2023 Lenten Project Update

The 2023 Lenten Project fundraiser was a huge success, thanks to the AMAZING AND GENEROUS St. Eugene parishioners.

This year we raised $31,177 for our sister parish, Our Lady Queen of Apostles, in Nkokonjeru, Uganda.

The money will go toward purchasing a NEW GENERATOR for their incubator/hatchery. The Twinning relationship started in 2002, and since 2006, we have been supporting their sustainable agriculture projects and the generator will ensure that there will be constant power to the incubator in case the electricity goes out. 

The agriculture projects help train the farmers to grow crops and/or raise animals and the farmers are then able to sell the surplus and the money can be used to send their children to school as well as being able to afford clothes, medications and buy other foods at market for their family.

WEEBALE!/THANK YOU! This twinning relationship could not continue without the GENEROUS support of the St. Eugene Parishioners.

2022 Lenten Project Update

In 2022 St. Eugene celebrates our twentieth anniversary of our twinning relationship with Our Lady Queen of Apostles in Nkokonjeru, Uganda. The video shows how sustainable agriculture programs have benefitted the OLQA parishioners. To donate, click the button below. Be sure to choose the “Uganda Lenten Project” fund so your gift gets to the right place!

2021 Lenten Project Update

2020 Update

The transformer has been purchased and installed and Fr. Lawrence sent these photos. The farmers bring their maize from their own gardens and the maize mill grinds the maize into flour.

Fr. Lawrence reports "that the majority have responded to it and we are happy that slowly by slowly, they have what they need to feed their children."

2019 LENTEN PROJECT!

Thanks to all who have donated so far to the St Eugene Annual Lenten Project that benefits our Sister Parish, Our Lady Queen of Apostles, in Nkokonjeru, Uganda. 17 years ago in 2002, St Eugene began a Twinning Relationship with Our Lady Queen of Apostles Parish and for the past 14 years, we have assisted them with sustainable agriculture programs. The money raised this year will again go towards their piggery project so they can finish the pig sty as well as buy good breeds of piglets. A good breed costs about $200 per piglet and $100 will pay for feed, vitamins and vaccinations for the piglet until maturity. Once the   piglets are grown, they are then given to the sub-parishes in the area where it will breed more piglets that then will be handed out to the other parishioners. The pigs provide much needed manure for growing crops as well as protein and meat for their diets.

 But, the relationship with our Sister Parish isn't just about donating money, it is about sustaining the friendships that we have made and to continue praying for each other. Please remember to pray for Our Lady Queen of Apostles family and know that they pray for us. Fr Lawrence, pastor of Our Lady Queen of Apostles sent this message: "Happy Easter to our Brother and Sisters of St Eugene. May we all rejoice together in the Risen Christ!”

The two photos are of Fr Paul making friends and getting a chicken on the recent trip to Uganda and of Fr Paul and Fr Lawrence celebrating Mass in Uganda.

Donations are still being accepted. You can place the donations in the houses in the Narthex, send a check to the parish office with "lenten project" in the memo line, or donate online on the St. Eugene parish website.

Thank you St Eugene Parishioners.
You are all so generous! God is Good! All the Time!
- The Twinning Committee

LENTEN PROJECT 2019

We continue to support the Sustainable Agriculture program for our sister parish Our Lady Queen of Apostles in Nkokonjeru, Uganda and the money raised this year will again go towards their piggery project so that the pig sty can be completed. The money will also be put towards buying good breeds of piglets.

Previous Lenten Projects have helped them build a poultry farm with a hatchery as well as buying a maize mill machine. Three years ago they were able to purchase a used farm truck. The truck allows them to go to the sub-parishes that are nearby to bring seedlings, chicks, milled chicken feed and fertilizer to the farmers. Soon piglets will be added to the transportation list.

Here is a photo of the recent travelers from St. Eugene in the back of the truck!

