Timeline

The Consul General of Mexico, Javier Díaz de León, presented the OHTLI Award to the Social Services Center “La Casita”, recognizing the work and service of the Missionary Guadalupanas of the Holy Spirit. That same day, students from the “Plaza Comunitaria” received their graduation diplomas and the anniversary of Mexico’s independence was celebrated. 🇲🇽 Father Kevin Bazzel, Vicar General of our Diocese, and a representative of the Mayor of Hoover, AL, also joined this day of celebration.

La Casita accepting the grant that will continue supporting the Guadalupan Multicultural Services programs that meet the everyday needs of the Hispanic Community.

Collection of non-perishable food at St. Peter Parish, donor: “Human Concerns Committee” Distributed by older people from the parish. It is very beneficial for people who request this help. We feed the hungry.

After the pandemic, we resumed the citizenship classes. Mr. Melchor Rivera continues to serve this group of people. We help people feel safer in this country.

On the 10th we had our traditional Christmas Posada. There were gifts, games directed by a funny clown and other games for the children. We had La Posada with the participation of the choir, there was a representation of the Birth of the baby Jesus, the Virgin Mary, Saint Joseph and the angels surrounding the manger. It is a religious education for boys and girls born in this country.

This scholarship of $4,000.00 dlls., from the Mexican Consulate in Atlanta, GA supports the students and advisors of the Community Plazas in Birmingham, Albertville and Cullman, AL. The effort made with adults who need to complete their basic studies is supported by the IME scholarship program in Mexico.

Sharing with people in need: clothing and shoes for children, women and men. Strengthen solidarity with people in need and involve volunteers who serve generously.

Solidary participation, visiting people and joining efforts with other agencies and the municipalities of Fultondale and Pinson. In communion, solidarity is reinforced.

The Catholic Charities organization generously provided a $10,000.00 grant to help people in need to pay their rent. The pandemic has caused job losses in families. Closeness and solidarity have been possible. Reach out and be a Bridge by providing the resources received.

Food bank, pantry collection centers, diapers, online communication networks. Distributing food in the center and in neighborhoods where there are a greater number of people in need (St. Joseph Parish, Albertville, Alexander). I work in communion with volunteers. We value dedication to the service of love.

Catholic Charity Services help to support people affected by Covid-19 and the lack of work. Making the commandment of love a reality.

Showing solidarity with people in need. Joining forces and resources with different agencies. An experience of solidarity and mutual care, following the protocols indicated by the government authorities.

Participating with Catholic Workers making ourselves responsible for the care of Mary’s House and the people who will be seeking shelter. The Missionary Guadalupanas of the Holy Spirit sisters took turns per week. Be welcoming and embody the commandment of love.

Cultural exchange and fundraising. To value and appreciate the richness of complementing each other – Staff and volunteers who gladly give their time.

January 2018 to May 2019
Services Provided $12,909.00 total
Meetings, Volunteers $2,320.00 total
Total from Services $15,230.00

We have the support of Fr. Raúl Bedolla; and a good number of advisors and a group of students willing to excel. Education develops growth in people.

2018
Catechists Course in St. Joseph’s Parish

March 23 to 25, 2018
Lenten Retreat in Corinth, MS

April 2018
Retreat of Leaders in St. Theresa, Leeds, MS

The group “Pax Christi” begins its meetings in the facilities of “La Casita”. Building bridges with the American community, promoting peace and justice.

A Baby Shower celebration for volunteers during our craft program. Encouragement and gratitude for their dedication of “La Casita” programs.

Permanently:
– Visits to the parishes of the Hispanic community
– Promoting Services and Programs developed by “La Casita”
– Looking for for students and volunteers for the “Plaza Comunitaria”

Sharing our facilities with Consulates. People get their legal identity documents so they feel safe, dignified, considered and taken into account.

From July 2016 to the 2017 school year
It continues throughout the school year. Cultural Exchange.

New boost to the Social Pastoral Team at Sacred Heart Parish, Cullman, AL. Animation and Support to the Team.

For this event we had the presence of the Most Rev. Robert J. Baker, Bishop of this Diocese of Birmingham, Alabama. They were summoned by their teacher: Melchor Rivera. Celebrating with students their achievements, successes, instilling in them a sense of belonging and pride.

Be present and support migrants in their cause of dignity and defense of their human rights.

These catechumenate classes were held at the Catholic Parish of Prince of Peace. The three sisters who work at “La Casita” got involved. Supporting the parish by preparing the Hispanic community to receive the Sacraments of Initiation and helping them grow in their faith: Baptism, First Communion, Confirmation, and Matrimony.

Publication on networks of a video that promotes the services provided to Hispanic migrants. Assessment of the services that “La Casita” provides to migrants.

Intensive Spanish course for people who want to learn this language. The course is given by brothers belonging to the Missionaries of the Holy Spirit: Jorge Haro and Jesús Romo. We share our culture.

Pastoral Teams from Eutaw and Hoover, MMGSpS. Advisor: Rosa Inés Floriano Carrera. Outlining our mission within the framework of the pastoral plan.

Students and advisors of La Plaza Comunitaria prepare to continue the School Year for the period 2016-2017.

