Partners With Haiti, St. Petersburg, Fl

03/11/2026

For the thirteenth consecutive year, on behalf of Fr. Dieudonne and the students and faculty of our twin parish schools, St. Bernadette and St. John the Baptist, we extend our most sincere
thanks to you and to St. Paul School students, parents, and administration for the $8,038 donation from your 2026 Walk-a-thon. We also extend thanks to all who donated to the clothing
drive, also held during Catholic Schools Week. It was also a huge success!
Since 2014, your annual walk-a-thons have raised over $111,000 to benefit our twin parish schools. These funds have helped make many important projects possible: a new library; a new
school building; school uniforms, supplies, and furniture; a solar power system; e-tablets for a new reading program; new school restrooms; replacement of a critical security wall.
This year’s donation will be used for a badly needed computer lab at the school and to help finish a drinking water purification project which will serve the school and the parish compound.
The 27 tubs of clothes are on their way to Haiti they will be sold at a thrift store operated by St Bernadette’s youth group with the proceeds supporting youth group activities and projects.
Your faithful support helps give St. Bernadette students and their families trust that their Catholic school is on solid ground and a source of hope in their difficult environment. Thanks again very
much, and may the Lord bless you all for your generosity to our Haitian sisters and brothers.

Peace,
Lou Pekrul
Ministry Coordinator

Jim Stitt
President

01/19/2026

Dear Friends,
Hello,
Special greetings to the members of PWH. Happy New Year 2026!
Here in the parish, we are doing very well, thank God. However, the country's socio-political crisis has caused a surge of unfamiliar faces on the island of La Gonâve. This influx of unknown people is causing us concern.
When we question them, they reply, "We are not safe there. We are seeking refuge here."

You can imagine how often they come to the rectory to ask for food.

On another note, we have begun the reconstruction of the facade and the restoration of the parish church. Since December 8th, we have started the first phase of the work. This involves the demolition of the main facade, which posed a real threat to the parishioners.
Today we will finish removing the rubble.
I think we will soon move on to the next phase.

We are aware that we are severely lacking in financial resources. This is why we continue to seek help from our parishioners and our friends living abroad to complete this work.

Regarding the school, we are operating very well. The enrollment is 1200 students this year. However, several parents approach us to request scholarships, explaining their difficult living conditions. We are forced to tell them, "Please wait until we have the means to do something for you."

Thanks to your support and that of World Vision, the school canteen is functioning very well. A hot meal is served to the students from Monday to Friday.
Personally, the ability to provide meals through the canteen brings me great joy. Since my arrival here, this project has been very important to me. I reiterate my thanks to you for helping me make the canteen project a reality.
We ask that you continue to keep us in your prayers. Because we are in great need of it.
See you soon,

Reverend Father Dieudonné Jean Marceau.

01/02/2026

As 2025, a year filled with challenges, draws to a close,
We wish you a Happy and Blessed New Year filled with Hope and Joy.

As we welcome 2026, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for your continued support and engagement with PTPA. Your generosity and commitment make it possible for us to accompany our members, strengthen existing twinning relationships, and identify new opportunities for parishes here in the U.S. to walk in faith and solidarity with communities in Haiti and Latin America.
Despite the challenges faced by many, your faith and dedication bring light and hope where it is needed most.
Thank you to all who have already contributed to our Year-End Appeal; Your generosity helps sustain this vital mission. And to all of you who continue to walk with PTPA and your sister parishes, we are deeply grateful for your partnership and trust.

If you have not yet had the chance to participate in our Year-End Appeal, there is still time to make a gift:
Click here,
Or mail your donation to:
Parish Twinning Program of the Americas
407 W Smith Valley Rd #1222
Greenwood, IN 46142
(Please include the note: “PTPA Year-End Appeal”)
Together with PTPA, you help bring a “thrill of hope” to very weary parts of the world,
and for that we are tremendously grateful.
May the New Year bring you and your loved ones peace, joy, and abundant blessings!
With Gratitude,
Cassandra Bissainthe
Executive Director PTPA

Looking Ahead to 2026

We’re excited to announce that PTPA Zoom Gatherings will resume in January!
Our first session is scheduled for:
Tuesday, January 27th at 6:30 PM EST
Presenters: University of Notre Dame – Global Center for the Development of the Whole Child
Stay tuned for more details.
Together We Can Do Great Things,
Sharing God's Love in Haiti and Latin America.
Thank you for your amazing generosity.

