Canterbury House Members Visit Puerto Rico

 

Episcopal Cathedral of St. John the Baptist (Catedral San Juan Bautista) in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

On Wednesday morning (May 23, 2018), a delegation from IU Canterbury House will head for Puerto Rico for a week. This project is jointly supported by the Diocese of Indianapolis, the Diocese of Puerto Rico, Canterbury House/Episcopal Campus Ministry, and individual contributions.

The focus of the Puerto Rico visitation is to Connect, Learn and Serve. The invitation to the delegation came from Elenita Irizarry, one of the six students the IU School of Education brought to campus this spring to work with mentors in order to foster a leap forward on their advanced degrees. One of those students was Elenita Irizarry, who is an Episcopalian. Upon her arrival, Elenita joined Canterbury and became an integral, faithful member of the congregation. Elenita is working on a PhD in English as a Second Language.

Three of our days will be dedicated to working at rehab sites, mostly doing painting and basic construction. A day will be centered around the University of Puerto Rico, students and a faculty. On another day, we will be present at a HIV+ home for children. These children are awaiting resolution of their status with their families. We will travel to the southern portion of the island, as well as the south-eastern part of the island.

We invite you to participate in the trip either by sending some supplies, or making a tax-deductible financial contribution. Contributions may be sent to: (in memo line, please put Puerto Rico)
IU Episcopal Campus Ministry
P.O. Box 127
Bloomington, IN 47402

Supplies may be dropped at Mother Linda’s home (619 Eastside Driver – between First and Second Streets)
Schools Supplies:
Pencil sharpeners
#2 pencils and small erasers
Small notebooks (lined)
Crayons, colored markers
Children’s scissors
Multi-colored construction paper

Personal Supplies:
Bars of soap (individually wrapped)
Hand sanitizer
Toothpaste and brushes (adult & children)
Dental floss
Small containers of hand lotion
Small containers of shampoo

This spring, we hope to have reciprocal visitations to the Diocese of Indianapolis from 3-4 university students from the University of Puerto Rico.

The Rev. Dr. Linda C. Johnson+
University Chaplain
Vicar to Canterbury House

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