Please be generous as you have been in the past. A little goes a long way in Uganda. Donations can be put in the houses in the Narthex or checks can be sent to the parish office with "Lenten project" in the memo line. You can also donate online on the St. Eugene website. Go to the GIVE link and select 2019 Uganda Piggery Project.

THANK YOU ST. EUGENE PARISHIONERS!
GOD IS GOOD! ALL THE TIME!
- The Twinning Committee

2019 Lenten Project

The money raised this year for the Sustainable Agriculture program that benefits our Sister Parish, Our Lady Queen of Apostles, in Nkokonjeru, Uganda will again go towards their piggery project. The pig sty is halfway complete. The travelers from St. Eugene who recently visited our Sister Parish was able to see the pig sty. It is quite state of the art. It has individual stalls for each pig and larger stalls for sows with newborn piglets. Each stall has a source of water that is turned on when the pig pushes it with its snout. The manure is washed down the back of the stall into a drainage canal that then ends up in a large manure pit (see photo of Fr. Lawrence, pastor of OLQA standing next to the manure pit.) Fr. Lawrence said the manure is essential to fertilize crops that the farmers plant such as pineapple, bananas, coffee, and mango as well as other crops.

Besides the money going towards finishing the pig sty, it will also be used to buy good breeds of piglets. A good breed costs about $200 per piglet and $100 will pay for feed, vitamins and vaccinations for the piglet until maturity. Once the piglets are grown, they are then given to the sub-parishes in the area and handed out to other parishioners.

Each sub-parish has a catechist that is educated in raising pigs and they in turn will educate other farmers and give those farmers piglets to raise.

THANK YOU ST. EUGENE for your ongoing support of the Lenten Projects. You are all so generous! Please continue to pray for our family in Uganda.

God is Good! All the Time!
- The Twinning Committee

LENTEN PROJECT 2019

So much energy is flowing through St. Eugene due to the travelers sharing the wonderful stories of their recent trip to our sister parish, Our Lady Queen of Apostles in Nkokonjeru, Uganda. Besides giving our sister parish money for sustainable agriculture, we are building relationships. The travelers met many people and everyone was so happy to see them! The travelers met farmers, school children, teachers and student teachers, young adults and old adults. They met many sisters who are in the Little Sisters of St. Francis order and they met the wonderful and amazing residents of the Providence Home which is a home for the disabled. The photo is of traveler Ed Ricker meeting a young man at the Providence Home. The man made the giraffe that Ed purchased. The travelers hope to share many more stories over the next few months.

The travelers witnessed that the Sustainable Agriculture Programs are successful. The money raised this year will again go towards their Piggery project. They hope to complete the pig sty as well as buy good breeds of piglets.

THANK YOU ST. EUGENE for continuing to fuel the energy for the Sustainable Agriculture Programs and for Sustaining the Relationships by praying for our Sister Parish in Uganda. YOU ARE ALL SO GENEROUS.

Donations can be put in the houses in the Narthex or checks can be sent to the parish office with "Lenten project" in the memo line. You can also donate online on the St. Eugene Parish website.

GOD IS GOOD! ALL THE TIME!
- The Twinning Committee

Lenten Project 2019

We are continuing to support the Sustainable Agriculture program for our sister parish Our Lady Queen of Apostles in Nkokonjeru, Uganda. Due to the generous hearts of the St. Eugene Parishioners, the agriculture programs have been thriving. The money raised this year will again go towards  their piggery project so that the pig sty can be completed and they will also be able to buy good breeds of piglets.

The pigs provide much needed manure that is a rich fertilizer for growing crops as well as protein/meat for their diets. A little money goes a long way in Uganda. When the people are able to grow crops for their own diets, they then have surplus to sell at markets. With the extra money, they then can send their children to school, buy clothing, other food items and medications. Here is a photo of some of the children that benefit from the Sustainable Agriculture relationship. The children greeted the recent travelers from St. Eugene and are from a far sub-parish on Lake Victoria (Ssenyi landing site).

