Today was water truck day. I am so excited to report to our donors that it was the first day that our new water truck was in operation! The process of getting it from Minnesota to Cite Soleil was much more difficult than any of us anticipated, but it was incredibly rewarding to see it roll into the first stop and deliver clean water to the poorest of the poor, bucket by bucket.
Cite Soleil is a place that I find beyond description. Once again, I was humbled to serve as the hands of Christ in giving water to the thirsty. And I was honored to have a chance to love the hundreds of beautiful children who flock to the truck. I cried, I danced, I smiled, I sang, I carried, I hugged, and my heart was broken again and again.
Peace,
Joyce
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Monday, October 22, 2012
My First Day
My first day was different. The logistics were a bit of a problem but we all got here. Being with the children is such a highlight and so unique. This country needs everything but the compassion shown by all the volunteers is remarkable. Tomorow will be a full day so I'll surely have more to say then. Good Bless you all! Jim
Honor
What an incredible honor it is to be part of a team of 11 Reiser Relief volunteers on a week long mission trip to Haiti. I have thought of Fr. Reiser so many times today. I've thought about the passion he had to doing whatever he could to alleviate the suffering he witnessed in Haiti. I've tried to imagine him in the heat and chaos and beauty and love that I feel here. I've thought about how pleased he must be to see his work continue in Haiti.
It is with tremendous humility that our team strives to uphold his legacy of compassion and service to the poor. Thank you for following our blog. Thank you for your support in preparing for this trip. Pray that we are a blessing to each and every Haitian we meet this week.
Peace,
Joyce
It is with tremendous humility that our team strives to uphold his legacy of compassion and service to the poor. Thank you for following our blog. Thank you for your support in preparing for this trip. Pray that we are a blessing to each and every Haitian we meet this week.
Peace,
Joyce
sibling rivalry
As loving sisters traveling together we may never be able to agree on a title for our blog...so here goes day one.
When flying into Haiti we saw beautiful green mountains and blue waters. It looked so picturesque. As we got closer the reality of where we were set in with views of shacks and homes made of scrap metal. The airport was very hectic and we won't lie - it was scary for the first few minutes. Then our leader, Shelley, came to the rescue.
The ride to the guesthouse was in a colorful "tap tap". It was our first time riding in a caged van but the smiles and waves we got from the Haitian people made us feel very welcomed. We then settled in the guesthouse and took a walk around the block. Immediately children flocked to us and told us their names and wanted to hold our hands. It did feel a little awkward that they were so happy to see us, even though they had no idea who we were. Each volunteer had at least one each kid on each side, just happy to be walking the block with us.
We then came back to the guesthouse for awesome taco salad and maybe the best guacamole ever. We are now arranging all the wonderful donations we have gotten. It will surely be a great but humbling week.
Lisa & Kimmy Maciej
When flying into Haiti we saw beautiful green mountains and blue waters. It looked so picturesque. As we got closer the reality of where we were set in with views of shacks and homes made of scrap metal. The airport was very hectic and we won't lie - it was scary for the first few minutes. Then our leader, Shelley, came to the rescue.
The ride to the guesthouse was in a colorful "tap tap". It was our first time riding in a caged van but the smiles and waves we got from the Haitian people made us feel very welcomed. We then settled in the guesthouse and took a walk around the block. Immediately children flocked to us and told us their names and wanted to hold our hands. It did feel a little awkward that they were so happy to see us, even though they had no idea who we were. Each volunteer had at least one each kid on each side, just happy to be walking the block with us.
We then came back to the guesthouse for awesome taco salad and maybe the best guacamole ever. We are now arranging all the wonderful donations we have gotten. It will surely be a great but humbling week.
Lisa & Kimmy Maciej
Monday, October 8, 2012
“Memorial” hardcover edition of Reiser’s Ramblings
"We couldn't be happier with the way the hardcover edition of Reiser's Ramblings has come together, it looks great and we are so happy with the design of the book" noted Ann Brau - Reiser Relief President and niece of author Fr, Reiser.
"We are proud to honor Father with a sentimental tribute by offering a "memorial" hardcover version of his book. I'm sure he would find the recognition to be both humbling and heartwarming."
