Project Update_2_2013

725 Leonard Street • Box 220384 • Brooklyn, NY • 11222 • 1.800.628.6333 • www.churchinneed.org

Ruined Church Rebuilt in Sri Lanka “The Church is the only place where the people can draw hope and consolation,” Bishop Joseph Rayappu of the Diocese of Mannar writes to ACN. Both these things were most urgently needed, for this diocese in the north of Sri Lanka which suffered heavily during the bloody war that raged for 26 years.

One of the churches in Aalunkulam, dedicated to the Child Jesus, is greatly revered by the Catholic faithful here, the church was devastated by heavy artillery fire. The people had already fled the town by the time the church was reduced to rubble. But they held fast to their faith, even in exile. But they held fast to their faith, even in exile. When they returned in 2010, they discovered their church in ruins. The people were determined to rebuild their church and rededicate it to the Child Jesus, but they are desperately poor, as many families lost their main breadwinner through the war

And so, as so often in the past, the bishop turned again to ACN for help and our donors did not disappoint, donating $7,800. Thank you.

Suffering Women Helped in Pakistan “Women are inferior to men. They are worth less than men. The husband is the master and lord and has the right to beat his wife and treat her harshly.” This is a widespread view in Pakistan, and even most women are firmly convinced that it is so. They are taught from childhood that the man has the right to mistreat them. Their welfare depends on his grace and favor. When women in Pakistan do have to work, they can only offer their services as household servants, or as cheap labor in the fields of the big landowners or in the factories. As a result they are generally exploited and not infrequently also sexually abused. Christian women are shown even less respect than their Muslim counterparts. They are even abducted and raped by Muslim men, who then force them to become Muslims. The Church has addressed the plight of women and is helping them to grow in their faith and to better understand their rights and duties. They are also learning, on the basis of Catholic teaching, how to better shape their family life and bring up their children in the Faith.

ACN has supported these initiatives with a grant of $8,300 donated by our family of faithful. God bless you.

N. 2 - 2013

Aid to the Church in Needa Catholic charity under the guidance of the Holy Father

Charity in ActionProject UpdatesKeeping the Fai th Al ive

725 Leonard Street • Box 220384 • Brooklyn, NY • 11222 • 1.800.628.6333 • www.churchinneed.org

Catechetical Training Provided in Peru

Sometimes the Sisters of Jesus Word and Victim in Peru have to travel for up to 14 hours to reach those in need. Riding on a horse or a mule, they journey to the remote Andes villages, bringing help and comfort to the people. There are many problems in the region. There is great poverty, there are few schools, and there is far too little medical help. There is widespread illiteracy, too, especially among the women. Many people move away in search of work in the cities. There is no piped water or electricity supply. Above all there is widespread alcoholism, which is destroying families.

It is vital for the Church to be present. Since there is such a shortage of priests, it is the Sisters who have to carry the main burden of the pastoral work on their shoulders and help the people in their everyday needs. They support the families, run groups for children, young people and adults, pray with the people and give catechetical instruction. Local catechists also play a vital role.

The foundations were already laid and the money ran out, but the catechetical work continued. Because of you, we helped with a contribution of $7,000. Thank you.

Church Protected from the Winter Cold in Lithuania

“We want to be able to pray in the church. Perhaps you could help us and send us some money to make our church a bit warmer.” These are the words of children in Lithuania, the only majority Catholic country of the

former Soviet Union. The winters can be bitterly cold here. When it gets this cold, the children of the Holy Spirit Parish in Grigiskes cannot come to church. The fact is that the church has no insulation, and neither does the pastoral center in the parish, where the religious instruction is held. “We dress up as warmly as possible for the religion lessons and drink hot tea to warm us up,” the children continue. The children are cared for, giving them a sense of belonging and security. At the same time the Holy Spirit Parish offers a range of activities and also organizes summer camps in the mountains. And also an Alcoholics Anonymous group was formed.

The local children and many adults should not be prevented from coming to church because it is too cold. And people who stay away because of the cold may perhaps not come back and lose touch with the Church as a result. We didn’t disappoint these children, so we have presented a gift of $9,800. Their hearts are no doubt warm now! Thank you.

Aid to the Church in Needa Catholic charity under the guidance of the Holy Father

Charity in ActionProject UpdatesKeeping the Fai th Al ive