Mission Trips to St. Vincent

We're planning Mission Trips to St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG). Some will be open to people in the Duluth Diocese and some will be open to all.

It takes time, planning, and resources. In February 2024, Jerry will be going to SVG to get local information on needs and services we might provide on a trip.

Here's some background information I gave at a talk to a church in Duluth. It was for an appeal, but the info applies to the reasons for a Mission Trip.:

I’m humbled to be here today to make an appeal on behalf of the Kingstown Diocese in St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG). My appeal is that you help me get SVG into last place. But it’s not a strategy to get a better first round draft pick in NFL. Let me explain…

I’m from All Saints Church in Brainerd. I’m a psychologist, and since 2017, at the invitation of Bishop County of the Kingstown diocese, I’ve visited SVG 3 or 4 times a year as a volunteer to train counselors and teachers about working with children impacted by trauma. We’ve also begun a mentorship program.

• SVG is a small nation located about 15-HUNDRED miles from Miami and 600 miles north of Venezuela

• 32 islands - 7 of which are inhabited.

  • It is 133 sq miles - with a population of 109-THOUSAND

  • that makes it 1 ½ times the area of Duluth city limits with just a little larger population
    

• main industries are agriculture, fishing, and tourism During COVID SVG got a double whammy – no cruise ships coming to port bringing in tourist dollars AND no work for a large portion of the population who work on the cruise ships

• the AVERAGE monthly salary is $12-HUNDRED – that’s the AVERAGE with 48% of the population living on $2.72 per day

• There are some lists where you don’t want to be at the top. You don't want to be #1 on the list of poorest counties in the world. Depending on which list you look at, SVG is either 3rd or 5th on the list of poorest Caribbean countries. I’d like your help getting them tied for last place.

• Oh, and Kingstown diocese in SVG is our sister or twin diocese. I lived in the Duluth Diocese for 17 years before I knew we even had a sister diocese.

• I’m excited to report that last Monday, Bishop Daniel and some of our priests met with Bishop Gerard to discuss ways to restore the relationship between the two dioceses. So some day soon, I hope to be asking you to join me on a mission trip to SVG. But, no worries, today I just want your money.

• When I’ve spoken about SVG before, people come up afterwards and ask

  • “Do we have any mission trips to SVG” – We used to.

  • Do we send shipping containers of clothing and needed items? We used to.

  • Do we have personal connections – we used to.

  • I’m not a scripture scholar but I don't think it says “whatever you used to do to the least of these, that you do unto me.”

SVG is 7% Catholic and yet the Kingstown Diocese is the major non-governmental provider of Social Service to the nation – helping anyone in need – Catholic and non-catholic alike.

The Kingstown diocese has:

4 schools – because they are exceptional they are in high demand from Catholic and non-catholic alike

for 25 years the Soup Kitchen – serves 100 daily – but with more resources could easily triple or quadrulple that

Marion House – provides education and training for those who dropped out of school or got in trouble with the law. Providing a chance for a better life.

Guadalupe Home is for girls who were sexually abused. It’s a residential home serving 12 – 20 girls at any one time, providing protection, counseling, and life skills training.

In March 2020, the Home burned down and they are temporarily using a very small former convent. They have insurance, but don't get the attention from insurance companies from abroad as we might expect. Now, more that 3 years later, they are still waiting for the rebuilding plans to be approved. They need Stationaries, toiletries and food

St. Benedict’s and Bread of Life orphanages – serve kids with AIDS and those severely challenged - mentally of physically.

Garifuna Bakery (indigenous people) employs 7 – 12 and provides a food coop where people can get food at very reasonable prices.

The Kingstown diocese has 7 parishes, 12 priests, 4 sisters, and a number of lay people.

A priest’s salary is $189/month.

Today's second reading reminds us that “God will fully supply whatever you need…”. I believe God works through us...by sharing of our blessings we help others meet their needs. God’s work. Our hands.

Bishop County describes the Kingstown Diocese as “the Gospel in action” providing social services for all society – not just Catholics.

The Kingstown Diocese – our twin diocese – needs our help to maintain and expand those social services. In the words of Bishop County “Thank you for whatever little you can share. It goes a long way for us.”