All profits from the sale of Reiser's Ramblings go to Haitian relief efforts sponsored by Reiser Relief. The "Memorial" hardcover will be available late October to early November and can be pre-order now through Epiphany Church Gift Store and St. George Catholic bookstore.
About the book
"Reiser's Ramblings" is a collection of daily/weekly meditations/devotions ~ daily reflections from the best columns written over the past three decades by Fr. Bernard Reiser, former pastor of Epiphany Parish in Coon Rapids, Minnesota. From farm living to an eternity in Heaven, Fr. Reiser brings together a wonderful
collection of Christian spiritual "ramblings" that all of us can take to heart. We end up with a lovely book of short, easily read reminiscences and edifying stories and thoughts, with each column titled. The reader is
meant ponder the spiritual message and meaning in each column and how, or if, it applies to each individual life.
Father Bernard Reiser - Dec 29, 1924 - Dec 27, 2011 an American Roman Catholic priest known for his preaching and for his charitable giving, both locally and abroad. Father was ordained on June 4, 1949, by Archbishop John Gregory Murray. His first Solemn Mass was at Holy Name of Jesus, the parish where he attended as a child. He was assigned to St. Mary of the Lake parish in White Bear Lake, MN. In 1964, Archbishop Leo Binz asked Fr Reiser to start a parish in the quickly-growing suburb of Coon Rapids. Seventy acres of farmland was acquired for the new church, which was named Epiphany after one of the great feast days of the Lord.
Under Father Reiser's leadership, Epiphany grew to become one of the largest Catholic communities in the state. In addition to a spacious sanctuary, the Epiphany campus includes an elementary school, a Perpetual Adoration chapel, a senior housing complex, an assisted living facility, a cemetery, and several outdoor shrines. While being retired he volunteered his time to parishes in and around the Twin Cities of Minnesota.
Reiser Relief Inc. a volunteer run non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation founded by Father Reiser, who was involved with Haiti outreach programs for over 15 years; Bringing Hope To Haiti. Reiser Relief is based in Coon Rapids, MN and its mission is to help the impoverished people of the Caribbean country of Haiti, the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere.
Reiser's Ramblings Author: Fr. Bernard Reiser. Publisher: Reiser Relief Inc. Publication Date: Oct/Nov 2012. Genres: Christian Living› Faith, Spirituality › Inspirational, Catholicism › Self Help. Editor: Jacqueline Hilgert, Illustrator: Mark Sanislo ISBN: 978-0-985-91530-8 (6" x 9") Hardcover: 272pp. Retail Price: $23.95. Paperback and Kindle versions available.
Call or stop into Pre-order your "Memorial" Hardcover Edition of "Reiser's Ramblings"
Epiphany Catholic Church Gift Center
11001 Hanson Blvd NW
Coon Rapids MN 55433
763-862-4358
http://epiphanymn.org/church/gift_center.html
St. George Catholic Books & Gifts
10904 Baltimore St. NE
Blaine, MN 55449
763-754-9777
http://www.stgeorgebooks.com/
Help Keep Father Reiser's Legacy Alive
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Thursday, June 7, 2012
Reiser’s Ramblings WINNER of the 2012 Indie Excellence Award
June 4, 2012 -- Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States of America (June 4th, 2012) Reiser Relief Inc is excited to announce that our late founder, Fr. Bernard Reiser was honored in one of the most prestigious national contests for independently published works, The National Indie Excellence Awards, a Contest Recognizing Outstanding Independently Published Books. “Reiser’s Ramblings” by Fr, Reiser has been selected the WINNER of the 2012 Indie Excellence Award in the category of Religion-Non-Fiction.
“This is the second award in less than 30 days!” noted Ann Brau - Reiser Relief President and niece of author Fr, Reiser “It’s sure nice to see his words continuing to inspire others and I’m sure Father would find the recognition to be both humbling and heartwarming. It gives me huge solace to see his work selected for this honor.”
Winners and finalists of the awards were announced on May 29, 2011. The National Indie Excellence Book Awards competition is judged by independent experts from all aspects of the indie book industry, including publishers, writers, editors, book cover designers and professional copywriters.
