St. Genevieve, Zoranje Haiti

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	Our Twinning History -How we came to twin with St. Genevieve Parish in Haiti -Parish Twinning Covenant -Mission Statement & Goals How we Came to Twin with St. Genevieve Parish in Haiti In June of 2002, the Franciscan Friars of Holy Name Province gathered for Chapter at Siena College, during which the friars elected to address the issue of globalization both on a provincial level and in each of our various ministries and parishes. On the local level the community of Saint Patrick - Saint Anthony started looking at the present and future global situation and considered how to respond to it. Our motto: “Open Minds, Open Hearts, Open Doors” was thoughtfully chosen to reflect our sense of: Who we are, how we live, pray and act as individuals and as a parish. St. Patrick - St. Anthony’s has an active tradition of acceptance of and outreach to the greater Hartford urban and suburban communities which is our home, with all of its diversity and challenges; social, economic, racial, cultural, political, and religious. We have a long, active and ongoing commitment to advocacy and action on the local level: to work against poverty, hunger, prejudice and injustice. Our understanding of our pastoral ministerial calling and obligates us to reach out to embrace the whole community. The call to respond to globalization has led us to “Open our Doors” to whomever comes to us and to take the initiative to knock on the doors of our neighbors to generously and respectfully offer whatever we can give. We have long understood the mutuality of our generosity, our service and our hospitality -- we celebrate it during our Eucharist, and it is always part of our consciousness and our conscience. This firm, parish-wide commitment to openness, connectedness and service on the local level gave us reason to believe that we can extend our outreach to include and embrace the global community. The world's problems: poverty, disease, hunger, war, violence, discrimination and injustice are not new but they are increasing in severity. This increased sense of crisis comes at the same time that we as Americans are realizing the double meaning of globalization. First, the political, economic and social actions of our “first world” nations can and do affect the rest of the world's peoples, for good or ill, and the benefits or harm they produce affect us significantly in return: economically, politically and socially. Secondly, our increasing connectedness and interdependence gives us the ability and the obligation to respond with advocacy and action on behalf of those whom we now recognize as our brothers and sisters, our elders and children, our neighbors. This awareness of globalization and world community is not new in our parish -- it has become an increasingly significant part of our prayer and preaching. For the next two years St. Patrick - St. Anthony parish responded to the issue of globalization in the following ways: first, through programs such as the children’s Peace Pal project with a school in Japan, building a relationship with the Muslim community here in Hartford, a Franciscan forum on globalization and the Global giving tree at Christmas time that raised awareness and financial support for Ethiopia and Haiti; secondly, through various ministries such as the Committee for Social Justice (CSJ), Adult Faith Formation, Clare Gallery, Pax Christi, Religious education, Shawl ministry and Women of Hope. In October of 2002, the pastor asked the CSJ to look at the possibility of a sister parish as another way we can respond to globalization. In November of 2002 the CSJ formed a task force to look at the possibilities and to present a proposal to the staff. The following people served on this task force: Carole Fay, Jane Gallagher, Mike Jones, O.F.M., Tom Malone, and Mary Lee Sharkey. This group spent ten months working at educating itself on globalization, the Church’s documents and on various sister parish (twinning) programs and organizations. The task force reviewed existing programs of organizations in the city of Hartford, various parts of the United States, the Caribbean and the Americas. Through prayer and discernment they developed a list of goals and objectives based upon the social teaching of the church and the gifts and talents of St. Patrick - St. Anthony parish. A number of factors influenced the task force decision to choose Haiti as the best location for a twinning relationship: First, Haiti's status as the most impoverished nation in the Western hemisphere and the seriousness of its economic, educational, health and social problems. Secondly, the long-standing political and economic relationship between Haiti and the U.S. and the significant Haitian immigrant population in the U.S. (including Hartford) – concrete examples of both meanings of globalization. Finally, the existence of a well-established, active Haitian Ministries organization in the Diocese of Norwich, which could provide our parish with organizational support and advice based on their experience. Greg Secord, a parishioner and a board member of Haitian Ministries was helpful in making the task force aware of Haitian Ministries and their twinning program. In July of 2003, the sisters’ parish task force presented a proposal and model to the parish staff for twinning with a sister parish in Haiti through Haitian Ministries for the Diocese of Norwich. This proposal included a mission statement and goals that we would have with a sister parish in Haiti. The task force spent several meetings with the staff to help them understand the Church’s documents on globalization and the process taken to develop this proposal for a sister parish in Haiti. The task force then invited Greg and Judy Secord to be a part of this group because of their vast experience with Haitian Ministries. In the fall (November 3-12, 2003), Jane was invited to go on an immersion trip to Haiti with the parish in Hebron, CT. Upon her return Jane shared her experiences with the staff and in the spring she told her story anew to the parishioners at the weekend liturgies. After getting the approval and support of the pastoral staff on a sister parish program, the task forces brought this proposal to the parish during the Lenten and Easter seasons of 2004 to help them discern the possibility of a sister parish in Haiti. This took place over a thirteen-week period. In May of 2004, 760 people responded to a survey that was taken to discern the level of support for a