Note from Fr. Bill Auth:  When I began “mission work” close to 20 years ago, I had no idea what the future would hold. After a priest friend of mine had died quite suddenly and quite young, I asked myself what I wanted to do before I died. The answer was clear: head to Mexico and work with the Maya. I’ve been there since.

As the members of St. Perpetua know, my ministry includes sharing the experience of the Maya with lots of people “up north”. Officially this is called “cross cultural ministry.” In action it has meant that people at St. Perpetua’s and other parishes throughout the United States have formed bonds with our people in Mexico and we all have grown immensely. Over the years I have had the opportunity to share with you what we are doing in the Yucatan through our Maya Newsletter and monthly Maya Email.

Besides my “annual summer visit” to update you on the Maya and your most generous donations at that time, four times a year the parish sends a tithe to the Maya Indian Missions (St.Perpetua donates 1% of plate collections). This financial help has enabled us to send over 100 young adults to college and career educational programs. We also have a Computer Center where our young people in Mexico can connect with the Internet and have access to an unbelievable amount of information. The small library in our largest village probably doesn’t have more than 100 old battered books. Our students are expected to write reports and papers which require a lot more information than the local library can provide. We also sponsor an English School. One might wonder why Maya Indians, who already speak Spanish and Maya, need to learn English. Well, many more jobs are available for people who speak and understand English. I am proud to say that our teacher is one of the best and our students are doing very well.

I know that the people from St. Perpetua who have already visited our Missions come back with a renewed appreciation for the life that we have here in the United States. Most of our homes in the Yucatan are one-room structures with just a simple light bulb for electricity. It’s rare that a family has a refrigerator or a stove. Most homes don’t even have a toilet. People always remark how clean everyone is and how happy as well. I guess that is part of the cross cultural experience. We learn quickly that it is not material things which make one happy in this world, but good relations with family and friends.

I would be remiss if I didn’t tell you how much I personally value the support of St. Perpetua’s Parish, not just financially, but spiritually and emotionally. I don’t think I could continue my work with the Maya if I didn’t realize people like you are part of my life. Every time I visit the parish, I leave with renewed hope for the future. That’s what ministry is all about. Together we support one another in many ways. Each of us grows and together we build a better world.

May God bless you. Paz y amor.

Fr. Bill Auth, OSFS