Through a random drawing, parishioners

chose Guatemala as the focal point of their efforts and the church was

soon connected to the Diocese of Huehuetenango.

"That was the start of

a deep bond between the Peachtree City parish and the impoverished citizens

of San Mateo, a bond that grows stronger as the months pass," according

to a statement from the church.

Father Fernando Molina-Restrepo,

parochial vicar at Holy Trinity, described the trips as "an opportunity

for us to stretch out our hands to our brothers and sisters in Central

America and to share with the less fortunate. We also are nourished in

return by their faith and their faithfulness to the Church."

He added, "We go to serve

and we receive so much more. We go with the Gospel message and are greatly

enriched by their prayers and appreciation."

The first mission trip was

one of investigation, when eight members of the parish accompanied Father

Fernando on a fact-finding trip that took them to remote regions, visiting

eight towns to determine the many needs of the people. It soon became

apparent to them that medical needs were primary and a second mission

trip was planned with a decided medical dimension.

Four nurses and an interpreter

joined Father Fernando for that trip last September to San Mateo, a tiny

village in the mountains of Guatemala. Suitcases were filled with medical

supplies to meet the needs of the people.

A small clinic was set up in

the town and residents soon began lining up in the rain, waiting to be

seen by the medical team. The line was long, the wait longer. But the

people were patient and happy to receive this rare medical attention.

Awilda Guadalupe served as

interpreter for the Holy Trinity mission and described the experience

as "very emotional. The people are a very shy culture and they were

genuinely moved by our presence. When we touched them, they smiled in

return, reaching out to us."

Guadalupe said she thought

many of those in line came "just to see who we were." Apparently,

they liked what they saw.

The team of nurses administered

medical help for wounds, backaches, infections, skin conditions, parasites,

malnutrition and gastrointestinal problems. They reported a great need

for basic hygiene, nutritional counseling, infant care, first aid treatment,

and prevention of injuries. A pledge was then made to return with more

medical help.

Members of Holy Trinity committed

$4,000 a month during the year 2000 to help several parishes in Huehuetenango

provide a much-needed breakfast program for their children, most of whom

arrive at school not having had any nourishment. There is none in their

home.

Since the September visit,

letters from the Bishop to Father Fernando and Holy Trinity have expressed

great gratitude for this program that is providing nutritional assistance

for young children. What began as a special Jubilee Year project will

continue in 2001 with a commitment of $1,000 for the breakfast project.

Holy Trinity has also been

asked to assist with the construction of a parish hall type facility that

would cost an additional $15,000.

Parishioners have become so

dedicated to the Guatemala effort that they formed a special group, the

Guatemala Action Project (GAP), to develop and implement programs in the

parish that would continue Holy Trinity's role of support.

"We have struck a special

chord in the hearts of our parishioners," said Father Fernando. "Their

generosity and commitment in the name of Christ is unbelievable."

In mid-May, several nurses,

possibly a doctor, and perhaps a dentist will join Father Fernando and

a few Holy Trinity parishioners for a second medical mission. Some donations

of medical supplies have already been given, but more are desperately

needed.

In addition, the mission group

hopes to take along small items for the children such as hair barrettes,

toiletries and small games. Plans include shipping many of the donated

medical items by air so they will be there when the mission group arrives.

The mission group will leave

Atlanta May 13 Mother's Day. "That seems appropriate," says

Guadalupe, "since we consider them as our children. Our parish has

taken them into their hearts and we go to be with them bringing great

affection and prayer."

"We go as Christ would

go, to these children, these needy," said Father Fernando. "We

hope we will be able to bring them significant help