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Two Parishes in Relationship of Sisterly Love
When Jim and Shirley Anderson of St. Ann's Parish in Brandon, MN traveled to Venezuela in 2000, nobody imagined the long-reaching effects of their trip. Since the Andersons initial visit to Venezuela, St. Ann's Parish in Brandon has established a sister-parish relationship with Immaculata Concepcion in Barbacoas, Venezuela. This relationship has grown and evolved over the past five years. During that time, Shirley has visited Barbacoas three times with fellow parishioners from Minnesota. In January, 2005; five members from St. Ann's Parish in Brandon traveled to Venezuela on a reverse mission trip to broaden and deepen their relationship with the parish of Barbacoas. Father Tony Kroll led the Minnesota group, which also included three of the Anderson's teen-age granddaughters and Catholic parishioners from Pierz, Perham and New Ulm as well. Representatives from the Brandon Parish included Shirley Anderson, Rebecca Roers, Gabbie Roers, Lowell Anderson and Kay Anderson. Their sister parish relationship continues to grow by engaging parishioners, families, youth, mission circle members, and priests from both parishes. In Brandon for example, members of the St. Judes Mission Circle at St. Ann's have developed a special connection with the children of Barbacoas. Personal contact through delegation visits and on-going communication has been essential in remaining connected, sharing faith, learning about each other's culture, and fostering the relationship. Their mutual love for each other grows more with every exchange visit. Shirley and other from St. Ann's Parish have grown to love their Venezuelan friends and families and continue to look forward to more visits (if the Lord be willing). Shirley said, " I had met so many members of their families in Venezuela that I also want them to meet some of my family."
For more information about this sister parish relationship or our broader Diocesan Partnership with Maracay, Venezuela...
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