PARISH PROJECTS

The projects run by the parish are for the benefit of all the community and are carried out with the help of our Maltese benefactors and the parish of “Our Lady of Victory” of Eldorado Illinois through it’s Reverend. Fr. Donald Abell. We strive to help and serve the neediest through our projects.

A. Pastoral House “Padre Natalio Maertens”:
We have already finished the construction works of a large complex which is already being used for the pastoral and social needs of the community including the teaching of catechism and for holding meetings and parish retreats. It also houses a pharmacy and a clinic and an area where persons with special needs are given therapy . Everyday we are giving lunch to old people with the help of the association SOSEP and other volunteers .
A workshop hosting a carpentry was also constructed. All this was achieved with the help of voluntary workers from Mission Fund- Malta (http://www.geocities.com/missionfundmalta/).

B. Parish Assembly Hall:
Located on the second floor of the parish house, this large hall Hill host all parish activities and is also accessible for persons with special needs. It has the physical capacity for 400 seated people.


C. Agriculture and Fishery
Over the years the parish has extended great support to farmers from Chaparron in their agricultural work, especially in the cultivation of tomatoes and maize. We are also currently planning to allocate an area to fish farming in a place called “Quebrada Honda” with help of various professionals and agronomists.


D. Construction of houses for the poorest:
In the Lenten period, the parish organizes the Week of fraternity where various cultural and sport activities are organized, such as the 24hr sport marathon. Funds are collected to construct a house for a very poor family as well as to help those who are sick.

E. New Chapels:
Every community needs to be closer to God. In the past years new chapels have been built as a place to receive the holy Eucharist, and to unite catholic for the celebrations. The last Chapel was built in the village of El Pedernal, and was consecrated by Archbishop. Julio Cabrera, bishop of Jalapa in July 2004. We are already constructing a new chapel in the village of Las Ventanas.

F. “The mission in Guatemala”:
The private filming company CVC from Gozo, Malta owned by Mr. Alvin Scicluna came in March 2004 to film the catholic mission in San Manuel Chaparrón. Chaparrón people were delighted with the Project. The first programmes were broadcasted on Maltese national television in May and had a great impact on viewers. The programme was watched by thousands of Maltese who were better able to understand the global situation in Guatemala as well as the natural beauty of this country. In the holy week of 2005 another programme entitled “Holy week in Guatemala” will televised, the latter containing scenes filmed in Chaparrón. For more information please click on: http://www.gozotv.com