Phone: (615) 298-3002 Parish Twinning Program TheThe ConnectionConnection Fax: (615) 298-2253 Theresa Patterson E-Mail: [email protected] 309 Windemere Woods Dr. Web Site: www.parishprogram.org Nashville, TN 37215 U.S.A. Newsletter of Parish Twinning Program of the Americas A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization Vol. 11, No. 1 Building Sister Parish Relationships Since 1978 FALL 2013 Inserts in This Issue Donation Envelope Inside This Issue Pg Tribute Article 1-2 Matthew 25 House 2 Latin Am. Program 3 TRIBUTE TO FOUR HOLY SPIRIT PARISHIONERS Sea Container 3 Parish Highlights 4-6 Twinnings Needed 6 “I have received more than I have given. I have been blessed to work with a wonderful, Construction 6 giving and talented team of people. I have had an unforgettable and amazing experience. I Recommendations left part of my heart in Haiti.” Those were profound words spoken by Rita Cwengros after Advocacy Article 6 accompanying a medical mission after the 2010 earthquake. On January 11, 2013, Rita and Resources 7 her husband Jim, Mary LaPonsie and Matt Kutsche died when the brakes of the vehicle in Fonkoze Bank 8 which they were traveling failed, resulting in the vehicle crashing through an iron barrier and Sr. Mary Alban 8 down a ravine. The driver, Martin Glisil, survived the crash and is recuperating from his injuries. The group was traveling in a convoy of five vehicles with 14 other persons on a th medical mission to St. Christopher Parish in Seguin, Haiti. This was the 11 mission Upcoming organized by Tim Ryan of “Haiti Needs You” and Holy Spirit Church of Grand Rapids, MI. PTPA National In an interview, Mary LaPonsie, age 54, told television station News 8 “There is something Conference very special there. We know that whatever situation we are - Fall 2014 - put in, we are put in for a reason and we will have the strength to get through it.” For the LaPonsies, Haiti was a family affair. Each had made several trips, and daughter Reminder: Debbie found comfort in remembering her first trip on the Send an email to the same road where her mom lost her life. “I was so scared bishop of your diocese and my mom was holding my hand and I remember exactly each time that your U.S. what she said to me. She said, ‘Debbie, if anything parish sends funds to your happens, we are doing what we love.’ ” sister parish in Haiti. The Eric, Laura, and Andy Cwengros said their parents, Jim dioceses in Haiti are trying to create more transparen- and Rita Cwengros, ages 54 and 53, had fallen in love with cy between them and their Haiti. Jim quoted on a blog after a January 2012 medical Haitian parishes. mission trip that “I’ve been on a number of trips to Haiti now, and I never cease to be amazed at how a group of strangers can come together to serve others. The team Fonkoze—New Fees came together this week to share their talents and to serve in any way that was needed -- a great team. I also never Many twin parishes use cease to be amazed at the beautiful people of Haiti who Fonkoze Bank to wire Memorial cross made by Mark welcome us each year. These people have so little material funds directly from them Glover and sent to Holy Spirit possessions, but they are rich beyond our understanding. I to their twin parish’s Parish’s sister parish of Seguin encourage others to serve. It’s an amazing experience.” Fonkoze bank account. Matt Kutsche, 24 years old, was excited about his first Fonkoze has changed trip to Haiti. His father, Dr. David Kutsche, had traveled to Haiti on a previous medical their fees. A schedule of mission trip in January 2011 and was accompanying Matt for his first visit. Matt graduated the new fees can be from East Grand Rapids High School and Grand Valley State University and was working for found on page 8 of this Staffing, Inc. He was engaged to be married to Carly Andrews. (Continued Page 2) newsletter. The Connection - Newsletter of the Parish Twinning Program (615) 298-3002 [email protected] FALL 2013 Pg. 2 of 8 The Connection Newsletter of the Parish Twinning Program (615) 298 3002 [email protected] FALL 2013 Pg. 3 of 8 TRIBUTE TO FOUR HOLY SPIRIT PARISHIONERS (Continued) Giving of himself to serve others was not new to Matt. He helped to rebuild from a hurricane in Port Charlotte, FL with his Park Church Youth group, to coach Special Olympics basketball and a team from Palmer Elementary School, to work with Project Barc through the Kent County Juvenile system, and to organize teams through work for charity runs. Jim and Rita Cwengros and Mary LaPonsie led the same exemplary lives of always thinking of others first. Besides their involvement with medical missions, Jim