Introduction - Haiti Project

Haiti

Haiti, a Latin American country in which French and Creole are spoken, is located in the Caribbean on an island that it shares with the Dominican Republic. Haiti has remained the least-developed country in the Americas with an unemployment rate of over 70%. Finding money to feed a family is a daily struggle, with the average annual income hovering around $400.00. The enrollment rate for primary school is 67% , of which less than 30% reach 6^th grade. Secondary schools enroll 20% of eligible-age children. The 52.9% literacy rate for Haiti's 8.7 million inhabitants is the lowest in the region and a primary contributor to Haiti's economic problems. Roman Catholicism is the official state religion of Haiti and over 80% of the population professes to be Catholic.

Perodin, is a village located in the Artibonite region, accessible only by foot.

Our sister Parish

Ste-Elizabeth de Hongrie, Perodin (Feast Day- November 17^th).

Situated in des CAHOS, Department of Artibonite, Diocese of Gonaives, Haiti.

Pastor- Father Laneau Nicolas

Aproximately 16,000 parishioners among main parish and 8 chapels located throughout the CAHOS. The chapels are overseen by trained leaders.

The original church was built in 1950 by French from Briton. They remained at the parish for 37years, forming over 47 catechists during that period.

Father Laneau has been the pastor of Ste-Elizabeth de Hongrie since January 2002.

Parish Schools

There are two schools- one located at the main parish in Perodin and the other at Bien Place- one of the chapels. The total number of students varies from 325 to 400+ at Perodin and 125+ at Bien Place. Both schools offer education from Kindergarten to 6^th grade.

The school in Perodin is under the direction of the Sisters of Ste-Therese de L’Enfant Jesus. Sister Alvanie has been the director of the school for 2 years and is assisted by 2 other sisters along with 11 to 13 lay teachers.

The school in Bien Place is run by a lay person along with 8 teachers.

Our Mission

To promote and maintain a permanent relationship between the communities of OLPH and SEHP through mutual sharing of our time, talent, treasures, and trust in the daily living of our Christian values.

Prayer for Haiti

Gracious God, we pray for everyone in Haiti as they continue to struggle with harsh economic problems

We pray for the people of Haiti who endure shortages of food, shelter, and other daily necessities which many of us are fortunate to have. We lift up our brothers and sisters in Perodin, we ask You to give them strength and courage.

Great Loving God, we ask for your continuing support of the work done by the many volunteers in Haiti. May their work help the people of Haiti to make the changes necessary to improve living conditions.

God our Creator, you make all the people part of your family. You make all that is good in our lives fill us with your everlasting love. Bless us as we learn more about our sisters and brother sin Haiti. Help us to embrace our common blessings in serving You. Open our eyes to the gifts You give us in each other. Guide us to building bridges.

We ask this I the name of the Lord your precious Son, Jesus Christ, Amen