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All Saints' Commitment to Mission Support:
A Journey of Faith and Service
The Catholic Church has consistently supported and collaborated with various organizations, providing aid and financial assistance to mission trips worldwide. At All Saints, we are dedicated to continuing this vital mission by supporting organizations and initiatives that extend beyond our diocese in the United States.
Partnership with Catholic Extension Society
Recently, All Saints joined forces with the Catholic Extension Society, a pontifical society committed to building vibrant and transformative Catholic faith communities among the poor in America's most underserved regions. This partnership reflects our shared mission to uplift those in need and strengthen the Church's presence in these communities.
During the Advent Season of 2024, All Saints launched a mission appeal supporting The Literacy Wagon, a crucial program to combat summer learning loss among children of migrant farm workers in the Pacific Northwest. For many of these children, accessing libraries or participating in summer educational and recreational programs is not an option. In response, The Literacy Wagon directly provides books, educational activities, and literacy support.
Seminarians from the Diocese of Yakima, Washington, lead and organize this initiative as part of their outreach to the migrant community. In November 2024, Fr. Christian Meléndez-Cruz, a priest from the Diocese of Yakima, visited All Saints to celebrate Mass and introduce the Literacy Wagon program, expressing gratitude to our parishioners for their generosity.
Immersion Trips and Long-Term Recovery Efforts
Through grants, the Catholic Extension Society facilitates immersion trips for clergy, allowing them to witness firsthand the impactful work done in missions nationwide. Since its founding in 1905, Catholic Extension has contributed to constructing and repairing over 13,000 churches. Today, donors' and parish partners' generosity supports ministries and leaders in 87 dioceses throughout the United States and its territories.
In February 2025, our pastor, Fr. Elias Lopez, joined the Catholic Extension Society on an immersion mission trip to Puerto Rico, the birthplace of Christianity in the Americas and home to the oldest Catholic See in the Western Hemisphere (San Juan). This trip was particularly significant as many churches in Puerto Rico were severely damaged by Hurricane Maria in 2017. Catholic Extension Society has led long-term recovery efforts, partnering with Hagerty Consulting to guide the Church in Puerto Rico through the recovery process.
Immersion Trip Highlights
Fr. Elias and 17 priests and lay members embarked on a four-day journey to visit parishes, Catholic schools, and local clergy throughout various dioceses in Puerto Rico. The immersion members were warmly welcomed at each location, expressing gratitude for the immense contributions provided by the Catholic Extension Society. Some highlights of the trip included:- Catedral Basílica Menor de San Juan Bautista: A 500-year-old church sustained considerable damage during Hurricane Maria.
- Immaculate Conception Parish and School: Despite the Church's collapse from earthquakes in January 2020, the parish school continues to thrive, thanks to the dedication of its pastor and principal.
- Lunch at Obispado de Ponce: A gathering with local clergy and religious leaders, including Bishop Rubén Antonio González Medina, C.M.F.
- Nuestra Señora del Rosario School: Immersion members met with students who celebrated a basketball championship despite their school's damaged condition.
- Colegio San Felipe: Students held a special presentation for immersion members, showcasing their resilience despite years of challenges.
- Hogar Infantil Santa Teresita del Niño Jesús: This children's home has provided a haven for over 500 children, offering them love, education, and essential services.
The immersive mission trip to Puerto Rico was moving and motivational for the 17 clergy members and lay guests. Immersion members gathered for roundtable discussions each evening, sharing personal reflections and experiences. The firsthand encounters with students and children were blessings that deepened their commitment to service.Continuing Our MissionIn alignment with our mission to support initiatives beyond our diocese, All Saints will hold a Lenten Mission appeal to assist with ongoing repairs and projects in Puerto Rico. Your support—through awareness, information sharing, and monetary contributions—has been an inspirational blessing to many outside our parish community.Thank you for your continued prayers, support, and generosity.
-Gonzalo Ramos, MSM
Director of Liturgy & Music and Communications
Photographs by Gonzalo Ramos - Catedral Basílica Menor de San Juan Bautista: A 500-year-old church sustained considerable damage during Hurricane Maria.
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Immersion Photographs
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