MORE ABOUT HAITI
Children's Benedictions
This was the idea of Father Ronel "Cha Cha" Charelus.
Beginning with St. Mary's second visit in December 2000 -- and continuing with
each December visit thereafter -- we took items to give to the local children at
this ceremony. Since we were always visiting just after Christmas, Cha Cha
wanted the children to receive some gifts -- even if were just a small toy, a
piece of candy or a pair of underwear.
Over the years, we have tried to have a match-box car for the boys or hair
barrettes for the girls, a pair of underwear or socks for each child, a couple
pieces of candy and usually a toiletry item or two (such as a small hotel-sized
soap, or small shampoo or a toothbrush.) Sometimes we'd have combs or decks of
cards or shorts (made by Central Catholic students). Balloons were also a gift
enjoyed by all ages.
After making the first couple benedictions open to anyone, the more recent ones
-- at least at St. Joseph Church -- involved just the students from the school.
It was an opportunity to also pass out report cards to them at the same time.
We have also taken our benedictions to most of the chapels too, depending on the
quantity of donations we had and whether or not we were visiting that chapel on
that particular trip.
If you would like to make a donation to aid us in providing items for the children of Pendus, Haiti during the Children's Benedictions, please visit our donations page.
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