Ite Missa Est Español - Our Twinning Parish

Introduction to our Twinning Relationship

1/19/2016

Pope Francis states, “We need constantly to contemplate the mystery of mercy… Mercy: the fundamental law that dwells in the heart of every person who looks sincerely into the eyes of his brothers and sisters on the path of life. “ (MV 2)

In order to help us “contemplate mercy”, Our Lady of the Immaculate Parish and La Capilla Santa Ana y San Joaquin in Ñemby, Paraguay, are forming a “twinning relationship”. Through this relationship, our hope is to “look sincerely into the eyes of our Paraguayan brothers and sisters on the path of life” by praying for each other, learning from each other, and joining together on our mutual mission of becoming and making disciples of all nations.

What is a Twinning (sister church) Relationship?

A journey in discipleship, together with a church community from another part of the world
In the spirit of mercy, a way to cross cultural and language barriers and UNDERSTAND life through the eyes of our brothers and sisters in Christ
Adding names and faces to the PRAYERs we each offer for those around the world during the Prayers of the Faithful during Mass
An opportunity for SERVICE as we help each other accomplish our spiritual goals and share our resources

Our Twinning Parish:
La Capilla Santa Ana

La Capilla Santa Ana is located in Ñemby, Paraguay, about 18 km (11 miles) from the capital city of Asunción. The church community is home to around 500 families (approx. 3000 people), and serves over 200 children and youth ages 5-17 in catechism classes and youth groups. The active parishioners help to create a vibrant and spirit-led parish life through frequent retreats, neighborhood missions, novenas, prayer groups, and bilingual folklore Masses in both of Paraguay’s official languages, Spanish and Guarani.

How have we begun our relationship?

Both church communities held simultaneous Merciful Discipleship retreats in September.
We have included each other in our Prayers of the Faithful during Mass once a month in October and November.
The Twinning committees from both parishes met via Skype to discuss goals and expectations.
Christmas cards made by the children from Immaculate Conception school and PREP classes were sent to Paraguay.
Part of the donations from our Lenten project will be contributed towards La Capilla Santa Ana’s goal of providing better accommodations for their catechism classes.

There is more to come in the upcoming months and years.
¡Que Dios Nos Dirija! May God Lead Us!