They select award winners and finalists based on overall excellence of presentation. This award celebrates the highest achievements in independent press and self-publishing, a sector of the industry that has grown exponentially in recent years. For a complete list of the honorees visit: http://www.indieexcellence.com/indie-results-2012.htm
Father Reiser was my pastor for most of my lifetime. In his last years not only was he a great confidant but a dear friend. So it was a great honor for me to paint his portrait and will rank as a favorite among the many portraits I have painted.
As part of the commission process Father helped in the portrait design by offering his input with his choices in the color of his vestment, the pose and the background. His choices were a reflection of who he was and it comes through in the portrait. His choice a red vestment was purely out of preference for the color but we know from Christian art that red represents Pentecost, fire excitement and suffering.
The stained glass windows in the background of the painting are the windows from inside Epiphany Catholic Church. In the painting they are painted in a different order then how they are in the church. We chose to feature Father’s two favorite windows: The Resurrection window and The Epiphany window and to position them prominently in the painting.
Father also chose the pose in the most humble way he wanted to be, standing with his hands folded. I miss Father Reiser greatly but I know he's working hard for us in Gods heavenly kingdom. True to form he still won't be retiring and congratulate him for his award winning book.”
About the book
“Reiser’s Ramblings” is a collection of daily/weekly meditations/devotions ~ daily reflections from the best columns written over the past three decades by Fr. Bernard Reiser, former pastor of Epiphany Parish in Coon Rapids, Minnesota. From farm living to an eternity in Heaven, Fr. Reiser brings together a wonderful collection of Christian spiritual “ramblings” that all of us can take to heart. We end up with a lovely book of short, easily read reminiscences and edifying stories and thoughts, with each column titled. The reader is meant ponder the spiritual message and meaning in each column and how, or if, it applies to each individual life. The writings talk of his growing up in a farming family, to teaching you how to start and continue having a relationship with God, and the people around you.
The columns in the book are separated into six sections: Early Life and Key Influences; The Wonder of God's Creation; Our Place in God's World; Counting Our Blessings; God's Grace at Work Within Us; All Eyes on Heaven. Each column is titled and short. So we end up with reminiscences and a lovely book of short, easily read edifying stories and thoughts.
About the Author:
Father Bernard Reiser was born in 1924 and was ordained to the priesthood on June 4, 1949. His first was assigned to St. Mary of the Lake parish in White Bear Lake, Minnesota. In 1964, Archbishop Leo Binz asked Father Reiser to start a parish in the quickly-growing Minneapolis suburb of Coon Rapids located in Anoka County
Under Father Reiser’s leadership, Epiphany grew to become one of the largest Catholic communities in the state. In addition to a spacious sanctuary, the Epiphany campus includes an elementary school, a Perpetual Adoration chapel, a senior housing complex, an assisted living facility, a cemetery, and several outdoor shrines. While being retired he volunteered his time to parishes in and around the Twin Cities of Minnesota.
Reiser Relief Inc. a volunteer run non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation founded by Father Reiser, who has been involved with Haiti outreach programs for over 13 years; Bringing Hope To Haiti. Reiser Relief is based in Coon Rapids, MN and its mission is to help the impoverished people of the Caribbean country of Haiti, the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. President Ann Brau will be providing a letter in the near future of her mission trip in Haiti, along with updates on the website.
Reiser’s Ramblings Author: Fr. Bernard Reiser. Publisher: Reiser Relief Inc. Publication Date: June 2010. Genres: Christian Living › Faith, Spirituality › Inspirational, Catholicism › Self Help. Editor: Jacqueline Hilgert, Illustrator: Mark Sanislo ISBN: 978-0-615-36478-0. Paperback: 268pp. Retail Price: $16.95.
“Reiser’s Ramblings” is available online at http://www.reiserrelief.org/ and Minnesota retail locations: Epiphany Catholic Church Gift Center, Coon Rapids; St. George Catholic Books, Blaine; St. Maximilian Catholic Books, Elk River; Heaven Bound Catholic Books, St. Michael; Saint Patrick's Guild, St. Paul, St Olaf Church, Minneapolis.
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