Bolivia : Fr. Thames
Our church is called Corpus Christi ("Body of Christ" in Latin). We are located on the Southwest side of the city of Santa Cruz de la Sierra, a city of just over one million people, on the east side of Bolivia, towards Brazil. We are on the plains side of Bolivia, not in the mountains for which Bolivia is known. The mountains begin just an hour west of here.
Educate the Children
A MISSION COUNCIL PROGRAM OF THE DIOCESE OF FORT WORTH
We all know how important learning to read and write is to a child's self esteem. Even more importantly, education is essential for third-world countries to become self sustaining societies.
Fort Worth diocesan priest Father Robert Thames has worked in the mission fields of Mexico and Bolivia for almost all of his 39 years as a priest. Currently in Bolivia, he has developed a substantial program of pastoral care, medical clinics, and buildings churches, clinics and schools. Also, with some of the funding coming from individuals in the Diocese of Fort Worth, he is building a school in Cabezas, his rural parish, which will open with the February 2004 school year.
Students Need Your Help
About 200 children will attend the school (grades 6 12) coming from remote areas and very poor families. Your sponsorship of $300 per year will supply three meals a day and lodging for 21 days a month. The money will pay for tuition in school, use of a reference library with textbooks and school supplies such as notebooks, pens, etc. Teachers, the principal, the secretary, and utilities such as electricity and water will also be supported through your pledge.
As a sponsor, you will have the joy of knowing you are helping to give a child the chance for a better life. You will be sent a picture and letter from your sponsored child within three to four months with semi annual letters after that. Your family is encouraged to correspond with your sponsored child. This could be a wonderful opportunity for your children to connect with another culture as well as learn early the teachings of our faith about justice and charity.
If the call of Christ is leading you to a personal and caring relationship with a child, see a Mission Council representative after Mass today or complete the attached sponsorship pledge and drop it in a Sunday collection or mail it. If you have questions please contact the Diocesan Mission Outreach Coordinator at 817-560-3300 or Amy & Steve Zeder at 817-247-8002
» For photos, latest events, and sponsorship application form, please visit the Educate the Children section of the Fort Worth Diocesan website.