Donations can be put in the houses in the Narthex or checks can be sent to the parish office with "Lenten Project" in the memo line. You can also donate online. Go to the Ministries link, then Twinning Committee link, then 2019 Lenten project. Scroll down to Donate link. 

THANK YOU ST. EUGENE PARISHIONERS!
GOD IS GOOD! ALL THE TIME!
The Twinning Committee

LENTEN PROJECT 2019: THIS LITTLE PIGGY NEEDS YOU!

This weekend kicks off our annual Lenten Project that benefits our Sister Parish, Our Lady Queen of Apostles, in Nkokonjeru, Uganda with Sustainable Agriculture.

Starting 17 years ago in 2002, St. Eugene began a Twinning Relationship with Our Lady Queen of Apostles Parish and for 14 years, we have assisted them with sustainable agriculture programs.

The money raised this year will again go towards their piggery project.

There is a lot of energy flowing through St. Eugene recently about our twinning relationship due to Fr. Paul recently visiting our sister parish with 6 other parishioners.

The travelers saw first hand the benefits of previous Lenten Projects. The money raised this year will go toward finishing the pig sty (see picture) as well as buying good breeds of piglets.

A good breed costs about $200 dollars per piglet and $100 dollars will pay for feed, vitamins and vaccinations for the piglet until maturity. Once the piglets are grown, they are then given to the sub-parishes in the area where it will breed more piglets that then will be handed out to the other parishioners. The pigs provide much needed manure for growing crops as well as protein/meat for their diets.

The other picture is of Fr. Paul with Fr. Lawrence, pastor of Our Lady Queen of Apostles, holding a piglet. Fr. Lawrence is very knowledgeable about farming and is a great asset to our sister parish.

Fr. Lawrence said of the recent visit: "We are humbled that our brothers and sisters from St. Eugene came to visit us in Uganda. Let us pray for the intercession of Mary Queen of Apostles and St. Eugene. God Bless all the parishioners of St. Eugene."

Donations can be put in the houses in the Narthex. If a check is written, please put "Lenten Project" in the memo line.

THANK YOU ST. EUGENE for your generosity.
God is Good! All the time!

-The Twinning Committee

Pictures from the 2019 Uganda Trip!

LENTEN PROJECT 2019: THIS LITTLE PIGGY NEEDS YOU!

LENTEN PROJECT 2019: THIS LITTLE PIGGY NEEDS YOU!

This weekend kicks off our annual Lenten Project that benefits our Sister Parish, Our Lady Queen of Apostles, in Nkokonjeru, Uganda with Sustainable Agriculture. The money raised this year will again go towards their piggery project. 

Starting 17 years ago in 2002, St. Eugene began a Twinning Relationship with Our Lady Queen of Apostles Parish and for 14 years, we have assisted them with sustainable agriculture programs.  There is a lot of energy flowing through St. Eugene recently about our twinning relationship due to Fr. Paul recently visiting our sister parish with 6 other parishioners. The travelers saw first hand the benefits of previous Lenten Projects. The money raised this year will go toward finishing the pig sty as well as buying good breeds of piglets.

A good breed costs about $200 dollars per piglet and $100 dollars will pay for feed, vitamins and vaccinations for the piglet until maturity. Once the piglets are grown, they are then given to the sub-parishes in the area where it will breed more piglets that then will be handed out to the other parishioners. The pigs provide much needed manure for growing crops as well as protein/meat for their diets.
The other picture is of Fr. Paul with Fr. Lawrence, pastor of Our Lady Queen of Apostles, holding a piglet. Fr. Lawrence is very knowledgeable about farming and is a great asset to our sister parish. 

Fr. Lawrence said of the recent visit: "We are humbled that our brothers and sisters from St. Eugene came to visit us in Uganda. Let us pray for the intercession of Mary Queen of Apostles and St. Eugene. God Bless all the parishioners of St. Eugene."

Donations can be put in the houses in the Narthex or click on the donate button below. If a check is written, please put "Lenten Project" in the memo line. 

THANK YOU ST. EUGENE for your generosity.
God is Good! All the time!

