Dear PTPA Family: 

It’s hard for me to believe that I am already approaching my tenth month as PTPA’s Executive Director. This time has gone by quickly, and it has been a true joy to engage with our members and to offer accompaniment and support in so many  meaningful ways.

Over these past months, I’ve had the privilege to communicate with and learn from so many of you. I am deeply grateful for your encouragement, your collaboration, and for the ways you both support me and seek the support of PTPA. None of this work is possible without you.

I extend my heartfelt thanks to the many PTPA members who continue to engage, participate, and serve through PTPA’s programs, gatherings, consultations, and parish support services. Your commitment sustains not only individual parish relationships, but the broader network of solidarity that lies at the heart of PTPA’s mission.

With gratitude and warmth,
Cassandra Bissainthe

One of PTPA’s core commitments is to accompany parishes in building strong, and lasting twinning relationships especially during times when distance and hardship make connection more difficult. The Haiti Parish Visit Pilot Program was launched with that commitment at heart.

When U.S. parishes have been unable to travel to Haiti, this pilot has ensured that relationship remains possible. Through the program, PTPA’s Haiti‑based team, led by in‑country representative Domond, conducts onsite visits to Haitian twin parishes on behalf of their U.S. partners. These visits help sustain personal connection, provide timely updates, and most importantly create space to listen deeply to parish realities on the ground.

We are pleased to share that Phase 2 of the pilot has now been completed. Following the successful conclusion of Phase 1 in Haiti’s North Department, Phase 2 expanded visits to the South and Southeast Departments. Many parishes welcomed PTPA representatives for their first in‑person encounter in years an experience marked by gratitude, candid conversation, and renewed hope.

These visits were not simply informational check‑ins. Parish leaders shared milestones achieved through their twinning relationships, identified ongoing priorities, and expressed profound appreciation for the faithful accompaniment of their U.S. partners. After each visit, participating parishes will receive a detailed written report, including photos, key observations, and identified needs, along with the opportunity for a follow‑up conversation with Domond. We are now in the process of finalizing these reports and look forward to sharing them with participating parishes soon.

In the coming months, PTPA will also consolidate learnings from both phases of the pilot. These insights will be shared not only with participating parishes but with the wider PTPA community, helping strengthen best practices for accompaniment, communication, and partnership in challenging contexts. As security conditions allow, we hope to expand the pilot to additional departments in Haiti.

The Haiti Parish Visit Pilot Program is a powerful reminder that when travel isn’t possible, relationship still is and that solidarity can continue to be lived, strengthened, and shared across borders.

On Tuesday, April 28, members of the PTPA community gathered via Zoom to share experiences and celebrate parish-level fundraising successes supporting twin sister parishes. The discussion highlighted creative fundraising ideas, recent achievements, and practical strategies for strengthening parish partnerships through shared commitment and collaboration.

Presenters included Tom Gettelfinger of St. John Paul II Parish (Sellersburg, Indiana), Jim Backe of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish (Carmel, Indiana), and Mike Hogrefe of Holy Family Parish (Brentwood, Tennessee). All three presenters serve on the PTPA Board and are longtime, active supporters of PTPA’s mission. In addition, other PTPA members shared their Parish initiatives.

The presenters shared a variety of successful fundraising approaches, including Lenten water bottle collections, monthly envelope systems, capital campaigns, and special events. They also discussed challenges such as decreased visibility, especially as in-person visits have been suspended due to security and in-country challenges as well as the shift to online giving. Strategies for revitalizing fundraising efforts were shared, along with additional creative ideas from participants, including raffles and food truck events.

To watch the gathering, click here to view the recording on YouTube.

To view additional fundraising information and resources and ideas shared by members, click the following links to access different documents on the PTPA Portal:

PTPA offers a range of core services designed to strengthen parish twinning relationships and support both active and emerging partnerships. Whether you are just beginning a twinning relationship or have been walking alongside your sister parish for many years, PTPA is here to accompany you.

Explore how PTPA can support your parish:

Parish Engagement in the U.S.
Continuing outreach to U.S. parishes through presentations and conversations that deepen understanding of Haiti ministries and introduce twinning opportunities in Honduras.

Facilitating Connection with Twin Parishes in Haiti
Supporting communication and relationship‑building, particularly when direct travel is limited due to security or logistical challenges.

Creole Translation Support
Offering translation assistance to enhance clarity, cultural understanding, and meaningful collaboration.

Training and Webinars
Hosting virtual gatherings on topics that matter to our members; such as: best practices, updates from our activities, ministry development, and more.

In‑Person Haiti Visits on Behalf of Members
When travel is not possible, coordinating safe, purposeful parish visits through our Haiti‑based team to maintain connection and support.

Connecting Members with Like‑Minded Organizations
When mission‑aligned, assisting members with referrals to organizations that may complement or strengthen their initiatives.

Below is an overview of PTPA’s Core Services and Support, created to deepen engagement, foster mutual understanding, and help parishes walk together in solidarity.

Core Services and Support

These priorities reflect PTPA’s commitment to strengthening relationships, accompanying our members, and equipping parish communities as they live out the transformative work of twinning.

Again, we extend our heartfelt thanks to our PTPA members who continue to engage, participate, and serve through PTPA’s programs, gatherings, consultations, and parish support services. Your commitment sustains not only individual parish relationships, but the broader network of solidarity that defines PTPA.

As a member‑supported organization, PTPA relies on donations to carry out this work from parish accompaniment and in country (Haiti) parish visits and communication efforts. Your financial contributions help ensure that PTPA can continue to respond with care, creativity, and presence during uncertain times.

We invite you to continue supporting PTPA in whatever ways you are able through your participation, your prayers, and your financial generosity. Together, we continue to walk with our partner parishes in faith, hope, and shared mission.