"Therefore encourage one another and build up each other." ~ 1 Thessalonians, 5:11
In July 2016, a group of St. Ignatius teens and adults ventured on a week-long mission to Guatemala.
There they served in the city of Cuilapa, located in the Diocese of Santa Rosa de Lima. Working in conjunction with Caritas and Cross Catholic Outreach, the team funded and helped construct a house for a single mom and her young son. Additionally, they helped construct a clean, safe water supply to a destitute village.
The St. Ignatius mission team, along with representatives of Cross Catholic Outreach and new friends, Blanca and Alexis, the recipients of the new house.
Helping to construct Blanca's three-room concrete block house (above.) In addition to contributing labor, the missionaries raised $9,000 to purchase the property and to build the house.
Hauling pipes to the job site. The missionaries assisted in a project to bring potable water to a remote village.
Fr. Norbert Jurek blesses a little girl after Mass. During the trip, the group was able to celebrate Mass in several remote communities with the local people, hold prayer services, and share testimonies.
Cuilapa, also known as Santa Rosa Cuilapa, serves as the capital of the department of Santa Rosa and as the seat of the Diocese of Santa Rosa de Lima.
Melinda Seiter with Sr. Rubia, from the local Catholic orphanage for girls, located in Cuilapa.