Present:

Newcomers Merlin and Barbara Olson (who live in Savage, have many past trips to Guatemala through another parish and are looking for a new experience by coming to our committee), Jenny, Mindy A-O, Joel Papa, Louise E, Michael Brannigan, Michael Hayes, Leslie, Bernie Grisez

Agenda:

1) Delegation will be blessed at masses on July 30th prior to leaving Aug. 4 (and they were).

2) We need a banner to support the delegation. Jenny volunteered to coordinate (and did a stellar job!)

3) What we expect from delegation:

• Discuss issue of ongoing communication and how to improve
• Ask for updates from last delegation from Tierra Nueva Dos - how are delegates?
• Ephraim family updates - how are they doing?
• Health care updates - ask Shannon re: shipping meds to them
• Scholarship program - is the amount adequate/optimal to make a difference and help the most students possible?
• Why no Xmas party?
• Arrange a meeting at the US Embassy if possible to establish a relationship/connection with someone who we can address when we have concerns about issues in Guatemala that we feel the US should make a strong statement about (for example, investigating the many crimes of violence against women, protecting witnesses in court cases involving the genocide in Guatemala in the 80s)
• Ask for updates on all projects
• Bring back candles for our next candle sale (it was determined that there is not a limit on paraffin through US customs)

4) Walk for Justice - happens on Sept. 17, 2006. Use personal contacts to get donations; need minimum of four walkers.

5) Sister Parish Northern Assembly is in Decorah, Iowa on August 25-27, first mtg. @ noon. We are looking for people who would like to attend to represent Saint Joan of Arc.

VTY,

Bernard J. Grisez