La Sagrada Familia
Our Sister Parish in Mexicali, Mexico
La Sagrada Familia (Holy Family) is St. Bernadette’s sister parish in Mexicali, Mexico, directly across the border from Calexico, California. The Pastor is Fr. Jose Maria Jaurequi Ruiz, a diocesan priest of the Diocese of Mexicali. There are six missions within the seven communities covering about twenty square miles. The parish includes approximately 30,000 people.
This neighboring country has given us a real blessing in sharing its people in Christ. We, their Northern friends, have given new hope, friendship and love to many. Some say when you cross the border “this is another world.” Perhaps, but the hearts and minds of our friends there are much like ours. They are our “family” in another land and yet, so close.
With God’s help, our parish has been able to bring our sister parish to St. Bernadette’s and begin to make a difference in many lives.
St. Bernadette parish made a difference in their lives. Our first year, we collected Christmas gifts for the children and our parish responded. Since that time, we have gone on to many other programs that benefit the parish at large.
Sponsor a Student
Our major support is in the "Sponsor A Student” program that was presented during Lent, 1997. In the 1st year, we supported 16 students in secondary and preparatory school and 2 in college. In the academic year 2003/2004 we had 120 students in school, a reduction from 162 the previous year. This spring semester of 2009, we have only 54 students in school, due to lack of sponsors.
There is an overabundance of qualified students who need your support. One is waiting for you.
With Fr. Bill Antone’s insight, we chose the educational program as a means of support in La Sagrada Familia. Education in Mexico is free until the student finishes 6th grade. After 6th grade, other expenses are so high that it is equivalent to tuition, and must be paid by the family. If these children can complete 7th and 8th grade (junior high) and 9th through 12th grade (preparatory or high school), perhaps they can get jobs and support themselves. If they are determined to get through a technical school or the University, then they have a chance to live a full life in Mexico.
There are many poor parishioners at La Sagrada Familia. Many fathers hold “day” jobs where the pay is approximately $10 to $20 a day, and the work is not steady. The “tuition” cost for junior high, high school or technical school is $350.00 for one year. Books, fees and bus fares are extra. For most people, it is impossible.
If the parents can send only one child, the oldest male will most likely attend. Upon completion of preparatory (high school), the student is eligible to apply to the University of Mexicali. Even with exceptionally good grades, it is very difficult for a student from a poor family to enter the University, as they have no “influence”. The University is a 4 to 5 year program and the cost is approximately $1000 a year. This is more than most families can even dream about.
Help Give a Child an Education
We have set up our program with three methods of helping.
- A $350.00 donation for a student for one year of school, grade 7 through preparatory (high school) or technical school.
- A $1,000.00 donation for a college student for one year.
- A Discretionary Fund that assists individual students with tuition, glasses or other needs.
Your contribution to St. Bernadette for this ministry is tax deductible. Checks must be payable to St Bernadette. On the check memo line, please enter your envelope number and the initials L.S.F. The amount will be included in your annual parish contribution statement.
Each tuition donation includes $25 that is used to pay salaries to the two lay administrators who, with the assistance of two unpaid leaders and the pastor, administer the program at La Sagrada Familia parish.
Individuals and groups can sponsor students. A group of two or more can support one student, sharing the financial obligation. We will arrange a group of sponsors for a student if you do not have someone to share this with. Others wish to give to the discretionary fund. Any and all funds will be a blessing to our sister parish.
For those individuals and families who wish to adopt a student, you will be greatly rewarded with the experience. Help give a child an education. We take so much in our life for granted. Let’s give them the opportunity to have an education, make a difference in their country and we make a change in our sister parish.
La Sagrada Familia - Part of Our Family
We have experienced trips to Mexicali and many sponsors and parishioners participated. These trips gave the sponsors an opportunity to visit with their student and the family. We worship as a community at La Sagrada Familia. Likewise, there have been trips for our students and parishioners from our sister parish to come to Scottsdale. Sponsors and other members in the program opened their hearts and homes to our sister parish with home stays. Both create a bonding of love and faith.
There is so much to be learned, given and shared by everyone. God has given us a task, a real calling to help his children. Let’s all pull together.
GOD GIVES US ALL MANY BLESSINGS. PLEASE SHARE A LITTLE WITH THE FRIENDS IN OUR SISTER PARISH, LA SAGRADA FAMILIA MISSION.
Thank you for your support of the children of the our sister parish – La Sagrada Familia.
Yolanda and Ken McDonald: 480-483-7822,
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Rosey Trummer: 602-971-0312,
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