CLINTON — “Building Family” is the theme for the fourth annual Peru dinner sponsored by Clinton’s Prince of Peace Parish. Bishop John McNaab, OSA, the founding bishop of the Diocese of Chulucanas, Peru, where the Prince of Peace sister parish is located, will be the honored guest at the festivity on Saturday, March 21, at The Tuscany, Clinton. Tickets for the fundraiser to benefit the Peruvian parish are available at the Prince of Peace office or by calling (563) 242-3311.
The parish located in Sapillica became a sister parish with Prince of Peace four years ago, just as it was formally created as a parish. Since then, Clinton parishioners have sent funds to aid in building projects associated with establishing the parish, but they have concentrated on providing funds for the spiritual and material care of their Peruvian “family.” Their donations provided living expenses for the pastor, Padre Ricardo Calle, and the one deacon who assists him in serving all 50 villages. They also provide funds for heath care for parishioners who typically travel 100 miles to the diocesan clinic.
Clinton parishioners have made two pilgrimages to Peru in the last four years. “We have learned that heath care is one of the greatest needs of our ‘family’ in Peru,” explained task force member, Sallyann McCarthy. “On our last pilgrimage, we met a child whose birth defect meant sure death. Because he had funds from Clinton, Padre Ricardo was able to send her to Chulucanas for the several surgeries that saved her life.”
Guests at the Peru dinner will be able to purchase hand-made Peruvian crafts from Chulucanas and hear an update from Clinton Franciscan Sister Mary Ann Phelan who returned from a visit to Peru last week. Clinton Franciscans have been ministering in Chulucanas since 1965.
For more information on the Peru dinner, call the parish office, (563) 242-3311.
