Our Birthday Cake Project has caught the attention and the imagination of many in our parish. We first received permission to include a letter to parents of students from St. Bonaventure University for the academic year 2006-2007. In the letter, we offered for $15 a homemade birthday cake to a son or daughter on his/her birthday. We explained that the $15 would go to support our international outreach parish in Central America. Since that time connections with that Central American parish ended, a new mission was sought and Our Lady of Lourdes in Lima, Peru was chosen. The 2014-2015 academic year raised $700 for the mission.
Comments from parents have been very favorable over the years. They love the idea of being able to send a "homemade" cake to their son or daughter on their birthday and supporting the mission. The students are very excited to receive a homemade cake on their special day.
Bakers, cake decorators, delivers, date organizers, and thank you cards to parents are all part of "The Birthday Cake Project." No one knows for sure how this idea will progress, but one thing is for sure: the international outreach project is "on the move." Hopes for the future continue to add dreams and possibilities. The next step, we believe, is to involve more parishioners who will become part of the committee and learn that our connection with the poor in a different country and culture can only widen our understanding of what we easily proclaim that we are "One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church."
For further information about Our Sister Parish, or to become involved in any part of this ministry you may contact Pat Coate, at 716- 373-6833 email pacoate@gmail.com or Jacki Howden at 716-373-1330 email jhowden@yahoo.com