Feast Day of the Ugandan Martyrs

Thursday, June 2nd was the Feast Day of St. Eugene. The next day, Friday, June 3rd, was the Feast Day of the Ugandan Martyrs - St. Charles Lwanga and Companions. St. Charles and 12 young Catholic men were martyred on Friday, June 3rd,1886 in Namugongo, Uganda. The youngest martyr was Kizito, age 14. Many Anglican Christians were martyred that day also. The martyrs were canonized by Pope Paul the VI in 1964. Today there is a shrine in Namugongo and each year millions of Africans make a pilgrimage to the shrine to celebrate the feast day. St. John Paul II visited the shrine in 1993.

This is a picture of the celebration held this year sent by Fr. John Bosco, pastor of our Twinning Parish/Our Lady Queen of Apostles in Nkokonjeru, Uganda. He writes: “Almost everyone is talking about the Namugongo pilgrimage and many people just walked to the shrine, even from as far as the Republic of Kenya and Tanzania! People who attended the Martyrs’ Day were in the millions!”

Let us pray the Uganda Martyrs prayer: O Lord Jesus Christ, who wonderfully strengthened the Holy Martyrs of Uganda St. Charles Lwanga, and their Companions; and gave them to us as examples of faith and fortitude, chastity, charity, and fidelity; grant, we beseech Thee, that by their Intercession, the same virtues may increase in us, and that we may deserve to become propagators of the true faith. Who lives and reigns in the world without end. Amen.

Joyous Easter Wishes from Fr. John Bosco

Below is the Easter message from Fr. John Bosco - pastor of Our Lady Queen of Apostles, our Twinning Parish in Nkokonjeru, Uganda.

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Fr. John in his Easter vestments just before he went to celebrate the Easter Vigil. 

Greetings to Fr. Jerry, Fr. Jacob and to the congregation at St. Eugene Parish. 

During the 19th century the emperor Napoleon was at the height of his military power. He conquered nearly all of Europe. One of the countries he overran was Austria. While subduing this country, he sent one of his generals Messena, with an army of 18,000 men to capture the village of Feldkirch. There was a great panic in the village.

The village gathered together to decide what should be done, they agreed on one thing, it was useless to oppose Napoleon's army, but beyond that they could not come to a common decision. At that point the kindly village pastor arose and said,  "My dear beloved children, this is Easter Sunday. Cannot God who arose from the dead, protect us in our distress? Shall our first act in this calamity be to forsake Him? Let us go to church as usual, and trust God for the rest."

The people accepted his words hopefully, and the sextons were ordered to ring the bells as joyfully as possible. The people turned out in large numbers into the church. They celebrated Easter joyfully. The French armies, upon hearing the bells ring and ring, concluded that it could only mean one thing, that the strong Austrian reinforcements had arrived. The French General Massena, not wishing to risk a battle at that time, ordered his army to retreat. Thus the Easter bells of Feldkirch saved the city. Christ would not allow those who were celebrating the glory of his feast day to be captured and oppressed! 

May we be saved by Christ from all danger during this Easter.

My beloved brothers and sisters of St. Eugene, on behalf of all the parishioners of Our Lady Queen of Apostles, I wish you a joyous Easter.

Yours in Christ,

Fr. John Bosco

THANK YOU to all who have donated so far. The houses in the Narthex will be out for a couple of weeks for those who wish to donate to the Lenten appeal of helping our sister parish with the Send the Chicks project. 

Facts about Ugandan Chicks

Many of us think about chicks at Easter. Here are some fun facts about Uganda chicks. 

• 1 US dollar is about 2800 Ugandan Shillings
• A laying chick costs 3200 Shillings or $1.15USD - and it can be raised and starts to lay eggs in about 6 months.
• One laying chicken can lay up to 300 eggs a year and a farmer can use those eggs to feed his or her family, sell the eggs at a market, or if the eggs are fertilized, raise more chicks that grow into chickens that then lay more eggs. 
• If they raise a lot of the hens, they can sell the full grown hens for about 15,000 Shillings or $5.35USD.
• A donation of $25USD helps a farmer get a loan to buy about 20 laying chicks. 

