170 likes | 184 Views
St. Anthony Twinning 2003-Present. Our Lady of Health Castle Bruce, Dominica West Indies. St. Anthony Church Madisonville, Cincinnati, OH. “Bind Us Together in Love”. Called to Global Solidarity: International Challenges for U.S. Parishes
E N D
Our Lady of Health Castle Bruce, Dominica West Indies
St. Anthony Church Madisonville, Cincinnati, OH
“Bind Us Together in Love”
Called to Global Solidarity: International Challenges for U.S. Parishes “We are members of a universal Church that transcends national boundaries and calls us to live in solidarity and justice with the peoples of the world. We are also citizens of a powerful democracy with enormous influence beyond our borders. As Catholics and Americans we are uniquely called to global solidarity.” Statement of U.S. Bishops 1997
What is a Twinning Relationship? • Twinning means a coming together of a parish in the • United States with a parish in another area of the world in • an active, mutual and on-going faith commitment. The hope is • that people bind together spiritually, culturally and in a mutual • sharing of resources. Inherent in the development of a twinning • relationship is a strong faith in the concept of the Universal • Church, which recognizes all persons as brothers and sisters. • Spiritual and relationship building are of primary importance • •Social and economic projects are secondary to the relationship
Why Twinning at St. Anthony? Twinning at St Anthony’s is in response to the call to global solidarity issued by the U.S. bishops in 1997. Integrating global concerns into our parish life helps us realize that we are all one human family. Our moral challenge includes not only a commitment to others in our local community to whom we reach out in many ways, but also to those beyond our national boundaries.
Twinning Covenant The parishes of Our Lady of Health, Castle Bruce, Commonwealth of Dominica and St. Anthony, Madisonville, Ohio, USA, hereby enter into a covenant. Our shared goal is to grow in faith together in Jesus Christ. For the mutual benefit and support of both parish communities, we desire to learn from each other and share both cultures and resources. The initial term of this covenant is for three years, beginning on July 7, 2005; however, it is the genuine desire of both communities that this be a long-term relationship. In signing this covenant, we ask the blessings of Almighty God upon this endeavor.
Airport Carib Territory Castle Bruce Size – 29 miles long, 16 miles wide Climate – tropical. Hurricane season July through November Roseau
Major Demographics • Population: 69,000 (2005 estimate) • Population Growth Rate: - 0.27% • Avg. Life Expectancy: 74 years • Religion: 77% Roman Catholic • Major Exports: Bananas, Bay Oil, Oranges • Unemployment Rate: 23% • Only Caribbean Nation with Native Carib Indian • community of around 3,000
What Does the Future Hold with Twinning in Dominica? One more year with the covenant… should we renew it? • Future Projects/Events: • Possible Dominican Bishop Visit Next Summer • Matthew 25 Ministries Venture • St. Anthony Group Visit Next Year?
Major Challenges: • Presently there is no full-time priest for Our Lady of Health. • Inconsistent Communication with Dominican Parish Leaders. • Tough for Dominicans to get Visas. • Sharing the workload and planning within our Twinning committee. • Recruiting new members and parishioner involvement