Alleluia! Christ Is Risen!
“Then the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid! I know that you are seeking Jesus the crucified. He is not here, for he has been raised just as he said.’ ” – Matthew 28:5-6
Dear Friends,
The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the foundation of our Christian faith and reminds us of God’s saving grace. Your support last year allowed us to extend this grace to many who are in need by awarding $59,400 in grants in 2019.
- Support for Vulnerable Families – Franciscan Education & Assistance Association (Anápolis, GO, Brazil) Food, clothing and medical care for families who are poor.
- Vacuum-Assisted Toilets – Alvernia Preparatory School (Kingston, Jamaica) Install 25 water-efficient toilets that use mostly air to reduce waste of precious water.
- Educational Programs & Supplies – Social Action Assoc. (Tocantins, Brazil) Monthly art courses for 300 children.
- Literacy for All – Brunswick County Literacy Council (North Carolina) Provide updated instructional materials for 110 adult students and tutors.
- Food for Healthy Living – Canticle Farm (Allegany, NY) 6.5 farm shares and education for local community residents given through food pantries and shelters.
- New Oven – The Warming House (Olean, NY) A new oven to better serve free meals, 6 days per week, year round.
- College Scholarships – Franciscan Sisters in Bolivia (La Paz, Bolivia) Enable 3 young people to rise from poverty to become integral members of society by providing college scholarships.
- Sandwiches for the Homeless – Holy Cross Parish (Springfield, MA) Ham, turkey and cheese for 400 weekly sandwiches.
- Helping the Rural Elderly – New Ministries (Cincinnatus, NY) Help frail or ill older adults who live alone by providing a medical alert system, air conditioners and computer education.
- Classroom Partitions – St. Aloysius School (Kingston, Jamaica) Install partitions in 3 classrooms to improve academic performance.
- Homelessness Prevention Program – St. Francis Community Center (Long Beach Island, NY) Provide rent/mortgage assistance to allow clients to remain in their homes and avoid eviction.
- New Freezer for Protein Pantry – Trinity Café (Tampa, FL) Purchase a freezer for people to take home frozen protein.
Water to Live – Sacred Family Community Center (Macajuba, BA, Brazil) Franciscan Sisters and volunteers work to promote water-care training events and build cisterns for 15 families who are poor.
Improved Music Program – St. Joseph’s Infant School (Kingston, Jamaica) The purchase of 36 instruments will be the first step toward the dream of a school band.
Thank you for your generosity that has helped us to accomplish God’s work in serving those who are poor in Jamaica, Brazil, Bolivia and the United States. I ask you to prayerfully consider a gift that will bring hope, joy and comfort to those without food, water, and some of life’s simplest pleasures, such as art, music and reading.
May Jesus Christ’s redeeming love bless you this Easter,
Laura Whitford
President, St. Elizabeth Mission Society
Click HERE for the 2020 Easter Appeal
To view and order our 2020 Risen Christ Easter Card, click HERE.
