Renewing Friendships
As the name “Mission of Friendship” indicates, fostering relationships of friendship is an integral part of the purpose and programs of the mission. One way that friendship across borders is promoted is through hosting visitors from the United States in Yucatán. From November 10 through 17, we had the opportunity to welcome back Cindy and Dean Collins, long-time friends and supporters of the mission from Franklin, Pennsylvania.During their time in Yucatán, Cindy and Dean were able to spend time with the two families they sponsor in the Amigos program, as well as with the family that their daughter, Hilary, sponsors. They did outings to the state fair in Xmatkuil with two of the families and an ice cream outing with the other. They met with Fr. Freddy Tzuc Canché, the pastor of the San Pedro y San Pablo Parish (in the village of Chacsinkin), partner parish to St. Patrick Parish in Franklin, PA, in the Sister Parishes Program. They also met with Carmen Morales, Chacsinkin parishioner and former mission volunteer, to hear news from their sister parish to carry home. There was a special dinner and dancing with the mission team on the patio of the Casa Blanca guest house, and another smaller dinner at the mission house. Cindy and Dean also visited the Nueva Vida and daycare programs, giving a new outfit of clothing to each of the daycare children that had been provided through the generosity of St. Patrick parishioners.
Reflecting on their time in Yucatán, Cindy wrote, “There are no words to describe how amazing our visit was with all our friends and families in Merida!” We are so happy that they enjoyed their time with us. Their visit was also a great blessing to their sponsored families and to the mission staff. True mission is based on relationships, and true mission is always mutual, a blessing for all involved. Thank you, Cindy and Dean, for your visit and for living out the true spirit of mission!
Helping Hands with Nueva Vida
It is a pleasure to share good news from the Nueva Vida After School Enrichment Program. Shortly after starting the 2022-23 school year, various people expressed interest in sharing their talents through volunteering in the program. The first to offer was Mr. Eric who teaches English classes with the girls every Monday. On Tuesdays, our dear Mrs. Lisa began by teaching beading with supplies donated to make crafty items such as ropes, face mask fasteners, and bracelets. The girls are delighted!Later, a former student and resident of Hogar Nueva Vida, Rubí, began visiting us every Wednesday to support us with cleaning and maintaining the facilities. What a kind gesture on her part! On Thursdays, we have Mrs. Gabriela who teaches baking classes. She provides most of her own ingredients and baking tools, and her generosity has been very beneficial for the girls. Every Thursday they can taste what they have created together.
Also, it is exciting that every Friday our volunteer Alfa, also a former resident of the Hogar Nueva Vida and mother of a young family, donates her time. She provides discussion about values and other creative activities. All the staff, as well as the girls and their parents, are very grateful for all these valuable contributions. We consider time to be the most valuable thing we have as human beings. These people have given their time to bring much joy to our girls.
Introducing the New Coordinators of Los Amiguitos Daycare
My name is Tomasa Kantún Mex. I have been working at Los Amigui-tos daycare for twenty-eight years. I am now carrying out the coordination and administration of the program with Reyna Cocom Moo. In a few months, I will finish my two-year course of studies as an Educational Assistant in Child Care.In these first months of school year, beginning as program coordinators, we have experienced many moments of growth and learning. One of my principal goals is to create more opportunities for parents to participate in the life of the daycare and to build stronger relationships with each other.
Hello! My name is Reyna Cocom Moo. I am a psychologist with a certification in early stimulation and child development. A month and a half ago, I was given the great opportunity to work at the Los Amiguitos daycare center with teacher Tomasa as co-coordinators of the program. I was able to get to know the Mission of Friendship some time ago before this new opportunity arose.As soon as I found out about the mission and the vision that guides its work, I identified with it, and did not hesitate to offer my support, not only professionally but also personally, since we share the same values. For me, children are the most valuable thing in the world. My goal is to do a great job in coordinating the daycare, to make it a place where children can explore and develop their skills.
