New Ministry in the Eastern American Province
The RSHM Provincial Chapter of December 2000 mandated that possibilities regarding outreach to the immigrant population be explored. In response to an articulated need, research was done on the East End of Long Island, New York, and after much discussion and prayer, it became clear that Hampton Bays would become our place of ministry. According to the most recent census, there are an estimated 2000 immigrants residing in Hampton Bays from several Latin American countries: Mexico, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Colombia, and Peru to mention a few.
On
February 10, 2002, Sisters Frances Lane, Mary Lang and Elizabeth Meehan,
who responded to the call to serve the immigrant population, spoke at
the Spanish Masses at Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary Church in Southampton,
and at St. Rosalie's in Hampton Bays. A small reception followed in
the new place of ministry, Centro Corazón de María. The office, located
in the rectory of St. Rosalie's Church, officially opened on February
11, the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes. People who heard the sisters at
Mass stopped in during the week, some for assistance and others to visit.
And
so a new RSHM ministry of outreach to the Hispanic community has begun.
This work is financially sponsored by the RSHM and donations. The space
and many of the furnishings were generously provided by Fr. Gill, the
pastor of St. Rosalie's. Services include:
-
assistance with immigration issues and citizenship preparation,
-
educational programs
-
help in obtaining benefits and basic needs
- referral to community services
- translation and completion of forms in English
From
April to June 2002, English as a second language classes, initiated by
Sr. Mary Lang, were held in the Parish Center on Tuesday and Thursday
mornings for those available during the day. The children had a babysitter
while their mothers had an opportunity to learn English. Since then, the
Sister Mary and Sister Frances worked with the Superintendent of the Hampton
Bays School District and were successful in obtaining inclusion in an
ESL (English as a Second Language) program funded by New York State. At
present there are 224 adults registered for night classes and 76 for day
classes.
In addition, the RSHM at Centro Corazón de María are empowering other
women to take control of their lives by directing them to services such
as Birthright, where they receive pre-natal care, support and whatever
they need in preparation for the birth of a baby. Further, rice and beans
are kept in stock to help feed the hungry, diapers are available for new
mothers. Collaboration with the Dominican Sisters Thrift Shop enables
Centro Corazon de Maria to give vouchers for clothing in the cold weather.
Others are helped with employment, obtaining food stamps, obtaining appropriate
benefits for families.It is a ministry of observing situations, listening
with attention and being attentive to those being served, with a particular
emphasis on the needs of women and children, building community with them,
and supporting them as they build their future in this country.
