Missioning 2004

At their missioning on May 2, 2004, four new Scarboro lay missioners read the following statements and signed their commitments to serve overseas. Recognizing that it is the local church that sends its members to mission, ceremonies were also held at their home parishes later in May.

October 2004

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Barbara Michie of Holy Rosary Parish, Wyoming, Ontario

With deep gratitude to God for the love and support of my family, friends, parishioners and the Scarboro community, I commit myself to walk as a Scarboro missioner with the people of Malawi for the next three years. I pray for the grace to share, learn, grow and serve as a follower of Jesus with the help and guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Barbara is now teaching at a secondary school in Rumphi, Malawi.

Michael Hiebert of St. Joseph's Parish, Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan

In the presence of God, family, friends and the Scarboro community, I commit myself to journey with the people of Ecuador for three years as a lay missioner. I give thanks to God for all those who have helped me reach this point in my life and promise to share all of my God-given talents with the people of Ecuador.

Mike is enrolled in language school in Cochabamba, Bolivia, and lives with a host family.

Estrela DeSousa of St. Patrick's Parish, Edmonton, Alberta

In the presence of this assembly, I commit myself to three years' service as a lay missioner in Guyana. God has been preparing me for this time in my life when I can share the gifts that God has given me. May God guide and help me always.

Estrela now works in Georgetown, Guyana, teaching sewing skills and budgeting to local women, and volunteering at an orphanage.

Kate O'Donnell of St. Michael's Parish, Dunnville, Ontario

With peace in my heart, I make this commitment to Scarboro Missions to be with the people of Guyana for the next three years. As I walk with the Guyanese people, it is my desire, with God's grace, to be a vessel of God's loving presence and to serve in any way that I can. I pray that I would act justly, love tenderly and walk humbly with my God (Micah 6:8).

It is with trust in God, and the love and prayerful support of family and friends, that I go forward with confidence. I invite all of you to journey with me and together we can bring alive the words of Jesus: "I have come that they may have life and have it to the full" (John 10:10).

Kate is now in New Amsterdam, Guyana, working in prison, hospital and school ministries.

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