and Rita also served as Scoutmasters with the Boy Scouts of America for many years. Passionate about Catholic education, they served in numerous West Catholic and Holy Spirit events, committees, and most notably, the West Catholic Bank Boosters. Mary was very committed to her work at the Parish of the Holy Spirit, the YMCA, and Saint Mary’s/Advantage Health Medical Group. Mary spent the last decade inspiring others with her passion and commitment to the people of Haiti and the Dominican Republic. The January 2013 medical mission was Mary’s 10th trip accompanying Holy Spirit’s medical team. Bishop Guy Sansaricq, Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Brooklyn, New York, wrote to me following the tragedy, “My heart goes out to the families of the deceased. I deeply share their sorrow. I know how painful it must have been for you too and all those involved in the Twinning Program. When involved in mission, we know that tremendous sacrifices are demanded from us. The gift of one’s life is the supreme sacrifice. Some are called to do it -- not to intimidate others, but rather to stir renewed Cross at the accident site commitment. Receive my heartfelt condolences and convey them to the families built by the people of Seguin and the Diocese of Jacmel affected. As for these admirable witnesses of God’s love, my prayers will assist them to the gates of heaven where they will have a hero’s welcome.” Jim & Rita, Mary and Matt You have indeed made the ultimate sacrifice. It is only fitting to honor you for the tremendous gift that you gave to us and to so many -- the gift of love. May your lives inspire us with a renewed commitment to embrace the people of Haiti as you did so lovingly. Whether it was extending a hand to a neighbor or friend, to a crying Haitian child or parent hurting or in pain, your lives were a personification of goodness, kindness, and compassion. We will remember you always in our hearts and in our prayers. Matthew 25 House Matthew 25 House E-Mail: [email protected] Our Hospitality House in Port-au-Prince, Haiti House Phone (011)(509)(4) 272-9166 Phone – Bertony Domond’s Cell: (011)(509)(3) 726-4472 or (3) 224-1263 We have had a busy year with 3,715 guests staying at Matthew 25 House from January 1 to August 31, 2013. Again, Matthew 25 Hospitality House Address: we would like to extend our thanks to all the volunteers who so #6, Rue A. Martial & Jean-Baptiste lovingly gave of their time to help out. Delmas 33 In July, we welcomed a new associate at Matthew 25 House, Port-au-Prince, Haiti W.I. Michelle Curran. Michelle recently completed her Masters Degree in Educational Leadership and Administration at Ball For those of you who travel frequently, we would be State University in Muncie, IN and has previously been a K-4 grateful if you could save the unopened small soaps Resource Teacher at Cedar Elementary in the Avon Community offered by hotels and motels for use at Matthew 25 Schools. From September through December 2012, Michelle House. If you will not personally be traveling to Haiti also did an internship at St. Antoine parish in Petite Rivière de and don’t know anyone who will be, you may send them Nippes, Haiti. to: Theresa Patterson, 309 Windemere Woods Drive, We are blessed to have Michelle with us at Matthew 25. Nashville, TN 37215. Thanks in advance for your help. The Connection Newsletter of the Parish Twinning Program (615) 298 3002 [email protected] FALL 2013 Pg. 2 of 8 The Connection - Newsletter of the Parish Twinning Program (615) 298-3002 [email protected] FALL 2013 Pg. 3 of 8 Latin American Program Latin American Program (Continued) Central & South America, Mexico, Philippines, St. Monica Catholic Church - Indianapolis, IN: - Spanish-Speaking Caribbean St. Monica will celebrate their 10th twinning anniversary this year with Santiago Apóstol parish in Lepaterique, COORDINATOR Honduras. His Eminence, Cardinal Oscar Andrés - Frances Sosadeeter Phone: (941) 921 3368 Rodriguez Maradia, plus all the priests from Santiago - 4048 Olive Ave. E mail: [email protected] Apóstol during these 10 years, have been invited to their Sarasota, FL 34231 celebration in Indianapolis. The 10th year anniversary - Programa de Hermanamiento de Parroquias de Las Americas coincided with their first trip with a By Frances Sosadeeter youth group. Kevin Holy Spirit - Indianapolis, IN: Parishioners John and Corydon from St. Kathy Evans, Associate Pastor Fr. Chris Wadelton, and Monica shares: “It others from Holy Spirit parish in Indianapolis have been took ten years to get visiting San Francisco de Asís parish in Texiguat, Honduras it off the ground, but bi-annually since 2010.