Our Catholic church is universal. It encompasses people of many countries and cultures within its diverse unity of faith. It is easy to lose sight of this as we become focused on ourselves. We acknowledge that we can learn and grow as a parish in establishing a relationship with a Catholic parish in another culture and part of the world.

The Parish Twinning Program is part of the Social Justice Committee, which strives to call people everywhere, and of every faith, to work toward the elimination of poverty, to speak out against injustices, and to actively shape a more peaceful and just world. 

The Parish Twinning Program began in 2011 between St. Elizabeth Ann Seton and Parroquia Santiago Apóstol in Boaco, Nicaragua in the Diocese of Granada. 

Since the inception, three delegations have traveled to Boaco creating strong connections of prayer, support and generosity. 

Beautiful Boaco, a city of 29,000 nestled in the central region of Nicaragua in the mountains. The community is 500 years old, there are a variety of small businesses, farming opportunities and a wide variety of rural settings existing outside of the city proper. There is significant poverty with the majority of residents residing in small huts made of wood, tin and mud. There is 60% unemployment and the average wage is $1.00 - $2.00 per day.

The center of life for the people of Boaco is their faith. Their commitment to God and their church is evident in their welcoming spirit and devoted faith practice. The church is committed to all parishioners - a Catholic school program is offered for students elementary to high school, the parishioners are separated into 18 neighborhoods that provide education and faith sharing outreach opportunities, and the church supports a nursing home for elderly members who do not have family support. There are four outlying rural communities that are a part of the parishes community.

The goal of our Parish-Twinning Program is to build a strong long-term relationship with the parish and the people. To that end we have continued to support the parish financially, we offer prayers personally and as parishes, we communicate frequently and have established traditions for sharing God's love through the miles. This program has offered parish-wide involvement. Donations for our trips have been a part of our tradition with collections at the time of travel including: toiletries, sandals, clothing both purchased and hand-sewn by our team of volunteer sewers, pillow-cases gifts made at the women’s retreat by the participants, countless items of need. The Social Justice Commission committed 12% of its annual budget to support a variety of projects. We have been able to assist Parroquia Santiago with funds to complete the following projects:
 

• A roof completion of a church in rural area called Cerro Cuape for 700+ families who were celebrating sacraments in a parishioners back-yard prior to completion of the structure
• Provided support and sweat equity at the Parish Nursing Home complete with socialization and memories with residents
• Visits to the Catholic School with donations of soccer balls, school supplies
• Funds to help build a new church to replace a chapel on top of the mountain in the community of Aguacate
• Funds to build a 4-bedroom apartment dwelling for four nuns who were on staff at San Miguel
• Funds to remodel building next to Parroquia Santiago for educational center and food pantry

Three delegations from St. Elizabeth have traveled to Boaco with a schedule of trips every other year. In the 'off years' we have hosted representatives from the Parroquia Santiago as our guests and have enjoyed showing the warmth of our St. Elizabeth community.