Approximately 75 St. Malachi parishioners enjoyed Huevos Rancheros, and other fare, at the annual Lenten Potluck Brunch on Sunday, 2/22/2015 between the Masses.

During  brunch, our own St. Martha Owen, OSU and Sr. Rose Elizabeth, OSU, presented Reverse Mission:  Celebrating 50 years in El Salvador.   Sr. Rose Elizabeth recently returned after serving for several years in El Salvador.

Sr. Rose explained that while the government provides shoes to pre-school and elementary children, there is no government support for middle school and high school students.  At her suggestion, half of the funds we collect will be used to purchase shoes for the middle/high school students.  For every $30 collected one pair of shoes can be purchased.  Clean and well-fitting shoes not only provide important protection for the feet, but also are a source of self-esteem.

The second significant need is for dry shelter.  There are two seasons in El Salvador — the 6 month rainy season and the 6 month dry season.  Since most houses have dirt floors, when a roof leaks, the family lives in mud for 6 months.  Since homes are small, a corrugated metal roof can be provided for about $100.  For a family’s comfort, this is a high priority.

Consequently, our theme for this year is Help from Top to Bottom:  Roofs and Shoes in El Salvador.

Sr. Martha Owen, OSU, another veteran of the mission, spoke of the faith of the people in El Salvador and how they inspired her in her faith.

For those who were unable to attend, an inspirational videos are available about the El Salvador mission, and can be viewed online.  See our post which includes links to these videos.

Small cardboard boxes are available at the doors of the church which can be used to make this almsgiving a family project.  $30 will make a difference for 1 child for an entire year.  Since most families have between 4 and 6 children (plus mother and father), a gift of $100 will provide comfort for 6 to 8 people for the entire rainy season.