In October 2007, a small group led by Deacons Ed Peitler and Gabriel Cuervo went on a fact-finding trip to Guatemala. The diocese partnered with the Sisters of Bethany, who run a couple of Catholic schools and a small clinic. Upon their return, they immediately began planning the first medical mission trip. The word was spread via parish bulletins and the diocesan newspaper seeking interested missioners. People from all over the diocese responded, and the first group of 14 left for Guatemala in April 2008. Since that first medical mission, teams have gone to Guatemala twice a year, and the number of participants has nearly tripled.
Since 2008, teams of medical personnel and other support volunteers have spent one week serving the health needs of the poor in Guatemala. Because the needs of the people in San Pedro La Laguna are so great, we decided to develop a sponsorship program that we call Project San Pedro to serve not only the medical needs but the educational, nutritional, and housing needs of the poor. This is an opportunity for those who cannot personally go on a week-long medical mission to participate in this missionary activity.
We collaborate with the local diocese of Solola in parishes in Guatemala where the needs are significant. Project San Pedro is set up to ensure that children who often end their education prematurely to help support their families can complete school. They are given financial assistance to pay for school, nutritional supplements, clothing allowances, medical services from our on-site clinic, and help to live in a safe and clean home.
When invited, deacons from our diocese preach about Project San Pedro at weekend Masses. The Social Gospel of the Church and the specific efforts to assist the poor in Guatemala are presented. Parishioners are asked to consider committing sponsorship of any particular child. The priests, religious sisters, and laypersons working with us in Guatemala ensure that each child receives the assistance needed. Project San Pedro is especially interested in helping children to complete their education. Sponsors are asked to contribute $25 per month for their child. This amounts to less than the price of a cup of coffee a day - but with benefits that are hard to imagine for the child's future.