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Our History
The journey of Sister Parish Ministry from its humble beginnings to a thriving partnership
How Did It All Begin?
The First Meeting - Fall 2012
In the early fall of 2012, several men from Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church (OLSS) gathered at the Ponte Vedra Beach home of Bob Hart to discuss the general idea of a service project, a meeting inspired by a challenge from Parochial Vicar, Father Frank Iacona. These "co-founders," listed below, knew very little about parish partnerships or organizing foreign mission programs.
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Research and Connections - Late 2012
Internet searches and email solicitations for information eventually led the group to Catholic Relief Services, who forwarded the inquiries to the Jesuit Refugee Service in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Father Mario Serrano, SJ, the Executive Director of the Jesuit Refugee Service, was at that time also the Director of Centro Bonó, a Jesuit social action center that focused, among other things, on the problems of Haitian migrant workers in the Dominican Republic.
First Visit to Dominican Republic - January 2013
In January 2013, four months after the first meeting of the group, Don Barnhorst and Bob Hart flew to Santo Domingo to meet with Father Mario, where they met the two parishes that would eventually enter into a partnership with OLSS.
Growing Partnerships - 2013 to Present
Over the course of the next several months, five different "fact-finding" teams flew from Jacksonville, Florida, to Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Tentative relationships were established with two parishes: Santo Domingo Savio, a Jesuit parish located in Las Guandules, one of the most challenging urban ghettos in the capital city of Santo Domingo; and San Antonio de Padua, which serves the residents of a small town located east of the capital as well as residents of a number of bateyes (migrant-worker camps) occupied by primarily Haitian families.
Meet Our Ministry Founders
Our ministry co-founders are dedicated visionaries committed to guiding our mission, fostering community growth, and making a lasting impact through leadership and service.
Don Barnhorst
Founder
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Bob Hart
Founder
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