil painting at the Weston Priory in Vermont for our Daily Mass Chapel. This painting takes the place of the picture of Our Lady of Guadalupe, which had hung behind the altar and which was Rich's personal property. For me this painting serves as a reminder of two important aspects of our parish. First, our parish is under the patronage of Mary, the mother of Jesus. I see in this painting the strength of a woman of faith who despite her poor and humble heritage, continues to offer protection and support for those entrusted to her care. In addition, I believe that this painting will serve as a reminder of our commitment to our Sister Parish in Guatemala. Here the Mother is dressed in the traditional clothes of the Guatemalan people. The Child stretches out His arms in the form of a cross. Together they portray both the richness of the Mayan culture and the terrible suffering of their people.

 Pastor Tom Hayes, Parish Bulletin, December 6, 1998

 

 

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This page was last updated on 08/21/08