Sister Parish Meeting: January 16, 2002

Present: Rick, Louise, Mindy, Alex, Joel, Miguel

Louise reported on Guatemala. She was in TNII 2 nights. She walked a lot with Paul. Stayed with Bernardo and Marion. Marion is working on improving lighting in the community.

Meeting with TNII

Tile floor and wall of church is complete. The money we sent was used for security grills covering the windows in front.
TNII wants both recycled computers Joel has. The youth delegation will take one and adults the other.
Paul wanted the list of birthdays of committee members
Projects- TNII got the money sent but it was less 2% due to SP Inc. cut and the exchange rate was not as favorable as in past. It was appropriated in quetzales:
- youth-3000
- church-7000
- scholarships-25000
- women's group-7000
- music-7000
- 3000 left over for general expenses
Shannon of SP Inc. is organizing a training session for how to make the candles of higher quality for several of the sister parishes. Diego,via Ruth and Naomi cooperative, is helping with marketing.
Delegation planning. Louise gave bios and pictures for youth delegation. TNII will offer prayer for delegates. They brainstormed ideas for activities for the 2 delegations including potential retreats.
Alfombra themes discussed. Peace and Solidarity, Forgiveness and Healing Wounds. It was suggested to use a dove and Quetzal carrying an olive branch together with the words, "make us an instrument of your peace" which is on the SP inc tshirt.
They requested that Fr. George send Fr. Arturo a thank you for inviting and hosting the delegations. Also please mention what the relationship means, "pastor to pastor".

Other comments while in TNII

TNII sent with Louise 6 heart shaped candles as gifts to our community.

There is a new road, almost like a freeway, from TNI to Guatemala City.

SP Center looks very nice and renovation is ongoing. A family lives there currently.

Mindy read a letter from the women's group. They are involved in making shoes, decorations, party favors, etc. for money.

Delegations Summer 2002.

Adult: 10 adult women are committed to the delegation. 2 scholarships have been requested: $350 and $750 will be granted. Orientation dates are set and help is needed to present.

3/27- 6:30-8:30 pm
4/6- 1-4 pm
4/21- 12:30-3:30 pm
5/29- 6:30-8:30 pm
6/10- 6:30-8:30 pm
6/21- 6-9 pm
6/22- 9 am-6 pm
(past delegates needed for a fish bowl this day)

Youth: 7 youth(5 girls, 2 boys) are committed. Youth orientations are planned with an emphasis on politics, history and culture. Trina is involved. A retreat is planned in May. The youth will be involved in the alfombra. They are considering a project of constructing a fence around the school to keep squatters out. The supplies have been purchased by our committees and are there. Ruth and Shannon will accompany both delegations this summer.

LAGOS accompaniment group. Rick presented, requesting money from the Justice Fund. $7500 per year minimum is required to support one accompanier. The maximum Justice Fund grant is $5000 but Rick did apply for that amount. Accompaniment is a solidarity issue and the group only accompanies those committed to non-violence. It was suggested that perhaps LAGOS could be involved in Camp St. Joan this summer in exchange for the grant.

Alfombra: Bulletin announcements to appear on the 17th and 24th for help in construction on the 30th. The next meeting on the 20th we will cut templates if an image is ready. Alex and Jeff will provide lunch(5 ft sub) for the 30th.

Next meeting: March 20th 7 pm

submitted by: Alex