Background:
Our Archdiocesan relationship with La Sagrada Familia began over 31 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. To learn more about the history of the parish, please visit the Sagrada Familia History Page.
Pray with Your Sister Parish
This year, each parish will receive bilingual prayer cards to share with their parishioners. This "Prayer of Thanksgiving" was written by parishioners in La Sagrada Familia Parish, and celebrates the sharing of faith and friendship between our archdiocese and their diocese. We hope that you will join the people of La Sagrada Familia in praying this special prayer. (Please click here to download a PDF sample of the prayer card)
Prayer of Thanksgiving from La Sagrada Familia Parish (English):
We give you thanks, Lord Jesus,
for your Gospel and the communities where it grows:
for your Word, that we hear and proclaim,
for our faith-based communities,
and for this sister parish, which lives in all of us,
a True family of brothers and sisters,
as you have desired it.
We give you thanks, Holy Spirit,
for inspiring many years ago, those
who began this blessed relationship,
this friendship between sister Churches:
For friends in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee
and in the Dominican Republic
For all the love we have received
and have been able to give.
Thank you!
Una Oración de Gracias desde la Parroquia La Sagrada Familia (Español)
Te damos gracias, Señor Jesús,
por tu Evangelio y las comunidades en las que crece.
Por tu Palabra, que escuchamos y proclamamos,
por tantas comunidades de base,
y por esta parroquia hermana, que vive en nosotros,
una auténtica familia de hermanos y hermanas,
como Tú quisiste.
Te damos gracias, Espíritu,
por inspirar, hace muchos años,
a los que iniciaron esta bendita relación,
esta amistad entre iglesias hermanas.
Por nuestros amigos de la Arquidiócesis de Milwaukee
y de la Republica Dominicana
por todo el amor que hemos recibido y dado.
¡Gracias!
General Parish Information:
Facts and Figures:
The following are some statistics about life in La Sagrada Familia:
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Located in country’s most underdeveloped, arid zone, the community consists of 30,000 people living in 22 towns and villages
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Many homes are made of tin or wood with palm branch roofs
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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
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There is widespread malnutrition; many lack potable water, electricity and healthcare
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46% of the population is under 18 years of age
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30% of school age children are not in school
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30% of the adult population is illiterate
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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:
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There has been construction of homes and latrines
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Computer, Sewing and Cosmetology workshops and a Parish Bakery Cooperative have been established to provide jobs and skills training
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Family farms have been established, with water projects for irrigation and experimentation with diverse crops
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Central health care and a network of popular pharmacies has been established
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There are two nutritional centers for children
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There are scholarships for youth and literacy programs for adults
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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)
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.