Sister Parish

            As one year ends and another begins, I share greetings from the pastor of our sister parish in Ecuador, Father Martin Kelly:

“Just a short note as I am waiting for the bells to chime in the New Year. I just want to wish you and all of the people of St Francis of Assisi parish a very happy New Year … I was kept very busy with preparations for First Holy Communion in the town of Puerto Quito, then the Novena de Navidad in the different sectors of the town and in lots of the recintos (precincts). We celebrated the First Communions in the town on the 20th of December.  Now we are starting with the First Communions in the campo in the different recintos. When we finish … in the campo, we then begin with the Confirmations both in the town and campo. All of the preparation for both first Holy Communion and for Confirmation takes place in the parish. The children in the schools do not receive preparation for any of the sacraments.  For First Communion we use the system of Catequesis Familiar (Family Catechesis). This is a two year course for both the parents and the children. I have being working this system of catechesis for the past 24 years and I have not yet come across a more effective preparation for the family. It involves a lot of organization and dedication, but it is well worth while the effort.
 
Even though Ecuador is a Catholic country, Christmas was not the big celebration that one would expect; it was not that different from a regular Sunday. However, over the years I think we have managed to change the mentality especially with the celebration of the Novena de Navidad in all of the sectors of the town all nine nights, also in most of the recintos in the rural area. We had a very pleasant Christmas this year, but we did not have the opportunity to celebrate our traditional Christmas dinner as we were out in different communities most of the day.  However, we closed down shop in the evening and had a nice Christmas supper with our household and some friends.  As I write the New Year has come in, so once again I wish you and all of the parish a very happy New Year.  God bless, Father Martin Kelly”