Pre-Banica

Hello! Thanks for checking out my blog! Okay...so I'm really uber new at this (and not very good with technology in general), but I'll try my best to make things interesting and upload as many pictures as I can. As of now, I am so excited in preparing for a year of service in Banica, Dominican Repulic...and this blog is simply just to keep you posted!

I am still in the process of raising enough to be able to stay teaching in Banica for a school year of ten months. ANY donation, no matter how small, is GREATLY appreciated! If you haven't received an awesome letter from me, it is posted below word for word (bear with me...) with all of the donation information. If you have already donated, thank you thank you thank you so very much!! Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers!!

Here's my letter:

"Greetings from Sarah Miranda!

I hope this letter finds you well and enjoying God’s abundant blessings! As a recent graduate of Christendom’s class of 2010, I am so grateful for the gift of my Catholic faith! I believe that I have been called by God to serve the Church as a missionary by returning to teach for a year in perhaps the poorest area in the Dominican Republic – in a rural region called Bánica.

Bánica is a place of both spiritual and material poverty. The Parish of Bánica is composed of 5,329 people. The Mission has been operating since 1991 at the direction of Bishop Keating (sponsored by the Diocese of Arlington, VA assisting the Diocese of San Juan de la Maguana). Since that time there have been priests from the Diocese of Arlington in Bánica; currently there are two: Father Keith O’Hare and Father Chris Murphy.

We aim to complete a variety of projects. For example, we hope to build chapels, outhouses, and deliver food and medical supplies to the people in the “campos” surrounding Bánica. Primarily, however, our group aims to dedicate its focus to the youth of Bánica and the surrounding pueblos in an effort to bring Christ’s message to them in both word and action. We will work together as a team, entrusting all that we do to the Holy Spirit and to the intercession of Saint Francis of Assisi. Some of the principal activities in which we will be involved include working with youth: teaching catechism and English classes, small group reading, organizing youth activities, Bible study and youth groups for teens, teaching music/art/dance, sports, visiting families, and most of all giving the people encouragement and an example of Catholic holiness.

We ask for your prayers and support as our priests, myself, and three other missionaries embark on this journey to spread the light of Christ to the Dominican people. The cost of living is approximately $500 per month. I hope to serve in Bánica for at least a school year of ten months, totaling to about $6,000 including airfare. Therefore, any financial contributions are greatly appreciated, no matter how small the amount. If you would like, you may send a tax-deductible check in the enclosed envelope, made payable to “Society for the Propagation of the Faith.” The donor should write: “For Missionary Sarah Miranda” on the memo line of the check. Checks are mailed to: Society for the Propagation of the Faith; c/o Sue Nadeau; 905 Park Avenue; Falls Church VA, 22046.

You also may enjoy viewing a five minute video online which gives you a peek at what life is like in Bánica (fyi: the dancing is from a religious celebration in honor of St. Francis of Assisi; the Americans learn a bit of the local dancing traditions); this video was done by a professional team who will be producing a documentary due to come out in September: http://vimeo.com/10301665.

I am eager to share my experiences with you, either in writing or in person, when I return. In the meantime, I invite you to follow my blog: http://sarahinbanica.blogspot.com. Please pray for us as we prepare for this exciting chance to serve! In the words of Blessed Mother Teresa, “If you want a love message to be heard, it has got to be sent out. To keep a lamp burning, we have to keep putting oil in it.” We are continually praying for you and cannot thank you enough for you gracious support!

Yours truly in Christ,

Sarah Miranda"