From AD 52 to 57 Saint Paul devoted a good portion of time and effort to raising money. I find it interesting that his special collection was not a local one. Paul petitions Gentile believers in Macedonia, Galatia, Asia Minor, and Achaia. The destination of these funds was nowhere near their origin; rather, it was to the poor Hebrew Christians in Jerusalem who, due to persecution, famine, and exile, found themselves dependent on churches elsewhere in the world.  

I bring up this particular collection because it demonstrates that from the very beginning the church was an institution whose resources knew no borders. Through the international efforts of the apostles, local Christian communities understood that the distribution of their tithes was not 

confined to their own congregation or location. Just as the proclamation of the gospel spanned time and space, so too did the family of God and all its resources. 

Sacred Heart Parish, following the example of Saint Paul and the other apostles, continues this particular expression of faith though it's long-distance relationship with our sister parish, Immaculate Conception, in Haiti. Recently, seven parishioners made their journey to personally 

ensure the delivery of school supplies and the funds needed to continue expanding the school and parish center. Together with Father Junior and the Pastoral Council of Immaculate Conception, we continue to fulfill the call to live as a Church without borders, instilling hope for Christians in Haiti who are among the poorest in the world. 

(Next week, part two and the details of the trip will be posted)