On April 14, we gathered the volunteers from “La Casita” and those who became American citizens and prepared themselves in “La Casita”. Mr. Melchor Rivera is the instructor of the citizenship classes. We had a Eucharistic celebration and, afterward, lunch and a small gathering.

Review and update of the Social Pastoral Plan. We continue strengthening the work of the Pastoral Team.

4 students graduated with elementary education and 1 student with high school education. Volunteer Hispanic advisors, family, and students celebrate self-improvement and their increase in their self-esteem.

Religious and cultural event. Educating the new generations and teaching our cultural roots.

The six sisters from the centers attended the sessions of the social pastoral team, the centers are: Eutaw and Homewood, Alabama. Monthly meetings for: workshops, consultancies. Review and update of the pastoral plan.

Event that maintains a cultural exchange and fundraising. The people who have received help collaborate in the elaboration.

Sister Martha Elena Pérez joins “La Casita” and coordinates “La Plaza Comunitaria”. Sister Juventina García coordinates the administration of “La Casita”. Sister Felicitas Almanza goes to the community of Eutaw, AL.

The staff is organized into two teams:
Eutaw, AL: Sisters Felicitas Almanza, Rosa María Reyes and Alicia López
Homewood, AL: Sisters Gabriela Ramírez, Martha Elena Perez and Juventina García

“La Casita” gives away school supplies for children on their return to school. Supporting low-income families.

Nominated by the Catholic Extension Society for the “Lumen Christi Award” for the work carried out by the Guadalupan Missionaries of the Holy Spirit in the Diocese of Birmingham, AL. We were one of the 10 finalists and received the amount of $10,000.00 to continue our mission. Increase in Share Capital.

Sister Juventina García arrives to “La Casita” to coordinate “La Plaza Comunitaria” The Opening of “La Plaza Comunitaria: Our Lady of Guadalupe begins. Providing basic academic education: literacy, elementary and high school education.

Sisters Felicitas Almanza and Gabriela Ramírez teach leadership courses in Russellville and Boaz, AL. Opportunities to educate people about their leadership potential and sense of dignity.

Sister Rosa María Reyes returns to Mexico to care for her sick sister. Mrs. Mary is in charge of the women’s group. Delegating by giving continuity to the process with the remaining staff.

The bishops’ conference pays special attention and listens to the immigrants in Tuscaloosa., Boaz, Albertville, Steel and Russellville. God hears the cry of the poor.

The development and documentation begins by requesting the Mexican consulate in Atlanta, GA., to establish “La Plaza Comunitaria” in “La Casita”. Frequent trips to Atlanta, GA. A way of educating, avoiding handouts, and promoting the dignity of the person.

Sharing life and faith with these modest, kind and welcoming people. The Mayan Community teach us community, commitment and respect for each other’s leadership.

We celebrated Mrs. María Elena Cabrera “Doña Mary” and other birthdays. Opportunity to get together and integration, sharing life, faith and food.

Our team of “La Casita” is made up of of three sisters working together with two lay people. Diversity helps us for integration and communication. We agree to organize activities. Taking responsibility and reviewing our progress.

Opportunity to make known and advertise “La Casita”, sell crafts and receive the collection of the mass. Relationship with the people of the Diocese of Birmingham summoned there.

Father Ackerman blessed the community garden, and several volunteers joined us. There was a party afterwards with plenty of food. Opportunity to be in contact with God through nature and healthy food.

A ceremony at “La Casita” to thank and honor all of our volunteers. Gratitude for their services and inconditional support.

We celebrate with joy and gratitude the moms who volunteer at “La Casita”. A creative way to thank our volunteers.

Our Immigration Program was officially accredited by the Immigration Appeals Committee. Since April 2012, the required documentation and training for Leslie González to coordinate this service has been prepared. A new way of promoting the dignity of the person and prevent dependency.

This council meets every three months and is made up of 23 members from different areas of the Diocese of Birmingham and different cultures and professions. Support, guidance, wisdom, advancement, credibility, and trust are given.

The Claypoole couple: represented Mary and Joseph welcoming immigrants. This gesture was one of welcoming and integration and to give joy to the children with toys and more.

Teamwork is developed with volunteers. Opportunity to let know the richness of our Latino culture.

The Women’s Group is established, and meets every Friday. This occupational therapy group was founded by Sister Gabriela Ramrez, women attending this group learn to create handmade items. Group of women supporting and listening to one another and exchanging ideas and creativity.

Staff of “La Casita” formed by Sister Gabriela Ramírez and two full-time lay women: Leslie González and Mrs. María Elena Cabrera. Sister Felicitas Almanza joins the team and for the first time two Missionary Guadalupanas of the Holy Spirit sisters are part of the team. More support and a common vision.

For the first time, as a Province of the Missionary Guadalupanas of the Holy Spirit,we assumed a full-time position in Social Ministry at the Diocesan Level. Creation of Social Ministry Committees at the parish level: Prince of Peace in Hoover, Alabama Sacred Heart in Cullman, Alabama. Training of leaders, delegating responsibilities, decentralizing services. Fostering collaboration between Americans and Hispanics.