Honoring our beloved Lady of Guadalupe
There is a saying here in Mexico that says: "Every Mexican is Guadalupan.” For Mexicans and Yucatecans, it is very important to respect and honor the Mother of God, especially as she appeared to Juan Diego in 1531 in central Mexico. She is our beloved Lady of Guadalupe, symbol of Mexico, and Patroness of the Americas. At the Mission of Friendship, we are very happy to continue the beautiful tradition of dedicating an afternoon in November to honor Our Lady of Guadalupe together in anticipation of her feast day on December 12.We began this tradition three years ago, but due to torrential rain the first year, and pandemic restrictions the following two years, we weren’t able to fully carry out the tradition until this year. This year EVERYTHING favored us. God blessed us with very good weather, and we were no longer bound by COVID restrictions. So, the mission staff and families from the mission programs were able to all process together to the Church of San Cristobal, the Guadalupan Shrine in Merida, for a special mass with the participation of our entire beautiful community.
We thank Father Candelario Jiménez for officiating the mass, Father José Gilberto, pastor of San Cristóbal, for being attentive to the mission and blessing us upon arrival, and to our mission team, parents and volunteers. We hope you enjoy these pictures.
The gift of hope
Once again, this year the Mission of Friendship staff prepared food baskets to assure each family a special Christmas dinner. The staff assembled these baskets for their distribution during the week of December 19-23.The families are certainly happier and more grateful than ever for the assistance during this holy season. The Christmas cash support was also given to the families.
Please know that your generosity transformed the Christmas spirit for many Yucatecan families!
A note from the director's desk
I wish to express my deepest gratitude to the Amigos Program, Nueva Vida Program and Sister Parish Program participants for the marvelous support you give to our sister and brothers in Yucatán. I would like to take the opportunity to encourage you to never forget that your financial support to these families and parishes means more than a simple help. It is an enormous blessing to them.
Just a reminder that the Acceptiva “Amigos” and General Mission of Friendship page has been activated on the Mission Office website. The “Acceptiva” site is to make electronic donations easier, and to allow one-time donations. It is also a quick and easy way to invite family members and friends to make a donation to the Amigos program or the Mission of Friendship in general.We want to invite you to visit your Yucatecan family. Doing so is an unforgettable and life-changing experience. There in Yucatán the Mission of Friendship staff members are able to provide transportation, tour guidance, translation and lodging for the modest cost of your donation to the Mission of Friendship. Please prayerfully consider this possibility. As always please feel free to contact me if you have any questions. May God bless you and your family this Holy season!
Some Important Reminders
We would like to take this opportunity to remind you of important points regarding sponsorship as we move into 2023. Since 2021, sponsors’ donations have been combined in a common Amigos account from which all of the families receive their help. This allows for a more equitable distribution of assistance to the families.
Moving forward, the mission office in Erie will continue to receive the donations sent by Amigos sponsors, Nueva Vida sponsors and Sister Parishes by way of checks and online credit card contributions. These funds will be wired periodically to the mission account in Mérida. Amigos sponsors can send special donations, in addition to their regular monthly contributions, that are earmarked specifically for their particular sponsored family as Christmas gifts, Easter gifts, or birthday gifts. These special gifts are not added to the common Amigos fund. They are kept separate to be given only to the sponsor’s particular Amigos family. If you would like to give a special gift just for your sponsored family, please make a note in the memo line of your check or enclose a note of explanation with your donation. Your intentions for the special gifts will be communicated to the mission staff in Mérida.
The Mission Office of the Diocese of Erie is still receiving letters, cards, and photos from sponsors to be sent to families in Mérida as usual. However, sending correspondence via e-mail is also available. If you have questions regarding your donations, tax deductions or new sponsorship, or would like to communicate changes in your contact information or sponsorship status, please contact mission office director Indira Suarez by e-mail: isuarez@eriercd.org or by phone: (814) 824-1231.
For tax purposes: If you wish to receive tax credit for the donations for year 2023, please date and submit your donations after January 1st of 2023.
In January you should expect a letter with the summary of your donations to the Mission of Friendship sponsorship program made during the year 2022.
If you have questions about your sponsored family, would like to make arrangements to visit your family, or would like to send letters or photos digitally to your sponsored family, please contact Amigos Program Coordinator, Silvia Gonzalez Garcia, by e-mail: amfriendship@outlook.com, or Mission Coordinator, Azucena Santos: amistad1971@outlook.com.
Please know that we are grateful to all of you who sponsor a family in Mérida through the Amigos Program, supporting them with your prayers, concern, and financial support. We look forward to hearing from you!
~ Indira ~
Share with the Mission Office your special events and news from your parish. Always looking for volunteers for the Sister Parish Program. If interested, please call (814) 824-1231 or email: isuarez@erieRCD.org