parish vision
One quickly discovers that in a very poor unplanned urban area like Mabatini that the poor do not have the space, time, or energy to move beyond mere survival.Their struggle for survival boxes out any hopes for a better future. The physical surroundings are something to be endured and to escape from, it is striking to see how many people are outside through all hours of the day and night. The poor are downtrodden not only physically but spiritually, depression is very common, suicide are on the rise, alcoholism, drug use are on the increase, general cultural and familial breakdown all contribute to a deep spiritual poverty. And yet in the midst of these struggles the people are full of humor and hope for a better life.
The Ecology of Transformation does not seek to do things for the people but to provide the opportune space where they can, with help, take hold of the destiny of their lives. The primary agents of change in an Ecology of Transformation are Christ and the people.
The focus of this space will be a new church and a community center with a park. The hope is to provide the liturgical space that in which people can grow in confidence of their relationship with God and one another as they worship and reflect on the Word of God in a church that will inspire them to go on to new and brighter possibilities.
The community center will offer classroom space for all levels of Christian education-formation. The goal is to form mature Christians you will become disciples for others. The center will also have office space, a large hall and meeting rooms.
The park will be an important piece where all the people of Mabatini can come to recreate, rest, read and reflect on their lives.