Unemployment and abject poverty that leaves thousands of people without food, shelter and education are everyday realities in Haiti. The needs of so many are overwhelming, and the resources few.

     But through the twinning program of the Haitian Ministries, churches, schools, organizations and groups in Connecticut and elsewhere in the United States can make a difference. They can bring hope and help to parish communities throughout the Archdiocese of Port-au-Prince. Through special partnerships -- twinning relationships -- they can become brothers and sisters with the people of Haiti.

     Today, there are a dozen such partnerships. Although each is different, depending on the needs, desires, abilities and characters of the two communities brought together in a twinning, all are important relationships built on mutual support and sharing. In many cases, these partnerships have made profound and lasting changes in the lives of people in Haiti and in the United States.

A group from the parish of Holy Family of Hebron, Connecticut visit their twin parish Immaculate Conception in the village of Fonds Baptiste.

All involved in the twinning process benefit. Cultivating bonds of mutual support and sharing with people who have so little but who are rich in courage and dignity is a privilege.

In all the partnerships, Haitian Ministries looks for ongoing commitments and the willingness of representatives of the American communities to visit their counterpart in Haiti.

Wouldn't your parish, school, or group like to explore this twinning opportunity?

If so, contact us at info@haitianministries.org, or call: 860.848.2237 ext 206.

Learn about the communities with twinning relationships:

• Immaculate Conception in Fonds Baptiste, Haiti, and Holy Family in Hebron, CT
• St. Pierre and Precious Blood in Grand Bois and Potino, Haiti, and Sacred Heart in Groton, CT
• Notre Dame de Lourdes in Cite Militaire in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, and St. Marks in Westbrook, CT
• St. Pierre in Ganthier, Haiti, and St. Matthew's in Tolland, CT
• St. Therese of the Infant Jesus in Lillivois, Haiti, and St. Patrick's in Collinsville, CT
• Notre Dame de la Presentation des Palmes in Les Palmes, Haiti, and St. Mary Church in Coventry, CT
• Foyer des Filles de Dieu in Port-au-Prince and Mercy High School in Middletown, CT
• St. Anne in Saintaard, Haiti, and St. Elizabeth Seton in Rocky Hill, CT
• La Maison Arc-en-Ciel in Haiti and St. John Church, Uncasville, CT
• St. Genevieve in Zoranje, Haiti, and St. Patrick - St. Anthony Church in Hartford, CT. (http://www.stpatrick-stanthony.org/SisterParish/Haiti.html)
• St. Jude in Morne L'Hopital, Haiti, and GESU Parish, Milwaukee, WI
• Norwich Mission House, Port-au-Prince, Haiti, and Our Lady of Lourdes, Milwaukee, WI