Q & A

What do you think is the most pressing need you've seen thus far that would be something parishes around the US could work towards supporting?         -Nick Johnson

Nick, great question!  I asked for help from Pere Val, the Sisters, and the Bishop and they all had their own answers based on their own interests.  There is just so much here that could use some outside help that even the Bishop doesn’t have an easy answer.  The thing that has struck me is that it is very easy for someone to come in and look at the situation and make a laundry list of things that would need to be done to make things like they are in America (or whatever country you call home).  I think that parishes in the U.S. could focus on two things to help Haiti.  First, band together to raise funds to rebuild one of Haiti’s Episcopal institutions.  The fundraising to rebuild Holy Trinity Cathedral is going well but the Diocese of Haiti also has a music school, a technical/professional school, St Vincent’s school for disabled children, and many parish churches and parish schools yet to rebuild.  The Director of St. Vincent’s showed us the plans for the rebuilt school and clinic.  The people of Japan and the Prince of Sweden have already given money for their temporary school, it would seem like a cinch for Episcopal parishes working together to come up with the $4 million necessary to build the new school and clinic. That leads me to the second thing, more than money most priests that I’ve talked to, want relationships and partnerships with Episcopalians in the U.S. They are so eager to have people visit and see Haiti for themselves instead of just hearing about it on the news.  I would encourage parishes to start relationships with individual parishes in Haiti. Build those friendships, ask what they need and hope for, and offer the things that your parish is passionate about.  All our churches are brimming with skillful, passionate people and it is only through friendships and communication that we can begin to use those skills and passions to make a difference and act as the Body of Christ.                                                                               -Kellaura