sister parish in Haiti. The results showed that 87.9% of the parishioners would be supportive of a sister parish in Haiti. Some voiced their desire for the parish to continue and strengthen our ministries in Hartford. With this level of support the parish staff supported the proposal of going ahead with a sister parish and at the same time started looking at and developing our ministries in Hartford. At this point the task force had completed its task and the creation of a sister parish committee was established with Allison Keeton and Bill Prenetta as the co-chairs of the committee. In September of 2004 six parishioners, Pat, Roberta, Fr Mike, Nancy, Ned, and Judy went on an immersion trip to Haiti. During this trip they visited St. Genevieve’s parish and from this experience they recommended to the sister parish committee that this would be a good twin for our parish. return to top Parish Twinning Covenant In the “Church in America”, Pope John Paul II declares that the Church is the sign and instrument of the communion willed by God. This communion must be made visible in concrete signs, such as communal prayer for one another, fraternal ties between dioceses and parishes, and communication among pastoral workers. We are convinced that Divine Providence has already brought together the people of our two Parishes. Encouraged by the call of Pope John Paul II to develop “bonds of communion with the local churches in other areas of America,” we as pastors and communities of faith believe that the Holy Spirit now is calling us to communion and solidarity and to enrich and strengthen the partnership that we already share. We therefore joyfully enter into a solemn covenant on this day of our Lord, between the Parish of St. Genevieve, Zoranje, Haiti, and St. Patrick - St. Anthony Parish, Hartford, Connecticut. We pledge: 1. To strengthen the relationships of friendship between our two parishes so that we may each enrich one another’s human and spiritual lives. 2. To encourage prayer and other types of exchanges for one another in our parishes and families. 3. That our two parishes will use whatever means are possible and suitable to enrich the lives and faith of our people, especially sharing of pastoral experience and programs. 4. To encourage the faithful of each parish to visit each other whenever possible and offer our gifts, talents, service and love to one another. 5. To commit ourselves to organize a joint committee dedicated to the ongoing dialogue between our two peoples and to assure that this covenant grows in meaning and effectiveness. 6. To review and renew this covenant every five years. We ask the Blessings of almighty God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit on this Covenant. To God be honor and glory, forever and ever. Amen. Rev. James Hynes, O.F.M. Pastor of St. Patrick - St. Anthony Rev. Frixner Jean Francios Pastor, St. Genevieve Reverend Gerald S. Kirby Personal Representative of the Bishop of Norwich return to top Mission Statement Parishes are called to be communities of solidarity. Catholic social teaching more than anything else insists that we are one family; it calls us to overcome barrier of race, religion, ethnicity, gender, economic status, and nationality. We are one in Christ Jesus (cf. Gal 3:28)—beyond our differences and boundaries. Parishes need to be bridge-builders, reminding us that we are part of a Universal Church with ties of faith and humanity to sisters and brothers all over the world. Programs of parish twinning, support for Catholic Relief Services, mission efforts, migration and refugee activities, and other global ministries are signs of solidarity in a shrinking and suffering world. Advocacy on human rights, development and peace through legislative networks, and other efforts are also signs of a faith without boundaries and a parish serious about its social responsibilities. A key test of a parish's "Catholicity" is its willingness to go beyond its boundaries to serve those in need and work for global justice and peace. Working with others for common goals across religious, racial, ethnic, and other lines is another sign of solidarity in action. Communities of Salt and Light: Reflections on the Social Mission of the Parish The Church’s teaching on international justice and peace is not simply a mandate for a few large agencies, but a challenge for every believer and every Catholic community of faith. The demands of solidarity require not another program, but greater awareness and integration into the ongoing life of the parish. The Church’s universal character can be better reflected in how every parish prays, educates, serves, and acts. A parish reaching beyond its own members and beyond national boundaries is a truly “catholic” parish. An important role for the parish is to challenge and encourage every believer to greater global solidarity Called to Global Solidarity: International Challenges for U.S. Parishes The mission is facilitate and enhance the spiritual growth of the people of St. Patrick-St. Anthony Church and St. Genevieve Parish through the Covenant Relationship which awakens us all to a deeper understanding of the issues of social justice, human dignity, cultural values and the challenges of relationship across cultural divides and geographical distance. Goals The goal is solidarity-a joining of the people through the Holy Spirit into a relationship based on advocacy, universality, mutuality, spirituality, intimacy and dignity. To accomplish the goal we will: 1. Discover ways to incorporate Haitian culture and spirituality into our own daily prayer life and Eucharistic celebration. 2. Act as advocates for all people of Haiti by supporting and working for justice issues that have a direct impact upon the quality of life for the poor. 3. Give and share our material and spiritual wealth in response to the needs and desires expressed by the people of St. Genevieve Parish. 4. Send a parish team to Haiti at least once a year. Participants will experience an immersion in Haitian culture and visit Genevieve Parish. 5. Create avenues for ministries and individuals in both parishes to share their time and talent with one another. 6. Work with Haitian Ministries for the Diocese of Norwich on collaborative projects and programs. return to top
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St. Genevieve - Haiti General Information Our Twinning History Relief Aid - Homes St. Genevieve Parish St. Genevieve School School Books Strong Women A "Taste" of Haiti Travel to Haiti Trees for Life

