Dear Friend,

At this time of year, we see families coming together to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. They celebrate the uniqueness of each person gathered and cherish the “gift of each other.” Throughout the years, thousands of Catholics from the Archdiocese of Milwaukee have nurtured a similar relationship with the people of La Sagrada Familia Parish in the Dominican Republic. We have and continue to be “united at the heart.”

Much like a potluck supper, Catholics in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee have brought the best of our physical, emotional, financial and spiritual support to the table of those who need it most. In return, we’ve received even more.

As we near the 35th anniversary of our relationship with our brothers and sisters at La Sagrada Familia Parish, there is still much that is needed by our family in the Dominican Republic. Local residents continue to lack job prospects, many of their homes are physically unstable and potable water still doesn’t flow for everyone. We in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee – YOU – can help improve the quality of life for people in the Dominican Republic, by bringing your loving contribution to our blessed potluck.

We prayerfully invite you to continue your generous support to our La Sagrada Familia family. Together we can face the challenges present in our world and celebrate our solidarity, confident that we are always “United at the Heart.”

Please see the reverse to learn more about our twinning relationship with La Sagrada Familia, and make your gift now using the reply card or online at worldmissions.archmildonate.org.

We join with our La Sagrada Familia family in prayer and gratitude for you and wish you many blessings of this holy season.

Peace and all good,

Antoinette Mensah Director, Office for World Mission

P.S. Thursday, January 21, 2016, marks the 35th Anniversary of our twinning relationship with La Sagrada Familia Parish. Please save the date and plan on attending a Mass celebrated by Archbishop Jerome E. Listecki, followed by a light reception at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, Milwaukee. More information to come, or contact us at 414-758-2280 or wmo@archmil.org.

for almost 35 years

United heart...at the

“Brothers and sisters, a merciful heart is not a weak heart. Anyone who wishes to be merciful must have a strong and steadfast

heart, closed to the tempter but open to God. Make your hearts firm!”

– Pope Francis

Since 1981, the Archdiocese of Milwaukee has been united at the heart with our family in La Sagrada Familia. Two priests from our archdiocese join with the local pastoral staff to serve 30,000 people. Support from the Archdiocese of Milwaukee joins with the efforts of the local parishioners to improve the lives of our brothers and sisters in the Dominican Republic.

Much like a family potluck, our relationship of nearly 35 years works because everyone contributes. By sharing what you can give, you can make a real difference for the people of La Sagrada Familia.

c Sharing Food. Each day our three Child Development Centers provide breakfast and lunch for nearly 200 children ages 2 to 5. Your $25 gift can provide a month of food and education for one child.

c Sharing Health. Our health center and rural pharmacies provide basic care and medications. We also support access to clean drinking water. Your $50 gift can cover blood work for people facing chronic illness. With $250, you can help set up a community pharmacy.

c Sharing Education and Resources. We’re working to break the cycle of poverty through education for children and job training for adults. Your $120 gift can pay a year’s salary for a teacher. With $125, you can provide a micro-loan to start a small business. With $300, you can cover a year’s elementary school tuition, or three months of high school education. With $500, you can cover a year’s college education.

c Sharing Shelter. Many families live in houses in very poor condition—with cracked walls, rusted zinc roofs and dirt floors. Many of these homes are in need of urgent repairs. Your $250 gift can provide one family with a new zinc roof. With $350, you can replace a dirt floor with cement, or install a latrine.

Every prayer, every gift matters! Listen to your heart. Share what you can. Join us at our blessed potluck!

Thank you for making your contribution today, by mail or online at worldmissions.archmildonate.org

“The community of believers was of one heart and mind, and no one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they had everything in common.” — Acts 4:32

United heart...at the

Sharing a place at the table.