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chaparral, NM

Chaparral, Nov. 22, 2009

Dear Sisters and Friends:

I am writing to all of you in the name of our Prison Ministry in Chaparral, NM. We would like to share with you our concern and project for this coming Christmas.

Six years ago a new business began in the farther limits of our community of Chaparral: Otero County Prison Facility, owned by MTC, for men and women with federal crimes (immigration). Two years ago they built the Processing Center for men from all over the country with immigration problems while waiting for their sentences.

Our Diocese of Las Cruces came to give us training and we began our Prison Ministry with a faithful group that gathers every single week to prepare the Bible classes. Up to last year the Dioceses used to send us Bibles to bring to the prison, but for more than one year now we have no Bibles.

We go three times a week to the prison, twice with the women and once with the men. Every time the people there are asking us for Catholic Bibles in Spanish. But we don’t have any Bibles. Some members of our group asked the Catholic Radio Station of El Paso, TX, for donations. We got some Bibles, but not enough for the big population of Spanish speaking people in both places.

In these facilities the Bible is THE ONLY PERSONAL ITEM that the detainees and prisoners can have. That is why we are ‘crazy” looking for Bibles as their Christmas gift.

We found a publisher that has simple and “$$$$ accessible” Catholic Bibles in Spanish. $ 5.70 per Bible with shipment included. So we thought that maybe some of you would like to be:

a) a sponsor for Spanish Bibles for our detainees and prisoners this Christmas, or

b) you could find some people willing and able to do it.

We will deeply appreciate this effort.

I cannot forget my first Christmas with the women at the prison! A new Bethlehem “grotto” … far from everybody but very close to GOD MADE FLESH in the margins of our society. Intense!

Thanks a million for helping us to Share the Word in difficult and challenging times, and to overcome it a little through Solidarity. ¡¡¡Que el Señor les Bendiga!!!! -May the Lord bless you.

United and grateful
The Prison Ministry Group of Chaparral with Sister Chabela

PS: You can send us a check to: Solidaridad Casa María Eugenia and indicate “Bible” in the bottom part.
300-2 Mc Combs #43, Chaparral NM, 88081

Thank you very, very much.

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