A farmer who purchased chicks for a small fee.

The farmer can then use the money earned to send his or her children to school or for health care or to improve their homes/farms. The cost for ONE YEAR tuition to attend a day school is $30USD. This includes a hot lunch of porridge.

Before a farmer can get a loan, they must attend several workshops that teaches them how to care for the chickens.

THANK YOU to all who have donated so far to help our Sister Parish Our Lady Queen of Apostles Parish in Nkokonjeru, Uganda. Donations can still be put in the houses in the Narthex. Checks can be made out to St. Eugene-Lenten Project- in the memo line. 

ALSO, please remember to pray for our brothers and sisters in Uganda, and know that we are in their prayers also. 

The Twinning Committee 

Thank You!

THANK YOU to all who have donated so far to the Lenten Appeal for our sister parish - Our Lady Queen of Apostles in Nkokonjeru, Uganda.

Your donations help the farmers become educated on how to raise chicks. The farmers can then buy the chicks for a small fee. Once the chicks are full grown, the hens can lay eggs which then lead to more chicks. Some of the grown chickens can be used as meat or to lay more eggs. Any surplus eggs can be sold at market to help pay for other necessities such as other types of food, medicine, clothing, and for their children's school fees.

These two photos are of the children that go to two local schools in Nkokonjeru. Some of the students are wearing uniforms just as our own St. Eugene students do!

Please remember to pray for our family in Uganda. If you'd like to donate - you can put check or cash in the houses in the Narthex, or send a check to the parish office with Lenten project in memo line. 

Personal Experience: Morgan and Allie Braza

Below is written by Morgan and Allie Braza (two college students from our parish) who visited our sister parish in Uganda last summer when they saw the "Send the Chicks" project.

We weren't quite sure what to expect when we went back to our sister parish that afternoon, but Fr. John and others on the Twinning Committee seemed eager to show us something. When we came around the back side of the parish we saw the "Send the Chicks" banner and there was so much excitement! We saw a lot of chicks at different stages: some were huddled around heat lamps, others were slightly bigger and older. Not only was everyone excited, but we could sense so much pride in Fr. John and all the other farmers and Twinning Committee members.

They were excited to explain the process of how farmers come to pick up their chicks, and there were even some farmers there from the agriculture program and we were able to watch the chicks being handed off to them. The chicks were very loud and constantly chirping away and we were all able to hold a chick (a little scary, but they were super soft and cute.) Everyone was laughing and enjoying themselves and the farmers seemed honored to be receiving the chicks from this program. We saw how strong the bond is between Our Lady Queen of Apostles Parish and our own St. Eugene Parish.

Fr. John explained the future plans of the chick project and the plans demonstrated that our resources have been used wisely. We left there feeling confident that the "Send the Chicks" project would grow into a huge success and how important this program is for many farmers and families.

In addition, we understood how vital our prayers and help have been in supporting the entire community, and we believe that our support of "Send the Chicks" will continue to help the farmers and their families to become more sustainable. This photo, taken by Fr. Jerry is of Kate Myers (one of the administrative assistants at St. Eugene) and a farmer that was taken when a chick suddenly jumped out of the farmer's hand. It was a great source of laughter! (The chick was caught and put safely back in the box.)

Donations can be put in the houses in the Narthex. Checks can be made out to St. Eugene (Lenten project in the memo line.) THANK YOU to all who have donated so far. 

Who Benefits from the Twinning Relationship with Our Lady Queen of Apostles?

Here are two examples by parish member Diane Braza, who visited Our Lady Queen of Apostles last summer:

“We met a farmer, Rose, whose farm embodied the picture of a farm that had grown tremendously through the sustainable agriculture program. After having planted a handful of banana shoots initially, Rose and her family had raised enough banana plants to expand the plantation substantially. Besides benefiting from the "Send the Chicks" program and raising chickens, they also are growing beans, coffee, jack fruit, and raising crops to sustain their large family and feed several cows and goats. We also were able to witness a baby calf that was born 4 hours prior to our visit walk for the first time!”

