Hearts for Haiti
Our Parish Twinning Ministry
Our parish started twinning with St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church in Dilaire, Haiti in February of 2006. As Haiti is the poorest country in this hemisphere we support them with monetary support & material resources. Corpus Christi Parish also hosts an annual medical mission; helping those in need of medical care in the community of St. Michael the Archangel Parish and the surrounding area. Some of the patients walk or ride their bicycles, horses, or donkeys for many miles in order to receive the blessing of medical care, medical supplies and prescription medications provided by our wonderful team of missionaries.
 

Corpus Christi Parish also provides scholarships for secondary school students and students studying to become nurses, supports a Pre-K classroom located at St. Michael the Archangel Parish and teaches practical skills to the people of the area to help them become a self-sustaining community. On occasion our team is able to bring back handmade items to help support this wonderful ministry and our parish hosts an annual garage sale (usually in July) and other events, which also supports the ministry.

If you are interested in becoming involved in either the Medical Mission Team which goes to Haiti once a year, the Support Team which collects and packages goods and helps organize our efforts in Haiti, or as a member of the ministry's Planning Committee, please contact Javier Cuevas at jcuevas66@yahoo.com.

If you are interested in making a monetary donation, you can give online or in the parish office, or even in the offering basket at Mass. Donations made by check should have "Haiti Ministry" written on the memo line.

MESI ANPIL!
(THANK YOU)

Medical Mission, February 23-March 9, 2018

From February 23rd through March 9th a group of people visited St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Dilaire, Haiti. This team was made up of Corpus Christi parishioners and participants from USF, the VA and Moffitt offering the Haitian community the gift of their Time and Talents, hosting a medical clinic for 4 days.

Dear Friends,

During our 2018 USF/Corpus Christi Medical Mission, we had the great honor of presenting the parish of St. Michael the Archangel in Dilaire, Haiti, with a brand new crucifix for their church. This one in particular was given to us as a gift from the Christians of Bethlehem who have been at our own parish of Corpus Christi with their olivewood religious products. Father Ernest Angrade and the parish of St. Michael’s were really pleased to receive this beautiful gift that was made in the Holy Land.  Since our last visit to Dilaire, Father Ernest has been able to finish the construction of the Parish House.
 
The annual Medical Mission is co-sponsored by Corpus Christi and the University of South Florida, with a lot of financial support and medicines from organizations such as Sykes and Blessings International.  This year, there were 2,142 patients seen by 11 doctors and 4 nurses, with the assistance of 15 translators, 25 parishioners of St. Michael’s, a laboratory, and many other support personnel.  The oldest patient was in their 90’s, and the youngest was a newborn.
 
We are truly blessed in many ways to share our ministry with St. Michael the Archangel in Dilaire! There are many ways to get involved in this ministry, even if you are not able to travel to Haiti. Please stay tuned for details throughout the year!

Sincerely, Fr. Mike