The Redemptorists have supported the needs of the people within the Carribean for over 100 years. They continue their efforts today helping to enhance the gifts of these vibrant people. A people who are able to grow their own cultural heritage further as they move forward. Select a Foreign Mission: Dominica St. Lucia St. Croix A strong legacy continues From the time of their arrival in Dominica over 100 years ago, the Redemptorists made themselves one with the people of this small country of 754 square kilometers and a population of 70,000. They did this by continually providing for the community's every day needs and helping the Dominican people meet their personal goals. In the early 1900s, one of the top priorities was to provide for the education of the children in this former British colony, where the people would eventually gain their independence in 1978. The thrust of the Redemptorist mission embraces the whole person while also supporting every aspect of human life. In addition to the continued establishment of schools, there is a lending library, a brass band, and opportunities for the people to perform in plays open to the public. In this way the Redemptorist Fathers and Brothers embrace the joy of the culture working alongside these vibrant people in assuring basic quality of life. In their early ministry in Dominica, the Redemptorists published two newspapers to include both church and general news. Today, they serve parishes in Dominica and go out to preach missions on other Caribbean islands. With the Redemptorists' leadership, many in the local church are engaged in ministries such as pro life activities and advocacy in support of domestic workers fighting for a just minimum wage. In addition, the Redemptorists run a retreat house to encourage the spiritual growth of young and old alike, including catechists, nurses, young mothers, those working in family life, apostolates and deaconate candidates and their wives. Through evangelization, education, communication, and community-building, the Redemptorists have walked with the Dominicans on the road to their having become a vibrant church, an independent nation with a freely-elected government, and a member of the United Nations. Their wonderful legacy continues into the 21st century. Feeding the spiritual needs of the community Like many spots in the Caribbean, St. Lucia has two faces. The small island is a beautiful vacation paradise for those who can afford it and is also home to a growing offshore banking industry. But most of the people who live in St. Lucia struggle to make ends meet. Agriculture no longer offers an income adequate to support a family. Many of those who work in the tourism industry lost their jobs as travel dropped after the 9/11 attacks in the U.S. The Redemptorists mission to St. Lucia offers the people both spiritual and practical support for the many challenges they face. The parish of 30,000 includes four communities, each with its own chapel, where Redemptorist priests offer Mass and the Sacraments. Though many island schools sit on Church land, they belong to the government. The parish priest manages the schools and has input into staffing decisions. In addition, Redemptorists volunteer their time and talents at the school. Brother Jeffrey Rolle, C.Ss.R., a native of the Caribbean island of Dominica, worked on St. Lucia from 1997 - 2002. A trained psychotherapist, he provided counseling to those who needed guidance through Catholic Social Services. He also coordinated the local youth ministry. "I had a sense of pride, returning to the Caribbean and being able to contribute to the community," he says. "I especially enjoy working with young people, helping them get to the point where they see what their gifts and talents are and use them." A Mission in St. Croix . . . Holy Cross Parish Holy Cross Rectory in Christiansted, St. Croix, is like a typical big city parish office. On any given day, you might find the pastor conferring with a sister about the needs of those imprisoned, another priest meeting with a committee to plan a Spanish fiesta, the building supervisor waiting to explain why the water pump had to be turned off for a few hours, the secretary handling a slew of calls, or a concerned parent coming to inquire about a grade his child received in the parish school. There is a lot going on at Holy Cross Parish, but it isn't in a big city. Here, getting something done tomorrow can be very difficult; getting it done today might qualify as a miracle. Most consumer goods have to be imported, including parts for cars, computers, and building projects. One Redemptorist described his experience as stepping off the airplane into what appeared to be 21st century America with its McDonald's and Radio Shack, then falling suddenly into the 18th century Danish West Indies when the electricity failed and people were left in the dark, with no running water, and working up a good tropical sweat without any effort at all. The island of St. Croix was formed from a volcanic eruption and agriculture is difficult there because the rain is scarce. However, the seeds of faith have taken deep root in the people's hearts. While the American Province of the Redemptorists is celebrating its 154th anniversary in 2005, the Redemptorists ministry in St. Croix is not far behind for it was 147 years ago that Father Joseph Prost, C.Ss.R., former Superior of the American Province, went to the then Danish-ruled West Indies and took up residence at Holy Cross Parish on the eastern end of St. Croix. With Father Prost's later return to Austria, the parish was once again under the jurisdiction of the Diocese of Roseau, Dominica. The Belgian Redemptorists then resumed service to the parish in 1897, succeeded by the Americans again during World War I, when St. Croix, St. Thomas, and St. John were sold by Denmark to the U.S. Today, Holy Cross Parish is vibrant with various ministries and traditions that continue to serve the faithful in St. Croix. Take a look at some of the life-giving ministries at Holy Cross . . . St. Mary's parish school is more than 100 years old and has educated many of the island's leaders. The parish has seen to it that the school is equipped with computers and other means of providing the children with an up-to-date education, including pre-school and after-school programs. Long established organizations such as the Legion of Mary, Sacred Heart Society, Knights of Columbus, and St. Vincent DePaul Society continue to provide vitality to the parish while new ministries are being established and developed such as the Daughters of Mary, the Squires-part of the parish's youth ministry, a bereavement group, the Gabriel Project in support of pregnant women and girls, and the Rachel Project for those in need of healing from abortion. A concern for social justice has long been a hallmark of the parish and outreach has taken many forms over the years, depending on the circumstances and the needs. In collaboration with the Good Shepherd Sisters and the Missionaries of Charity, the Redemptorists have an active prison ministry both to men and women and a regular presence in the barrio at Fredensborg. The Hispanic ministry responds to those whose heritage is rooted in Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. In addition to liturgical celebrations, this ministry involves outreach to those in need. The liturgical life of the parish retains traditions such as the Wednesday Novena to Our Mother of Perpetual Help and the annual Old Year's Night Mass-praying through the transition of one year to the next. New devotions have been added, such as the Filipino custom of veneration of the Child Jesus (El Nino) and the Dominican festival in honor of Our Lady of Altagracia. For all the busyness and demands of these numerous ministries and projects, Holy Cross remains a place where the needs of individuals are the number one priority. The Redemptorists mission to St. Croix began with great difficulty in the 19th century, but through an openness to God's grace and faithful perseverance the confreres' labors have borne much fruit. As Father Louis DeBuggenoms, C.Ss.R., wrote in an 1860 letter about the Congregation's work in the West Indies, "We never sought it, so it must be God's will."