Haiti Ministry

About Twinning
Parish History
Teacher Partnership Twinning
Outreach
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Pere Wilcoxson (2nd from right) and Fr. Tim (2nd from left) with members of the Haiti Ministry (photo courtesy of Dorothy Green)

Pere Wilcoxson (2nd from right) and Fr. Tim (2nd from left) with members of the Haiti Ministry (photo courtesy of Dorothy Green)

Holy Spirit’s Haiti Ministry is dedicated to the mission and goals of the Richmond Diocesan Haitian Twinning Commission: 1) To develop a meaningful relationship that consists of reaching out to the twinned Parish in a respectful, spiritual and cultural exchange; and 2) To learn more about each other and render mutual support and assistance, on spiritual and physical levels.

The Haiti Ministry of Holy Spirit Catholic Parish was first formed in May 1996, following a visit to Haiti by then Parish Pastor Monsignor Thomas (Tom) Caroluzza in January of that year. The twinning of Holy Spirit Parish with our Lady of Mount Carmel of Saut D’Eau was proclaimed at Sunday masses on June 8, 1997. The first visit to our twinned Parish by two members of the Ministry occurred during March 1999. Since then, an average of one visit per year occurs, to develop the relationship with the clergy and Parish teachers and students at the Parish schools that we support. In October 2010, Pere (Father) Wilcoxon Sainvil, pastor of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, was able to visit Holy Spirit and spend time with the parish as well as concelebrate mass with Fr. Tim, our pastor.

School children at St. Thomas Aquinas School in Grand Hutte

School children at St. Thomas Aquinas School in Grand Hutte

Currently Holy Spirit Parish has taken responsibility for paying the salaries of 27 teachers and 6 directors in 6 parish schools located in the following villages:. St. Thomas Aquinas School, Grand Hutte; St. Benoit, LaBoule; Notre Dame d’Altgrace, Rechimon; St. Scholastica, Mont Terrible; St. Michel, Brillant; and Our Lady of Fatima; Wille Bon Heure. As of February 2012, all teachers’ salaries have been sponsored through our Haiti Teacher Partnership Twinning Program.
Ministry members and volunteers packing supplies for the sea container.

Ministry members and volunteers packing supplies for the sea container.

Our Parish provides an annual April Sea Container shipment of school supplies, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, hygiene items, sewing supplies and fabrics. We are also committed to praying for our Twin personally and through the Prayers of the Faithful at weekend masses.

If you would like to become part of Holy Spirit’s Haiti Committee, please call 468-3600 x106 or email acausey@holyspiritvb.org.