Parish Twinning Program of the Americas
407 W. Smith Valley Road #1222
Greenwood, IN 46142
www.ptpausa.org
contact us: [email protected]

Parish Twinning Program, a non-profit organization which links Catholic churches with impoverished sister parishes in Haiti and Latin America countries. PTPAUSA.org has been building sister parish relationships since 1978

12/22/2025

12/22/2025

Received from a member of the parish in Virginia that is also twinned with St. Isidore.
********************
FOOD CARDS
Thanks to all who made the card sale weekend a success. The initial weekend brought in just shy of $3,000, and of course cards are still available through the church office until Christmas. Because of the slow pace of getting transfers through to Haiti, I already requested that initial amount be added to the December transfer so it can be there for lunches in January. Anything additional will go in January's transfer.

Speaking of additional, we received a generous donation of $2,000 this week, which also will be put toward the food fund. In a recent note from Father D, he indicated that while World Vision did end up coming up with some support for elementary lunches, he needs to find ways to cover the upper grades' costs. This should help.

SPONSORSHIPS
James was able to get to St. Bernadette to take student photos last week. I now need to sort them out and get them printed for sponsors. More to come.

CONSTRUCTION UPDATE
Work on the church appears to be well under way. Father has decided to begin the facade replacement he's been raising money for elsewhere at the same time as completing the roof project that we've long-planned to work with him on. Two birds, one stone, I suppose.

11/06/2025

For the latest newsletter update for Nov 2025 from Haiti...

Email from Friends of Mission Circle November Newsletter   November 2025-- Volume V, Issue 9   Welcome to the 57th Edition “Your wealth is measured by the lack of your needs, not by the abundance of y

10/30/2025

Dear friends,
In the name of Jesus, we greet you fraternally and take this opportunity to write to you to provide you with some news from the parish.

Last Monday, we began the third week of classes. So far, everything is going well at Sainte Bernadette School. The teachers are very dedicated to their duties and the students are very attentive in the classrooms.

Next Sunday, October 26th, there will be a major celebration at the parish. This is the first solemn Mass for the newly ordained Reverend Father Steve Biko Simon. Father Biko is originally from Palma. (a mountain village near our clinic) It was I who introduced him to the seminary. After the necessary years of study and internship sessions, he was ordained a priest in Delmas(a safe section of PauP) on Saturday, October 4, 2025. He will therefore come to the parish for the celebration of his first solemn Mass. We entrust this new priest to your prayers.

Furthermore, the sociopolitical situation in the country is worsening. Numerous disturbing stories about Montrouis and the sea lanes to Anse à Galets are beginning to make headlines. A speed boat and its captain were kidnapped the night before last.

The situation on our island seems increasingly worrisome. Less goods are flowing from the mainland to Anse à Galets. This situation is making life increasingly difficult.

Just this week, several dozen families have left their homes to land on the island to seek refuge. Several familiar and unknown faces have arrived at the presbytery to ask for help. What worries us is that we still don't know who among these many visitors to trust.

Therefore, we ask you to keep us constantly in your prayers.

Until next time. Join us in prayer!

Reverend Father Dieudonné Jean Marceau

06/10/2025

Don’t miss a unique opportunity to network and learn from mission-driven thought-leaders about new ways to make a real difference in twin parish communities in Haiti and Latin America.
Also, take advantage of the chance to meet PTPA's new Executive Director Cassandra Bissainthe and learn more about future plans for our organization.

Day One Theme – Overcoming Challenges with Faith in Mission
Sessions include:

* Challenges facing the Catholic Church in Haiti and Latin America and the Critical Role of Parish Twinning
* Respecting the Dignity of Migrant People: How to Address the Deportation Crisis
* Panel Discussion: Burning Questions about Twinning Challenges

Day Two Theme – Fanning the Flame of Passion for Mission
Sessions include:

* Poster Session: Networking and Learning from One Another
* Life-Changing Transformations and Spiritual Growth through Twinning
* Breakthroughs in Power, Technology and Communication
* Importance of Effective Strategic Planning: Elevating Needs, Strengthening Relationships and Ensuring Results
* Education in Haiti: Navigating Challenges and Unlocking Opportunities

Day Three Theme –Going Forth with Hearts on Fire
Agenda includes:

* Closing Session − Living the Gospel: Embracing God’s Call to be Faithful Twinning Mission Disciples
* Closing Networking Session
* Celebration of Mass

Save your spot now! Click here to register
* Early Bird Registration Fee Until June 30: $275
* Registration Fee after June 30: $325

Use link to make room reservations at The Inn at Opryland
Parish Twinning Program of the Americas
407 W. Smith Valley Road #1222
Greenwood, IN 46142
www.ptpausa.org
contact us: [email protected]