Guatemalan pastor visits sister parish in Sioux City

By RENEE WEBB, Globe editor
Posted Nov. 7, 2002

While parishioners at Blessed Sacrament Parish in Sioux City have contributed both financial and spiritual resources to a sister parish in Guatemala for several years, the connection between the two parishes was strengthened last week when the Guatemalan pastor was in Sioux City.

Father Jorge Lopez Vasquez, pastor at San Raphael Arcangel Parish in Guatemala City, visited Sioux City Oct. 25 to Nov. 1.

According to Bernadette Rixner, chair of the Love Your Neighbor Committee, Blessed Sacrament has had this sister or twin parish for about six years.

"At that time, the parish had adopted a program of sacrificial giving and the parishioners were asked to tithe," she recalled. "Several members of the parish said that if the parishioners were asked to do this, then the parish should do the same thing."

With that in mind the parish developed a program called Love Your Neighbor whereby Blessed Sacrament gives a percentage of their weekly collection to needs outside of their parish. As a result of this program, the parish secured a sister parish.

Speaking through an interpreter, Father Jorge explained that he and a fellow priest minister to parishioners at San Raphael as well as to 11 parishes in the outlying rural area. In all, he has about 20,000 parishioners. Nine of the parishes have Mass every Sunday.

Much like pastors in the United States, along with sacramental ministry he oversees many programs such as youth ministry and then relies on lay people to do much of the religious education and evangelization.

"The majority of the people are very poor. They live in extreme poverty, have low education and the job opportunities are less," he said. Many do not have running water and do not have enough to eat.

Despite their poverty, he described them as a very faith-filled people. Their faith gives them hope that tomorrow will be a better day.

Blessed Sacrament sends money to San Raphael about every four months. The money is used for a variety of needs such as materials for religious education, building repairs and resources for other parish programs.

Money from Sioux City not only helps with their spiritual needs but also with their basic human needs.

Father Jorge pointed out that one of the parish's programs is centered directly on helping children. Once a month about 70 children are measured, weighed and given food supplements to ensure proper nutrition. At the same time, the adults receive parenting classes.

He said the sister parish program has been a blessing.

"This program can help keep the mind and soul healthy today and help us for the future," said Father Jorge.

Along with the financial contributions Father Jorge said they feel the presence of their sister parish through prayer.

Blessed Sacrament prays for the intentions of San Raphael on a monthly basis. At the same time, Guatemalan parishioners pray for the Sioux City parishioners.

Father Merlin Schrad, pastor at Blessed Sacrament, said the visit was beneficial because the parishioners could see "that they are our brothers and sisters. I think there will be a lot more warmth to their needs and praying for them."

He pointed out that it was important for people to realize that the Catholic Church is worldwide - more than just Blessed Sacrament, Sioux City and the diocese.

"We have many blessings in our community and in our country. It is only fair that we share our time, talent and treasure with those who may not be as fortunate," said Father Schrad.

Meeting Father Jorge and opening his own eyes to the needs of the worldwide church, noted Father Schrad, was one of the most meaningful experiences in the 25 years of his priesthood.

The Guatemalan priest said that the "language of faith was the unifying factor."

During his visit, Father Jorge spoke in classrooms at Blessed Sacrament School, met with parish religious education classes, concelebrated two Sunday Masses and was introduced at all of the weekend Masses, concelebrated at K-4 school Mass and met with Siouxland's Guatemalan community.

Father Jorge had the chance to speak to Blessed Sacrament parishioners in more detail one evening. He told them not only of the poverty but also of the violence and political oppression and corruption in which the people live.

Sightseeing was also part of the trip. He visited Trinity Heights, Wallen Horse Stables and shopped.

He stayed at St. Michael rectory in South Sioux City, Neb. as that parish has a Guatemalan priest in addition to its pastor.

Translators for Father Jorge were Blessed Sacrament parishioners Deb Fuller and Norma Perez Kahler along with Cathedral parishioner Luis Marcos.

This was his second trip to the United States. He visited New York years ago, but this was his first time to see snow.

"I don't like the cold, but I really like the snow," he said.

Rixner pointed out that this trip made a difference - helped raise awareness about the sister parish. Several parishioners said they would pray for the parishioners of San Raphael every day.

"It made missionary work more real to them," she said.