Each summer the Global Mission Office of the Archdiocese of Chicago facilitates the Mission Cooperation Plan, an opportunity for just under 100 international missionary dioceses, religious congregations and organizations to share their stories and invite support from our faith communities. 

 

This annual second collection provides vital support to ministries that witness and proclaim the love of Jesus in areas of the world affected by poverty and upheaval. Missionaries travel great distances to evangelize in remote and persecuted communities. They form priests and lay leaders, educate adults and children, offer medical care, provide safe homes, administer the Sacraments and more.There are dioceses, religious sisters, brothers and priests, as well as schools, orphanages and medical clinics that need our prayer and support.

Fr. Alphonse registered his former school in Rwanda to be one of this year's beneficiaries, and it was approved by the Archdiocese. Their group has been designated to directly receive the funds raised by St. Josaphat this year. This is what Fr. Alphonse has to say:

Groupe Scolaire de Janja, Saint Jérôme is a coeducational boarding secondary school located in the deep rural area of Gakenke District in Northern Province of Rwanda. The school belongs to the Catholic Diocese of Ruhengeri/ Rwanda. The school currently has 1,011 students (495 boys and 516 girls, aged from 9 to 25 years old). G.S. de Janja, Saint Jérôme mainly serves children from humble and modest families coming from the rural villages of Gakenke District and the surrounding area. 

 

I served the school for 12 years as a school principal. The pictures shown here are from the school and the village; just to give you an idea of what the village looks like. 

G.S. de Janja, Saint Jérôme suffered much during times of war and genocide. Being the only institution with the capacity to shelter a large number of people, the school was used as a home for the internally displaced population. It was during this period of time that some of the buildings and other logistics were destroyed. Thank God the Catholic Community of Lansing Diocese in Michigan State assisted the school by repairing and erecting some buildings. 

 

Currently, G.S. de Janja, Saint Jérôme’s greatest needs are repairs to the students' dining hall and the school kitchen. We appreciate your generosity!

~Fr. Alphonse Twizerimana

Calling All Fall Athletes! Grade school and high school student athletes from any fall team are invited to 5 pm Mass this Saturday, September 10th. Wear your uniform jersey and receive a special blessing as you start your season. 

Visit the JosaFEST page on our website for details, updates, volunteer opportunities, tickets and sponsorships. We'll see you September 24-25!

RE Registration is open and we are excited to get started! We have small groups available for all children PreK through 8th grade. Our first class will begin on September 20th and information for registration is available on our website. Please contact Nathan Johnson, Director of Faith Formation for details.

Are you (or anyone you know) looking for a fulfilling part-time job? We are seeking a friendly, detail-oriented Parish Office Associate to work 20 hours/week, weekday mornings in the Parish Office. More >

We're launching another season of Alpha on Tuesday, September 27th! Meeting over a delicious home-cooked dinner each week, our Alpha is the perfect place to explore faith in community. People often come for the food and the drinks but stay because of the friendships they make. This year our season kickoff happens to fall on an extra special day: Fr. Francis' Birthday! Register Here