Help Annotto Bay in Jamaica 2023

Frassati Missions Inc. will travel to Annotto Bay, Jamaica, from January 11-17, 2023!

In partnership with the Franciscan Mission Outreach and the Congregation of the Oratory, Frassati Missions will serve Annotto Bay's community with an emphasis on the parish of St. Theresa and the five associated schools.

St. Theresa Catholic Church runs a daily food distribution through Food for the Poor and operates (5) basic and primary schools as well as (5) mission chapels both by the shore and within the Blue Mountains. The Food for the Poor Program is a vital need for the local community, and the mission schools and mission chapels provide critical formation for the Annotto Bay youth as well as nourishing meals. The service and evangelization work completed by the missionaries will not only meet material needs of the local community but also help re-establish a center of community where families and youth can gather in a safe and healthy setting to receive further spiritual formation and care.

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 three 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 2023 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 ($6500)

- General Repairs & Cleanup at both St. Theresa's and its mission schools

- Repainting at St. Theresa's and its mission schools

- Construction of a perimeter fence that will make the property safer and prevent litter from being thrown onto the property

-Purchase a Container to safely store Food for the Poor supplies, providing additional space for the parish and additional storage for the needs of the community, prepare field and construct a concrete slab for container storage.

Youth & Community Outreach ($2500)

- 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 ($1000)

- Landscaping at St. Theresa's (new plants, shrubbery, and supplies for its two

community gardens)

HOW ELSE CAN YOU HELP?

Sharing

Even if you cannot give financially, you can support us with 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 Missions' PayPal Giving Fund Charity Profile #4686339. If you donate 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!

--

Frassati Missions Inc is a non-profit organization, and 501(c)(3) registered public charity with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Federal Tax ID: 88-3465373. The mission work that is accomplished is funded entirely by your generous contribution. Your donations are tax-deductible in the United States to the fullest extent of the law. Thank you for your service in keeping Pier Giorgio's spirituality and love for the poor and sick thriving. Verso l'alto!