Spreading the Good News!

Reaching Beyond Our Walls

MITU Update January 2022

As was previously mentioned in our bulletins and online, the parishes of St. Augustine’s and Good Shepherd set out two years ago on an exciting outreach in the Amazon Region of Mitu’, Colombia, whereby we pledged to support the building of a Rectory, Community Center and Church to be known as Our Lady of Medjugorje, and now we have some very exciting news to share!  We will meet our financial commitment for this construction in February 2022, seven months ahead of schedule!

Following is our most recent update (translated) from Fr. Robinson Leon Alvarez, the Chancellor of the Apostolic Vicariate of Mitu:

“As of April 2021, the construction of our new church has resumed, taking advantage of the materials received the previous year.  The foundation was finished on September 28^th, with the support columns finished in October.  At this same time the altar, ambo and baptismal font were cast in cement.  In November the beams and rafters for the roof were started and the roof tiles painted.  The metal roof was in place by the end of November and the columns for the bell tower were also constructed.  The septic tank was built and a well dug.  (Please see the poster boards in church for church construction photos and ministry activities.)

Our Missionary station (Church, Rectory and Community Center) is continuing to grow according to the rhythm of The Holy Spirit, and the spirit of Jesus Christ continues to penetrate the hearts and minds of the people as we offer sacraments and pastoral services.  The constant presence of a priest has served to enrich our mission and grow the faith of our indigenous brothers and sisters in this area, while also respecting their culture and fostering a Church with an Amazonian face and an indigenous heart.

• Our new Missionary Childhood Group has 6 consecrated children and another group of children who are currently preparing for their consecration.  
• We now have a Youth Ministry, the Santo Domingo Savio Youth Group, made up of 9 young people who are growing in their faith.  
• Our Family Ministry consists of a school set up for parents and is helping to instill family values for growth as a family and offering a Christian education for their children.  
• A Census is being conducted, families are being visited and their homes blessed.  
• 16 communities are now part of our Pastoral Mission.  
• During 2021 and taking advantage of the new buildings within our new Parish construction, 44 baptisms, 2 confirmations, 19 first communions, 1 marriage and 303 Eucharistic Celebrations have been conducted.”

As you can see by reviewing all of this wonderful progress, “Reaching Beyond Our Walls” has been a huge success and a truly extraordinary work of evangelization!

The Mitu’ Committee of St. Augustine’s and Good Shepherd Parishes

January 2022