Kindergarden
Our Lady of Guadalupe School is a parochial elementary school supported by the parish by providing funds for the salaries of the teachers. Additionally, funding is provided for those students who have not had the opportunity to attend traditional classes; they attend class in the afternoon. Thanks to your generosity, the school opened its doors in January, 2002. Approximately 250 children attend school and their parents are extremely grateful to have this opportunity for their children.
GRADUATION - OCTOBER 2008
We have been members of the Mission Outreach Committee since its inception in 2001 and had the pleasure of visiting Our Lady of Guadalupe School in Chiche for graduation. This year’s graduating class marked the graduation of those students who started their schooling in kindergarten and they received their elementary education at the parochial school. The school year was completed in mid October and graduation festivities were held on Tuesday, October 28.
The entire day was one of celebrations, starting with Mass celebrated by Bishop Molina, along with Father Mateo and Father Sebastian, the respective present and former pastors of the parish. During the meal after the Mass, Bishop Molina emphasized the importance of Catholic education and encouraged our parish to continue in its mission of education of the poor. Graduation ceremonies took place in the afternoon for both the little ones from kindergarten and the sixth grade graduates. Following the ceremonies all of the graduates, their families and teaching staff attended a special dinner held in the patio area of the church.
We spent a total of six days in the community and had a full agenda of visits and activities. Some of these included visiting the sick in their homes with Father Mateo for the reception of the Sacraments; attending and participating in prayer services for the deceased, which were also held in the homes; visiting the teachers at the school during their end of school year responsibilities; attending funeral services of two young men, who met their death in Guatemala City; going the cemetery and helping a local family decorate their family’s grave site for the celebration of All Saints’ Day, called “Day of the Dead”.
Some of the things that impressed us were the hospitality of the people and how much they appreciate the support of St. Ignatius parishioners, which enables their children to attend school. Additionally, the opportunity to participate in the lives of the people, to visit them in their homes and to pray with them is very special and meaningful. We are awed by the spirituality of the Mayan, or indigenous, people – it seems like they have a “direct line” to God.
In reflecting on the trip, we feel that what we experienced is similar to a retreat – leaving our own environment, participating in different way of life, eating different foods and being in beautiful surroundings and interacting with holy people. The entire experience causes us to reflect about our lives. We feel that we were very fortunate to have the opportunity to go to Chiche to visit with the people, renew friendships, and attend the graduations festivities. Hopefully, we will be able to visit again.