Thank you for your interest in your sister parish, La Sagrada Familia (Holy Family) in the Dominican Republic! On this page you'll find information about your sister parish and the connection between La Sagrada Familia and the Archdiocese of Milwaukee.
Background:
Our Archdiocesan relationship with La Sagrada Familia began over 30 years ago, when it was decided that the Archdiocese of Milwaukee would send two priests to minister in the Diocese of San Juan de la Maguana in the Dominican Republic. So began a relationship of ministry between the two dioceses which has developed into a relationship of sharing faith and friendship, solidarity and on-going ministry. More than a dozen priests and lay missioners have served in the Dominican Republic in this time, and many more members of the Archdiocese have visited the parish as part of a pilgrimage or mission team. To learn more about the history of the parish, please visit the Sagrada Familia History Page.
Facts and Figures:
The following are some statistics about life in La Sagrada Familia:
- Located in country’s most underdeveloped, arid zone, the community consists of 30,000 people living in 22 towns and villages
- Many homes are made of tin or wood with palm branch roofs
- There are few job opportunities, and the average family income is only about $60 a month. Most people are farmers, but many do not own their land, and economic dependence on other regions means parents are often employed elsewhere and children are raised by grandparents
- There is widespread malnutrition; many lack potable water, electricity and healthcare
- 46% of the population is under 18 years of age
- 30% of school age children are not in school
- 30% of the adult population is illiterate
- Christian Formation is needed for all ages
Our Response:
The following are some ways in which, through the ministry of the priests & lay missionaries, and the generosity of the people of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, La Sagrada Familia has responded to the above needs:
- There has been construction of homes and latrines
- Computer, Sewing and Cosmetology workshops and a Parish Bakery Cooperative have been established to provide jobs and skills training
- Family farms have been established, with water projects for irrigation and experimentation with diverse crops
- Central health care and a network of popular pharmacies has been established
- There are two nutritional centers for children
- There are scholarships for youth and literacy programs for adults
- Chapels have been built in most communities; with monthly Mass in all. Strong catechesis and youth ministry are present, with village councils that network into the Parish Council
(This is information is also available on the La Sagrada Familia Information Card. Click here to view Side One of the card. Click here to view Side two of the card. If you would like a copy of the Information Card mailed to you, please send us an e-mail request, and specify whether you would prefer English or Spanish)
In addition, their have been the following recent developments:
- The parish has begun a Haitian Ministries Outreach and has now celebrated the 3rd anniversary of this relationship with the Haitian community. Fr. Berthony Georges, SJ, a priest from Haiti who teaches in Santo Domingo, celebrated this anniversary with the community of La Sagrada Familia.
- For the first time, teachers from both Nutrition Centers are participating in an on-line course from Spain to obtain certificates for their work.
- Thanks to donors, the parish has started a scholarship and travel fund for special education students to travel to a nearby town to participate in special courses to meet their needs. At present there are 7 students.
- There are now 11 groups participating in the Adult Literacy Program.
- Ten students from Spain arrived for the second time in the parish to teach young persons how to work with youth groups.
- There are now 60 students from the parish attending private schools in near-by towns, thanks to scholarships provided by donors. Of these, 35 are attending college.
Connect with Your Sister Parish
These facts and figures are only a part of the reality of La Sagrada Familia and the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. Much more can be learned from those who have connected with our sister parish or by visiting the parish yourself!
Click here to read stories about how local parishes, schools, and other groups have found ways to celebrate and deepen the connection between the Archdiocese of Milwaukee and Sagrada Familia.
Click here to read reflections from people who have spent time in our sister parish.
Click here to find out more about visiting La Sagrada Familia.
Learn More
Still have questions about La Sagrada Familia or want to know more? Visit the La Sagrada Familia webpage or contact the Office for World Mission for more information.