Office for World Mission Announces 2024 Grant from

The Catholic Community Foundation

Office for World Mission Receives $100,000 Grant from The Catholic Community Foundation to Bolster Outreach Programs in Dominican Republic Sister Parish

MILWAUKEE, WIS. 

The Milwaukee Archdiocesan Office for World Mission (Office for World Mission) is thrilled to announce the generous contribution of a $100,000 grant from The Catholic Community Foundation. This grant will significantly enhance outreach programs in the archdiocesan sister parish, La Sagrada Familia, located in the Dominican Republic.

La Sagrada Familia (The Holy Family) Parish has been the cherished sister parish of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, fostered through the dedicated efforts of the Office for World Mission since 1981. The grant from The Catholic Community Foundation will play a crucial role in supporting the ongoing initiatives of the parish.

The Office for World Mission collaborates closely with the parish staff, which includes two Archdiocesan priests, a pastoral staff, and numerous volunteers from the region. The current pastors, Fr. Javier Guativa and Fr. Thomas Naidu, work diligently to meet both the spiritual and material needs of the parishioners. In 2023 The Catholic Community Foundation’s support allowed us to:

• Provide dental healthcare for approximately 100 children from outlying communities of the parish!

• Engage a geriatric physician to address specialized care for the elderly, and

• Assist 700 Haitian Immigrants with documentation to gain legal status in the Dominican Republic.

The focus for 2024 includes expanded programming in key areas such as Care for the Children, Care for the Elderly, Care for the Immigrants, and new initiatives addressing community education around Mental Health & Wellness.

Since 2001, The Catholic Community Foundation has been a steadfast supporter of effective philanthropy in Southeastern Wisconsin. As a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) corporation independent of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, the Foundation is governed by a board of directors comprising Catholic religious and community leaders. The Foundation's commitment extends to four priority areas: education, leadership development, health care for the under-served in Milwaukee, and community-building to strengthen families, parishes, and those facing poverty, discrimination, and violence.

Antoinette Mensah, Ph.D., director of the Office for World Mission, expressed her gratitude for the grant, stating: "Our receipt of this $100,000 grant from The Catholic Community Foundation allows us to work towards a 'sure future' with faith and hope as our foundation, echoing Pope Francis in his encyclical 'Lumen Fidei.' This funding enables us to stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters of La Sagrada Familia, demonstrating through our actions that God’s presence solidifies every human relationship. We serve as witnesses of faith and the goodness it brings to all, leading us collectively on our 'journey towards a future of hope.'"

For more information about La Sagrada Familia or the Office for World Mission, please visit www.archmil.org/offices/world-mission.htm.

For more information on The Catholic Community Foundation, visit legaciesoffaith.org.

Contact: Office for World Mission Email: wmo@archmil.org Phone: 414-758-2280

XXXX Support of La Sagrada Familia Parish is a ministry of the Office for World Mission, a not-for-profit 501(c)(3), part of World Mission Ministries.

Office for World Mission Announces Grant from The Catholic Community Foundation

To Support Healthcare Expansion and Community Services at La Sagrada Familia

MILWAUKEE, WIS. – The Milwaukee Archdiocesan Office for World Mission, Inc.  (OWM), is pleased to announce the receipt of a $66,000 grant from The Catholic Community Foundation to support and expand healthcare programs and services within the archdiocesan sister parish La Sagrada Familia located in Sabana Yegua in the province of Azua in the Dominican Republic.  

Expanding Healthcare Services

The Catholic Community Foundation’s grant will directly support the expansion of La Sagrada Familia Parish Health Center, enhancing healthcare accessibility and improving patient outcomes in the following key areas:

1. Improved Service Coordination & Patient Care – Expanding the Parish Health Center by creating additional doctors' offices and relocating physical therapy services for more streamlined and effective care.

2. Enhanced Quality of Rehabilitative Care – Hiring a certified physical therapist to serve children, the elderly, and Haitian migrants.

3. Increased Knowledge & Skills of Medical Staff – Providing specialized training for the clinic’s nurse to improve overall healthcare delivery.

4. Greater Accessibility for Vulnerable Populations – Strengthening services for Haitian immigrants and marginalized communities facing barriers to healthcare access.

Strengthening Our Commitment to La Sagrada Familia

Since 1981, the Office for World Mission has partnered with La Sagrada Familia, serving the parish and 19 surrounding communities. Led by Fr. Javier Guativa (pastor), Fr. Rafael Rodriguez (associate pastor), pastoral associate Dolores Puértolas, and dedicated volunteers, their mission focuses on spiritual growth and community well-being through:

· Evangelization, catechesis, and sacramental celebrations

· Youth and adult formation, leadership training

· Providing essential services such as healthcare, education, job training, micro-loans, clean water, and emergency assistance

This ministry fosters a holistic and transformative relationship, empowering individuals and strengthening the community.

Looking Ahead: Strengthening Our Mission

OWM Director Dr. Antoinette Mensah states, “As we move forward, expanding our healthcare center and physical therapy services will strengthen our ability to serve the community while attracting vital external support. Our commitment to healthcare and community development, alongside partnerships with Milwaukee archdiocesan parishes, donors, and volunteers, will be crucial in sustaining and enhancing medical, educational, and social programs that uplift the most vulnerable. We, along with the pastoral staff and the people of La Sagrada Familia Parish, are deeply grateful for the past and ongoing support of The Catholic Community Foundation, which makes this mission-driven work possible.”

For more information on our mission efforts and how you can contribute, please visit:
www.worldmissionmke.org/catholic-community-foundation-grant.

 For more information on The Catholic Community Foundation, visit legaciesoffaith.org.