Downloads (PDF's) Sister Parish Proposal (2004) Model of Twinning Questionnaire Results (2004)

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Our Twinning History

-How we came to twin with St. Genevieve Parish in Haiti
-Parish Twinning Covenant
-Mission Statement & Goals

How we Came to Twin with St. Genevieve Parish in Haiti

Globalization

In June of 2002, the Franciscan Friars of Holy Name Province gathered for Chapter at Siena College, during which the friars elected to address the issue of globalization both on a provincial level and in each of our various ministries and parishes.

On the local level the community of Saint Patrick - Saint Anthony started looking at the present and future global situation and considered how to respond to it. Our motto: “Open Minds, Open Hearts, Open Doors” was thoughtfully chosen to reflect our sense of: Who we are, how we live, pray and act as individuals and as a parish. St. Patrick - St. Anthony’s has an active tradition of acceptance of and outreach to the greater Hartford urban and suburban communities which is our home, with all of its diversity and challenges; social, economic, racial, cultural, political, and religious. We have a long, active and ongoing commitment to advocacy and action on the local level: to work against poverty, hunger, prejudice and injustice. Our understanding of our pastoral ministerial calling and obligates us to reach out to embrace the whole community.

The call to respond to globalization has led us to “Open our Doors” to whomever comes to us and to take the initiative to knock on the doors of our neighbors to generously and respectfully offer whatever we can give. We have long understood the mutuality of our generosity, our service and our hospitality -- we celebrate it during our Eucharist, and it is always part of our consciousness and our conscience.

This firm, parish-wide commitment to openness, connectedness and service on the local level gave us reason to believe that we can extend our outreach to include and embrace the global community. The world's problems: poverty, disease, hunger, war, violence, discrimination and injustice are not new but they are increasing in severity. This increased sense of crisis comes at the same time that we as Americans are realizing the double meaning of globalization. First, the political, economic and social actions of our “first world” nations can and do affect the rest of the world's peoples, for good or ill, and the benefits or harm they produce affect us significantly in return: economically, politically and socially. Secondly, our increasing connectedness and interdependence gives us the ability and the obligation to respond with advocacy and action on behalf of those whom we now recognize as our brothers and sisters, our elders and children, our neighbors. This awareness of globalization and world community is not new in our parish -- it has become an increasingly significant part of our prayer and preaching.

