Our Ministries: Haitian Works Matthieu, Haiti "The journey of one thousand miles begins with a single step." In 1983 the Sisters of St. Margaret realized a greatly prayed for dream. They were able to acquire a one room building in the small rural town of Matthieu. They named their new house Maison St. Paul, and thus created a small country mission of presence for the people of the area. These people lived in extreme poverty. They struggled each day to keep their families fed and clothed. Although a primary school was reasonably close, many children could not attend because they did not have clothing to wear to school. Almost all of the people living in the area did not have enough food to eat each day. Although they had small vegetable gardens, much of what they grew had to be sold in the local markets in order to pay rent, buy food staples and meet other immediate expenses. Sr.Gloria and guests at Maison St. Paul. The sisters wanted to assist their new neighbors with their existing living situations and help them to discover Christ in their own environments. This has been the sensible approach of the Episcopal Church in Haiti. Missionaries preach the Gospel and remain faithful to it by fulfilling the spiritual and social needs of the people around them. This allows missionaries to show the people that Jesus Christ can truly be in their lives on a daily basis. Sr. Marie Margaret greeting a new neighbor of Maison St. Paul. Sr.Virginia enjoying a dance with a neighbor. The ministries of Maison St. Paul have developed and expanded as more needs were identified among surrounding friends and neighbors. Presently there is a lunch feeding program for the children whose homes are near the mission. During the embargo of 1993-1994, the feeding program was expanded to include entire families. Sr. Marie Margaret, who is an RN, uses her nursing skills to treat simple problems and arrange for more serious medical problems to go to rural clinics or into Port-au-Prince. The convent Jeep often functions as a sick bus for those who are ill and need to go into the city for immediate medical care. The blessing of the garden at Maison St. Paul. Clothing and shoes are collected and distributed so that the children will have something to wear to school. School supplies are distributed and school tuition is paid for many children. The sisters also transport new babies and their mothers to Holy Cross Hospital for post-natal care if needed. If the family cannot afford this care, the sisters pay for the baby and mother's medical needs. Inpatient and outpatient care and needed prescriptions are covered by the community, as well as other medical needs that might develop as the baby is treated. Sisters have served on the hospital Board of Directors for many years. A young neighbor who stopped to say "Hello" at Maison St. Paul. Confirmands arriving at Maison St. Paul on their way to the church in the village. Religious life at Maison St. Paul is simple and small. The sisters have had regular prayer and worship services for their neighbors for many years. Children were taught hymns and Bible stories that were enjoyed by their grandparents as well. Bible readings take place. Babies were baptized as well as older children and often their parents. Marriages have always been encouraged and weddings are celebrated. For many years the sisters have had a collection of wedding dresses for their neighbors use. An outdoor Eucharist being celebrated. Historically the sisters have spent two days and two nights a week at Maison St. Paul except during times of political unrest. It is a one to two hour drive from Port-au-Prince to the mission, depending on the conditions of the unpaved roads, which are either dirt or mud. The 10-year-old Jeep that the sisters use for transportation is increasingly showing signs of failure. Travel is very hard on vehicles in Haiti. Main highways are in disrepair and most side roads are dirt or mud, depending on the season. The sisters greatly fear that their Jeep will give out and they will have no way to reach Maison St. Paul. This would mean abandoning this vital ministry to the children and their families that live around Maison St. Paul. Sr. Gloria and friends working in the house garden.     Kenscoff, Haiti There was also a strong need to create a place of quiet and retreat where the Sisters of St. Margaret, other missionaries, and local people might go for spiritual refreshment and renewal. In 1961, the sisters opened their retreat and conference center in cool, mountainous Kenscoff. The center is 4,500 feet above tropical and very noisy Port-au-Prince. This rest place is a lifeline to volunteers from the north, as well as a place of quiet and renewal for the Haitian people, young and old, seeking to deepen their Christian life. A sister travelling to a remote mission house in Haiti. A view from the Kenscoff road. There is an immediate, urgent need to strengthen the enclosure in which the retreat center is located. Buildings are also in desperate need of repair. During times of political unrest, robbery and violence become more common as people search for a way to survive. There have been break-ins and robberies at the retreat center on numerous occasions. To provide safety for the sisters and their guests, a strong fence is being built around the conference center area. In addition, plumbing and the rain-fed reservoirs supplying water to the house need to be repaired. More adequate beds and bedding are desperately needed for retreat guests. These two projects combined will cost $75,000. If you would like to help the Sisters of St. Margaret continue with these two vital ministries, you may send donations to: The Society of St. Margaret St. Margaret's Convent 17 Highland Park Street Boston, MA 02119-1436. Please indicate that the donation is for the Haitian ministries. Sr. Marie Margaret, or one of the sisters stationed in Haiti, will personally let you know how your gift is being used.