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Mission News:
Gracias - Thank you to all who have donated to our "goat project". These animals will provide needed nutrition to the children in our project. The parents are thrilled by the help. Kids can not do well in school if they do not eat properly. By your donations our children will go off to school with a nutritious meal! |
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A History of the Project:
St. John Bosco (1815-1888) was a friend to children who were poor, abandoned or at risk, hence our name reflects his ministry in his lifetime. His ministry was to give children a chance at a full life. In 1998, Deacon Richard LaRossa adopted this philosophy during a missionary trip to the people of Central America. It was at that time that he adopted the mission statement above, which continues today! Today the project helps 200 Guatemalan students stay in school through the generosity of the sponsors involved. |
At the core of the program are the parish of St. Raymond of Penyafort, in East Rockaway NY, and our sister parishes St. John the Baptist and Our Lady of Guadalupe in Novillero, Santa Lucia, Solola Guatemala. The project uses the facilities of the two Guatemalan parishes, but neither parish administers the program. It is self-directing and self- sufficient. Although all of the churches are Roman Catholic, the program is open to children and sponsors of any faith.
"We we started the mission project, Adrian Cochoy and I considered a number of names. It was a happy moment when we learned that we shared a favorite saint. St. John Bosco was born to a peasant family in Italy. The seeds of John's vocation were evident in early life. He had a dream at the age of 9 after receiving encouragement from a mysterious lady. "If you wish to win them, take your shepherd's staff and lead them to pasture". Gradually he discerned his vocation to care for poor boys and to inspire them to lead healthy, moral lives. Picking such a saint as our patron seemed a natural fit since helping poor children is our mission." Deacon Rich
"I have promised God that until my last breath I shall have lived for my poor young people. I study for you, I work for you, I am also ready to give my life for you. Take note that whatever I am, I have been so entirely for you". -St. John Bosco
"We we started the mission project, Adrian Cochoy and I considered a number of names. It was a happy moment when we learned that we shared a favorite saint. St. John Bosco was born to a peasant family in Italy. The seeds of John's vocation were evident in early life. He had a dream at the age of 9 after receiving encouragement from a mysterious lady. "If you wish to win them, take your shepherd's staff and lead them to pasture". Gradually he discerned his vocation to care for poor boys and to inspire them to lead healthy, moral lives. Picking such a saint as our patron seemed a natural fit since helping poor children is our mission." Deacon Rich
"I have promised God that until my last breath I shall have lived for my poor young people. I study for you, I work for you, I am also ready to give my life for you. Take note that whatever I am, I have been so entirely for you". -St. John Bosco
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