Fidesco USA

Fidesco has successfully trained up a new group of volunteers in Paray-le-Monial, France last week. We have 71 volunteers, some with small children, who are now sent by the Catholic Church on mission. Fidesco USA modestly contributed with an American volunteer Elliott De La Rosa who hails from Florida. Do keep Elliott and the rest of the volunteers in your prayers as they make the final preparations to head out to serve those in need. Thank you for being a part of this mission and for the support given to Elliott!

Fidesco’s 71 volunteers responded to the Lord's call to go far away to be, through their joyful and fraternal presence, witnesses of Hope. Putting themselves, in a new way, at the school of life, alongside those who will be their brothers and sisters for one or two years. Some are already in the field; others are preparing to return to their mission. All said yes, with audacity. This audacious yes can also be ours, following the exhortation of Pope Francis on the occasion of the next World Mission Week: "Go and invite everyone to the wedding" (Mt 22:9). In our families, our communities or our workplaces, "with a burning heart, open eyes, and walking feet", let us dare to set out and let ourselves be shaken up to taste the joy of the mission! 

Elliott De La Rosa is hard at work extending his mission by inviting others to support him in the field. As he works on learning Spanish to be ready to share with those he will serve in Mexico, Elliott is also raising awareness of Fidesco’s work by seeking sponsors. As a grassroots organization, Fidesco relies on such financial support to cover our volunteers’ expenses onsite. It is a concrete way to bring others into the mission when they cannot actually go there themselves. Our volunteers give regular updates of their work with its challenges and joys which allow a front row seat for their sponsors. Do you feel called to support the mission? Click here: https://lnkd.in/g7JXgRt5

Sophie continues to bring joy and to know joy while working in the bakery in Huaycán, Peru. The baked goods are sold locally to help sustain the school where the students receive something that can never be taken away: an education! Thank you to Sophie and to all the Fidesco volunteers who courageously choose to make a difference in the lives they touch each day. And you? Are you too called to serve the poor? Let’s talk: [email protected]

Fidesco is in transition at this time with “the changing of the guard”, so to speak. On Saturday, Fidesco Netherlands welcomed home Lianne Christ who returned safely from Sihanoukville in Cambodia. Lianne worked at the Don Bosco School there for her humanitarian development mission. Now she will rest a bit and then continue with studies in the Netherlands. We are curious to hear all of her stories which may inspire your own yes to the call to mission! Contact us to learn more www.fidescousa.org

While the current volunteers in training conclude their preparations to leave on mission, let us we look towards the future and ask YOU the question: “Are you called to serve with Fidesco?” Fidesco responds to a real need, identified by local populations who seek new skill sets. To serve with Fidesco is to put oneself at the service of the Church and of the poor in an attitude of humility and availability. If the adventure of the mission appeals to you, take a first step and contact us: [email protected]

The Send-Off mass is especially powerful as the volunteers are sent on mission in the name of the Catholic Church. "The Lord wants to purify us of being self-centered," preaches Father Clément during his homily. "Elliott, Albane, Martin, Sophie, Marie, Victor, Hugo..." The sponsor of the promotion lists all the first names of the newly sent volunteers, before exhorting them to place their trust in God at every moment of their mission. "Do not be afraid, because each of your hairs is numbered. Providence will manifest itself! Remain witnesses of the light and truth of the Gospel."

Freddie is currently finishing up two years of service in Chikowa, Zambia where he teaches a sewing class in addition to other activities at a Vocational School. He writes: “Learning by doing; that was my motto for my tailoring practical class. So I told my students that we will have fashion show by the end of the term” Here is a picture of their work! I was happy to see them enjoying the event and proudly parading their creations. I was indeed a term full of learning and fun.”

The Fidesco team continues to train the new volunteers for this summer’s send off. Here is Rosemary with Cynthia and Aldrik (and photo-bombing volunteers 😉 ) who visit the volunteers in Peru each year of their mission. Fidsesco has a support network in place to assist the volunteers as needed and thereby assure their success during the two years of service.

Fidesco USA is a non-profit organization that benefits from the generous gift of time of the Board of Directors. Bridget Paredes is the current President having served in the Philippines with a local partner. She continues to give forward by offering her expertise and acumen for the mission. Natalie Kean is the current Secretary and also did a mission in the Philippines with a partner there. Natalie is an excellent source of sound guidance as we navigate the challenges of serving the poor. Rosemary Leblond is the current Treasurer and Executive Director of Fidesco USA. Having served in Romania with her husband, Denis +, she strives to build bridges connecting those who wish to serve with those who need volunteers.