Haiti

In June 2004, the Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania, OH adopted a Chapter initiative, committing us to the people of Haiti:

That the Sisters of St. Francis recommit to our relationship with the people of Haiti by encouraging Sisters, Associates and partners in ministry to visit, to work there for short or long periods, and by using our influence in our places of ministry to improve the lives of the Haitian people.

Haiti Fund

Money collected for the Haiti Fund is used by Sister Fidelis for various development projects near Pestel, Haiti. The projects include:

• Building cisterns . Each cistern costs about $1000; a minimum of 12 cisterns are needed in the area.
• Micro-crediting . Small loans of $175 - $250 are given as seed money to create small businesses. Women are the primary recipients of the loans.
• Health care vouchers . Access to health care is given to those in need; services range from blood tests and x-rays to hernia and cataract surgery. Tests cost from $45 - $125 and most operations from $200 - $430.

A Prayer for the Haitian People
Gracious God, Creator of all,
We are brothers and sisters sharing our Mother Earth, yet living miles apart.

Giver of all good gifts, we share not only common ground but food that nourishes us, water that quenches our thirst, sorrows that burden us and as well as joys that enliven us.

Lift the burdens of our Haitian brothers and sisters.
Give us open and generous hearts to meet one another's needs. 
Bless us as we learn from each other.
Help us embrace our common blessings in serving You.
Keep us, as brothers and sisters committed to Your Gospel.
Empower us with your love.  Bind us together in love and support.