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Help Annotto Bay in Jamaica
This January 2022 we will have the privilege of serving Annotto Bay in Jamaica through Frassati Fellowship's third mission trip. In collaboration with local community and education leaders, the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, and the Congregation of the Oratory, we will once more have the privilege of serving St. Theresa's and its various mission schools and chapels.
ABOUT ANOTTO BAY & ITS NEEDS
Annotto Bay is a town in the rural parish of Saint Mary, Jamaica. While St. Mary's is known for its agriculture, it also remains one of the least developed parishes in all of Jamaica. Basic infrastructure remains a challenge, and access to educational facilities and healthcare are one of the greatest needs. According to a 2010 article published by the World Bank, St. Mary's AIDS rate alone was approx 321 per 100,000 persons.
Anotto Bay itself used to be an active sea port town. However, with the closure of the port and agriculture becoming more prominent within other areas of St. Mary's, Annotto Bay remains one of the poorest towns in St. Mary's. Alcoholism and mental health issues are very prevalent within the town. As a result, many children and youth are left at risk or abandoned with no access to education and other basic needs.
OUR MISSION & FOCUS
We are partnering with local education and community leaders to help Annotto Bay reclaim its sense of family and community by restoring and building up St. Theresa's church, mission chapels, and mission schools. St. Theresa's church property itself houses a Food for the Poor station, which distributes food almost daily to the community. However, there is much more potential for youth, family, and community programs and events. St. Theresa's also runs several mission schools throughout Annotto Bay and in the Blue Mountains. In addition to education, the schools provide regular meals as well as a healthy environment for children to be nurtured and formed.
Over two short mission trips, the missions team has provided food to over two hundred people and held youth outreach activities, serving over 100 children. The team has beautified St. Theresa's main church, planting a community garden, removing truck loads' worth of garbage (literally!), and completing and funding many much needed repairs. These repairs include repairing the church's leaky roof, rebuilding one of the property's perimeter walls, and having new screens installed into the windows.
Since our first mission trip in 2019, we've seen the parish slowly begin to grow. While serving the youth and community in the short-term, we hope the long-term impact will be the restoration and building of the family, providing a more holistic environment that will allow children and youth to thrive . And by helping St. Theresa's become more safe and sustainable, our hope is it will attract the right local steward who will care for and continue developing the community for the long haul. We are grateful to all our benefactors and missionaries who have helped make the first two mission trips possible. And we thank in advance(!), the hearts and generosity of those who will make our 2022 mission trip possible.
THE PROJECTS YOU'D BE SUPPORTING
We will work closely with our local partners to prioritize the service projects based on need and impact. Though not exhaustive, the projects below are examples of what will be possible with your support. Your support will also make possible the accompaniment of 1-2 chaplains for the group.
Repairs, Clean-Up, & Construction ($3000)
- General Repairs & Cleanup at both St. Theresa's and its mission schools
- Repainting at St. Theresa's and its mission schools
- Construction for a perimeter fence that will make the property more safe and prevent litter from being thrown onto the property
Youth & Community Outreach ($2000)
- Youth retreat that will provide food, activities, transportation, and needed school supplies for St. Theresa's mission schools
- Community day that will provide food, family activities, and transportation
Art & Beautification ($2000)
- Statue of St. Martin de Porres, a replica of the famous St. Martin de Porres statue created by Thomas McGlynn. The missions team has received special permission from the McGlynn collection to reproduce and gift this statue to the parish.
- Landscaping at St. Theresa's (new plants, shrubbery, and supplies for its two community gardens)
- Landscaping at St. Theresa's (new plants, shrubbery, and supplies for its two community gardens)
HOW ELSE YOU CAN HELP
Sharing
Even if you cannot give financially, you can support us by your prayers and sharing about the needs of Annotto Bay.
PayPal Giving Fund
If you'd like to ensure 100% of your donation goes towards the mission trip, you can also give directly through Frassati Fellowship's . If you give through this method, please email a copy of the donation receipt to [email redacted] so we can log your donation for the mission trip.
INTERESTED IN JOINING THE MISSION?
Click here for full details. We hope you'll join us!
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Frassati Fellowship of Catholic Young Adults is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization funded entirely by your generosity. Your donations are tax-deductible in the United States to the fullest extent of the law. Frassati Fellowship of Catholic Young Adults' EIN is 86-1117920. Thank you for keeping Pier Giorgio's spirituality thriving. Verso l'alto!
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