For the next two years St. Patrick - St. Anthony parish responded to the issue of globalization in the following ways: first, through programs such as the children’s Peace Pal project with a school in Japan, building a relationship with the Muslim community here in Hartford, a Franciscan forum on globalization and the Global giving tree at Christmas time that raised awareness and financial support for Ethiopia and Haiti; secondly, through various ministries such as the Committee for Social Justice (CSJ), Adult Faith Formation, Clare Gallery, Pax Christi, Religious education, Shawl ministry and Women of Hope.

In October of 2002, the pastor asked the CSJ to look at the possibility of a sister parish as another way we can respond to globalization. In November of 2002 the CSJ formed a task force to look at the possibilities and to present a proposal to the staff. The following people served on this task force: Carole Fay, Jane Gallagher, Mike Jones, O.F.M., Tom Malone, and Mary Lee Sharkey. This group spent ten months working at educating itself on globalization, the Church’s documents and on various sister parish (twinning) programs and organizations. The task force reviewed existing programs of organizations in the city of Hartford, various parts of the United States, the Caribbean and the Americas. Through prayer and discernment they developed a list of goals and objectives based upon the social teaching of the church and the gifts and talents of St. Patrick - St. Anthony parish.

A number of factors influenced the task force decision to choose Haiti as the best location for a twinning relationship: First, Haiti's status as the most impoverished nation in the Western hemisphere and the seriousness of its economic, educational, health and social problems. Secondly, the long-standing political and economic relationship between Haiti and the U.S. and the significant Haitian immigrant population in the U.S. (including Hartford) – concrete examples of both meanings of globalization. Finally, the existence of a well-established, active Haitian Ministries organization in the Diocese of Norwich, which could provide our parish with organizational support and advice based on their experience. Greg Secord, a parishioner and a board member of Haitian Ministries was helpful in making the task force aware of Haitian Ministries and their twinning program.

In July of 2003, the sisters’ parish task force presented a proposal and model to the parish staff for twinning with a sister parish in Haiti through Haitian Ministries for the Diocese of Norwich. This proposal included a mission statement and goals that we would have with a sister parish in Haiti. The task force spent several meetings with the staff to help them understand the Church’s documents on globalization and the process taken to develop this proposal for a sister parish in Haiti. The task force then invited Greg and Judy Secord to be a part of this group because of their vast experience with Haitian Ministries.

Haiti

In the fall (November 3-12, 2003), Jane was invited to go on an immersion trip to Haiti with the parish in Hebron, CT. Upon her return Jane shared her experiences with the staff and in the spring she told her story anew to the parishioners at the weekend liturgies.

After getting the approval and support of the pastoral staff on a sister parish program, the task forces brought this proposal to the parish during the Lenten and Easter seasons of 2004 to help them discern the possibility of a sister parish in Haiti. This took place over a thirteen-week period. In May of 2004, 760 people responded to a survey that was taken to discern the level of support for a sister parish in Haiti. The results showed that 87.9% of the parishioners would be supportive of a sister parish in Haiti. Some voiced their desire for the parish to continue and strengthen our ministries in Hartford. With this level of support the parish staff supported the proposal of going ahead with a sister parish and at the same time started looking at and developing our ministries in Hartford. At this point the task force had completed its task and the creation of a sister parish committee was established with Allison Keeton and Bill Prenetta as the co-chairs of the committee.

1st Group to Haiti

In September of 2004 six parishioners, Pat, Roberta, Fr Mike, Nancy, Ned, and Judy went on an immersion trip to Haiti. During this trip they visited St. Genevieve’s parish and from this experience they recommended to the sister parish committee that this would be a good twin for our parish.

return to top

Signing of the Covenant

Parish Twinning Covenant

In the “Church in America”, Pope John Paul II declares that the Church is the sign and instrument of the communion willed by God. This communion must be made visible in
concrete signs, such as communal prayer for one another, fraternal ties between dioceses and parishes, and communication among pastoral workers.