“On another farm visit, we met Mr. Muwondge Hardson and his beautiful family. He is a disabled farmer whose family participates in the Sustainable Agriculture program. During our visit, we heard first hand his personal story about how this program has truly changed his family’s life, particularly given his disability and resultant physical challenges. He shared the great benefit of raising poultry to his farm activities. The beautiful picture on one of the prayers cards is his daughter, wearing a St. Eugene t-shirt.”

BUT WHO ELSE BENEFITS FROM THE TWINNING RELATIONSHIP?

We do! The members of St. Eugene! Since the relationship started, we as parish members have become aware of the cultural differences between us and also the things we have in common as we share the spiritual riches of the gospel that helps us both grow in our faith.

Donations can be placed in the houses in the Narthex or checks can be sent to the parish office. Thank you from the Twinning Committee. 

Did You Know that Chicks can eat Banana Peels?!

When Fr. Jerry and six other parishioners visited our sister parish in Uganda last summer, they saw first hand the success of the sustainable agriculture relationship that we have with them. For the past two years, the focus has been on raising chickens. BUT, its not just a matter of sending money so they can buy more chicks for the farmers, but the donations also go toward the education of the farmers.

These two photos show a workshop that was held recently for the farmers. The topic was raising chickens by feeding them left over banana, cabbage, and jack fruit peels as well as other food scraps, in addition to the usual poultry feed. They also learned how to gather local herbs to add to medicines to keep the chickens healthy. You can see how well attended the workshop was and some of the attendees are older children also eager to learn. On one of the photos in the foreground you can see the chicks that were at the workshop also!

THANK YOU to all who have donated so far. Donations can be placed in the houses in the Narthex or sent to the parish office. Checks can be made out to St. Eugene with Lenten project in the memo line.

We also are Growing in Faith with our Sister Parish. Please continue to pray for them as they pray for us.

Thank you from the Twinning Committee. 

This Year's Theme: Growing in Faith, Send More Chicks!

Growing in Faith, Send more Chicks! Last weekend kicked off the annual St. Eugene Lenten Appeal that raises money for our Sister Parish in Uganda, Our Lady Queen of Apostles. This year’s them is: Growing in Faith, Send More Chicks!

For 16 years, St. Eugene has enjoyed a Twinning Relationship with Our Lady Queen of Apostles in Nkokonjeru, Uganda.

For over ten years, we have supported sustainable agriculture projects and are helping to educate farmers so they can grow crops such as bananas, mango, coffee plants and many other vegetables as well as raise animals: chickens, pigs, rabbits or cows.

Last year and also this year we are supporting a chicken farm. Several St. Eugene parishioners along with Fr. Jerry journeyed last summer to Uganda to visit our Twinning Parish and saw the success of the chicken farm. Thus the theme "Send More Chicks!"

Our Lady Queen of Apostles parish buys chicks from a hatchery, they then sell the chicks to the farmers for a small fee. The farmers can raise the chicks for meat or to lay more eggs. Chicken meat and eggs are very good sources of protein and the farmers and their families improve their diet as a result of this program, but they also have been able to sell some of the eggs and chickens. This has allowed them to afford the school fees to send their children to school. The farmers recognize the importance of educating their children and very much want their children to be educated.

Thanks to all who donated to the Lenten Appeal in previous years. We hope you are generous this year also! Donations can be put in the houses in the Narthex or you can send a check to the rectory, made out to St. Eugene with "Lenten Project" in the memo line.

But more importantly we are Growing in Faith, connected by our Catholic faith, with our brothers and sisters in Uganda. We pray for them during our petitions at Mass, and they pray for us too. Last weekend during the Mass, we recorded our congregation praying for them. This video will be sent to our sister parish so they may know they are in our prayers. Please continue to pray for them in your daily prayers.