The Sister Parish Committee at Tierra Nueva Dos meets early in the calendar year to elect new officers for the coming year. The committee has representation on the San Marcos parish "sub-council" for the part of the community that resides in Tierra Nueva Dos. Three other municipal communities, including Tierra Nueva Uno, are also served by the pastor and parish staff of San Marcos. The parish council of San Marcos has representation from the "sub-council" at Tierra Nueva Dos.
The bible study group at San Marcos is called Peregrinos de Jesús which means "Pilgrims of Jesus". They meet weekly to study the scriptures for the upcoming Sunday. The reflections on one Sunday per month are shared with the Sister Parish Bible Study at St. Joan's. This helps to emphasize the spiritual dimension of our journey together.
The youth group's name, Cristo Vive, means "Christ Lives". This group has a strong influence in the lives of many of the youth in Tierra Nueva Dos. There are indications that participation in the youth group has kept some of the young people from continuing participation in gang related activities. Among the things the group does is holding an annual Christmas party. This has become quite an event with the participation of many in the community.
The women's group meets regularly to build community among the women of San Marcos. They do craft activities, socialize and learn various life skills together. The group typically numbers about 25 women. This past year they have spent time learning skills including crafts, sowing baby's clothing, cooking and baking. The group has also discussed, researched and conducted workshops in the following areas:
The women's group has become ecumenical with the addition of some non-Catholic members that are participating fully.
Scholarship awards are made to approximately 12 youth each year. These scholarships help families who whould otherwise not have the resources to send children to school to learn a skill or trade. Money from candles, cards and other fund raising activities at St. Joan are sent on a regular basis to help with the costs of the scholarships.
The candle making project at San Marcos has grown over the years and is now a major factor in being able to fund South-to-North delegations. Each year the Sister Parish committe at St. Joan places an order for candles that the parishioners of San Marcos fill. Members of the delegation carry suitcases full of candles as part of their luggage to bring the "merchandise" to St. Joan's for the annual candle sale.
While not strictly an "activity" of the Sister Parish, members of San Marcos at Tierra Nueva Dos who are also active in the local Charismatic Renewal movement are frequent and energetic participants in the activities of the hermanamiento. This group adds a dimension of prayer, emphasis on devotions and openly living out the Word of God to the often very practical work of fostering our relationship. When we get bound up in the details they frequently call us to remember the fact that our priority is to share a faith journey together and that means that, first and foremost, we need to nourish our faith and to share it with each other.