Father Joseph Hastings Educational Mission Trip

A Thank You Note from Father Hastings -

"The generosity of the people of God never ceases to amaze me, and I am grateful to all of you for helping me reach my goal for Spanish studies. As a further thank you, on Tuesday, April 2nd , I will celebrate Mass for the intention of those who donated towards this cause. May God abundantly bless each of you as we enter the most sacred time of the year and celebrate the mysteries of our redemption."

God bless,

Fr. Joseph Hastings

Side Note - Any funds donated over the goal amount will go towards Father Hastings essential living costs such as food & other personal items, etc.

My name is Richard Peterson. My wife Debra and I, are fundraising for a wonderful clergyman (Father Joseph Hastings) who is a priest in the Catholic Diocese of Memphis at St. Francis of Assisi church in Cordova, TN. Later this year, Father Joseph will be sent to Rome for several months to finish his spiritual studies at the Vatican. While he is already in Europe, Father Hastings would also like to cost effectively become fluent in the Spanish language at the AIL Spanish training school in Madrid. This highly accredited facility offers intensive Spanish courses in a comprehensive and accelerated learning environment. Being a bi-lingual priest will be a great asset to both our Diocese and Parish upon his return. Father Hastings cannot ask for money to help himself, so let's get together and assist this deserving man of God.

Here is a summary of what Father Hastings told me:

“...I will soon be returning to Rome to complete my studies in Spiritual Theology. I have been a priest for four years, and one thing I have become increasingly aware of is the need for Spanish speaking priests in our Diocese. It pains me when one of my parishioners comes to me for help, and I am limited in what I can do for them because of the language barrier. Before going to Rome to complete my studies, I will have a month of free time that I hope can be used at a Spanish immersion and language school in Spain. I am looking forward to being fluent in Spanish so that I can learn the language and heritage of those I will be ministering to upon my return to Memphis.”