We have sponsored and sent a "missionary" team to the Yucatan (Mexico). This was a direct answer to a missionary organization asking for help. We sent professionals such as Dentists and Doctors (we've got lots of those in our parish) as well as other folks to work as laborers, translators and assistants. The parish picked up most of the travel expenses and the professionals/laborers donated their time. Many medical supplies were donated/purchased for the endeavor. The parish was very much informed and enlightened on the whole process.

About three years ago, our parish "adopted" a family from war-torn Bosnia. Basically, we found them a place to stay and gave them necessary items such as clothing and furniture. Our parish community responded with very much enthusiasm to the pleas for money, clothes, furniture, etc. . . They were also provided opportunities to make a living and now, I believe, the family is making it on their own, thanks to our community's initial efforts to get them "on their feet".

After an appeal by a visiting Indian priest, our choir has adopted a seminarian by sending enough money annually to send him to a seminary in India.

We also have a sister parish on the southwest side of town (poorest part of the city) to which we give monetary support and food items on a regular basis.

Our parish community seems to react more to specific needs, as opposed to "black bag collection for the poor".

Don Bernhard
Director of Music Ministries
St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, San Antonio, TX