Plans for a Future Full of Hope
“For I know well the plans I have in mind for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for woe, plans to give you a future full of hope.”
– Jeremiah 29:11
Dear Friends,
I’m pleased to report that the Mission Society moved our operations back into St. Elizabeth Motherhouse in Allegany, NY in July. We are so grateful we could continue the mission from our remote offices, and we are working diligently to ensure that critical programs helping our brothers and sisters in need receive necessary funding.
At this time of year, we are normally receiving donations in response to our Mission Appeals in various churches in the U.S. We apply to dioceses requesting permission for our Sisters or Associates to visit their parishes. Every year, 12 dioceses give us speaking assignments in 25 parishes in New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts and Florida. Our volunteers speak about the wonderful missionary work being conducted in Jamaica, Bolivia, Brazil and the U.S. by our Franciscan Sisters of Allegany and their partners. Not only do these visits garner generous support of the missions, but they also fulfill our mission to proclaim the Gospel.
A student receives books at St. Francis of Assisi Educational Center in Palmas, TO, Brazil.
100 students receive financial scholarships to this private school. The Mission Society provides $100/month plus a grant for scholarships, uniforms and educational supplies for students in need.
“Mission Society funds have significantly improved our ability to offer quality education, as well as to continue to offer support and growth conditions to families who are in great need of our service.” – Sr. Maria Helena dos Santos, OSF
Due to the pandemic, however, our 2020 Mission Appeals program has been greatly affected. Many dioceses have cancelled the appeals completely, while some have provided alternate means to fundraise. Others are still welcoming in-person appeals, but finding volunteers to travel and stay overnight is challenging when considering their health as well as quarantine constraints.
The Mission Society plans to fund almost $128,000 this year in grants and monthly support for five countries. Donations from our Mission Appeals comprise one third of our annual contributions. Our ability to fund programs will be hindered without these gifts. Our board of directors hopes to award $60,000 in grants this summer. The usual needs are even greater because of the pandemic. Following is a summary of the applications we have received:
- Brazil—food, handicrafts courses & workshops/trainings for the social assistance program in Anápolis; food & hygiene supplies for families that have lost their jobs in Bom Jesus da Lapa; educational programs & supplies for students in Palmas
- Jamaica (Kingston)—Laptops to assist with distance learning at a middle school; support for a water harvesting project at the Sisters’ Motherhouse to alleviate serious drought issues
- United States—fresh produce for the food insecure (see right); assistance for homeless families starting new homes; sandwiches for the homeless; support for a community garden; food, clothing, medicine and shelter needs
Every month, the Mission Society provides $4,400 to support ministries in Bolivia, Brazil and Jamaica. This funding provides much needed food and medicine to many families; diapers and health care for young mothers; school supplies, uniforms, tuition and lunch programs for students; job skills training; and religious education.
St. Francis Primary and Infant School in Kingston, Jamaica receives Mission Society funding of $250/month for its lunch program for 45 students who can’t afford the cost. As a result of the program, teachers notice that students have better attendance, and improvement in their behavior, relationships with peers, and overall health.
A Mission Society grant to Canticle Farm in Allegany, NY helps provide at least 7 local organizations with fresh, nutritious, naturally-grown produce during the summer. The organizations then distribute it to many local families who experience food insecurity.
Please prayerfully consider a gift that will make a difference in the lives of so many of our neighbors in need. Our Sisters are offering daily prayers for the world and all of our benefactors.
Let us trust in God’s plan for a future full of hope,
Laura Whitford, President