We are convinced that Divine Providence has already brought together the people of our two Parishes. Encouraged by the call of Pope John Paul II to develop “bonds of
communion with the local churches in other areas of America,” we as pastors and communities of faith believe that the Holy Spirit now is calling us to communion and
solidarity and to enrich and strengthen the partnership that we already share. We therefore joyfully enter into a solemn covenant on this day of our Lord, between the Parish of St. Genevieve, Zoranje, Haiti, and St. Patrick - St. Anthony Parish, Hartford, Connecticut.

We pledge:
1. To strengthen the relationships of friendship between our two parishes so that we may each enrich one another’s human and spiritual lives.
2. To encourage prayer and other types of exchanges for one another in our parishes and families.
3. That our two parishes will use whatever means are possible and suitable to enrich the lives and faith of our people, especially sharing of pastoral experience and programs.
4. To encourage the faithful of each parish to visit each other whenever possible and offer our gifts, talents, service and love to one another.
5. To commit ourselves to organize a joint committee dedicated to the ongoing dialogue between our two peoples and to assure that this covenant grows in meaning and effectiveness.
6. To review and renew this covenant every five years.

We ask the Blessings of almighty God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit on this Covenant. To God be honor and glory, forever and ever. Amen.

Rev. James Hynes, O.F.M.
Pastor of St. Patrick - St. Anthony

Rev. Frixner Jean Francios
Pastor, St. Genevieve

Reverend Gerald S. Kirby
Personal Representative of the Bishop of Norwich

return to top

Mission Statement

Parishes are called to be communities of solidarity. Catholic social teaching more than anything else insists that we are one family; it calls us to overcome barrier of race, religion, ethnicity, gender, economic status, and nationality. We are one in Christ Jesus (cf. Gal 3:28)—beyond our differences and boundaries.

Parishes need to be bridge-builders, reminding us that we are part of a Universal Church with ties of faith and humanity to sisters and brothers all over the world. Programs of parish twinning, support for Catholic Relief Services, mission efforts, migration and refugee activities, and other global ministries are signs of solidarity in a shrinking and suffering world. Advocacy on human rights, development and peace through legislative networks, and other efforts are also signs of a faith without boundaries and a parish serious about its social responsibilities. A key test of a parish's "Catholicity" is its willingness to go beyond its boundaries to serve those in need and
work for global justice and peace. Working with others for common goals across religious, racial, ethnic, and other lines is another sign of solidarity in action.
Communities of Salt and Light: Reflections on the Social Mission of the Parish

The Church’s teaching on international justice and peace is not simply a mandate for a few large agencies, but a challenge for every believer and every Catholic community of faith. The demands of solidarity require not another program, but greater awareness and integration into the ongoing life of the parish. The Church’s universal character can be better reflected in how every parish prays, educates, serves, and acts. A parish reaching beyond its own members and beyond national boundaries is a truly “catholic” parish. An important role for the parish is to challenge and encourage every believer to greater global solidarity
Called to Global Solidarity: International Challenges for U.S. Parishes

The mission is facilitate and enhance the spiritual growth of the people of St. Patrick-St. Anthony Church and St. Genevieve Parish through the Covenant Relationship which awakens us all to a deeper understanding of the issues of social justice, human dignity, cultural values and the challenges of relationship across cultural divides and geographical distance.

Goals

The goal is solidarity-a joining of the people through the Holy Spirit into a relationship based on advocacy, universality, mutuality, spirituality, intimacy and dignity.

To accomplish the goal we will:
1. Discover ways to incorporate Haitian culture and spirituality into our own daily prayer life and Eucharistic celebration.
2. Act as advocates for all people of Haiti by supporting and working for justice issues that have a direct impact upon the quality of life for the poor.
3. Give and share our material and spiritual wealth in response to the needs and desires expressed by the people of St. Genevieve Parish.
4. Send a parish team to Haiti at least once a year. Participants will experience an immersion in Haitian culture and visit Genevieve Parish.
5. Create avenues for ministries and individuals in both parishes to share their time and talent with one another.
6. Work with Haitian Ministries for the Diocese of Norwich on collaborative projects and programs.

return to top