Haiti: Sister Parish

What's New:

Joyeux Noelle! Listen to the Kindergarten students at our sister singing Christmas songs in the video above.
Ash Wed, on March 5, offers a great opportunity to make a difference, since 100% of the collection will benefit our Sister Parish in Haiti. Donations can also be made at the parish office or online clicking Donate Now below.
In 2024, your contributions funded the construction of a new kitchen, dining room and food storage area and the completion of two new classrooms.
In 2025, we plan to continue funding the construction of a rectory for Fr. Mérat to live in with extra rooms for guests.

The Knights of Columbus are sponsoring a seminarian, Fanel Morigene, from our sister parish, Our Lady of Lourdes, in Tarasse, Haiti and we pray for his formation each week in our intentions.

Did you know?

We’ve been connected to our Sister Parish (Our Lady of Lourdes) & School (Sainte Jeanne d’Arc) since 1983
Our sister parish is 2 hours away in rural Tarasse, Haiti & separate from Dr. Mortel’s school
We fund teachers’ salaries, food, internet, healthcare, gas for ~300 students, plus construction projects

Learn more in our Annual Reports:
2024 Annual Report
2023 Annual Report
2022 Annual Report
2021 Annual Report
2020 Annual Report

Volunteer
We are always looking for ways to connect with other ministries, organizations and individuals who would like to partner with or join our Haiti Committee.

We are currently seeking a content creator to help with our parish engagement strategy which could be a great service project. If you are interested or would like to learn more about our sister parish you can reach us at
[email protected]

Meet Your Sister Parish in Haiti! Video Here

Haiti Photo Gallery Photo

HISTORY
Thirty years ago, Monsignor Bierster made a commitment to assist a poor parish in Haiti to build a school. The parish, Our Lady of Lourdes - located in Tarasse (Haiti) received our prayers and financial support. In gratitude the school was named "Sainte Jeanne D'Arc" or "St. Joan of Arc". Successive pastors have faithfully continued to support this parish & school. In August of 2016, Father Al and the Pastoral Council of the parish officially (and unanimously) sanctioned Our Lady of Lourdes parish as our “sister-parish”.

GOALS

Awareness: A group of St. Joan of Arc parishioners who work to maintain the relationship with our Sister Parish while facilitating communications to raise awareness and ensure our parish community is kept current on news & events pertaining to this relationship. This committee also facilitates fundraisers to provide additional financial support.

Fundraising: Our parish makes an annual gift to pay for the salaries of ALL the teachers at the school and provide a meal (usually beans and rice) to the children of the school three time a week. In addition to this, a second collection takes place on Ash Wednesday to provide parishioners with an opportunity to offer support during the Season of Lent. As mentioned above, the Haiti Committee will also initiate other fundraisers throughout the year.

Parish Interaction: We will pray for the specific needs of the parish in Haiti. Father Merat (Pastor of parish in Haiti) will provide Father Al with monthly intercessions from Our Lady of Lourdes. In turn, they will pray for our parish and the intercessions sent to them.