San Alfonso Mission – March 2025 Newsletter

Dear friends in Christ,

I wish to invite you to consider supporting the San Alfonso Mission, financially and/or in prayer.

The San Alfonso Mission firmly believes that education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty. As such, it financially supports the Augustin Pro School in Juarez, Mexico, established 25 years ago by Teresian sisters. Currently the Augustin Pro School is serving 314 students, accepted based on their academic grades and financial need. Last year, 95 students received their diplomas, and 59% of those graduates are now attending universities in and around the city of Juarez, while some will work first before attending university.

The Beca Scholarship Fund, started by Father Stan Martinka, supported 110 students this year to attend university; the tuition for these students is funded by generous donations each month. Because of continued support and generosity, the San Alfonso Mission is able to offer these students the financial support and education necessary to break out of the binds of poverty. Through this program, we can send a student to university for about $65 a month. There is no doubt that this has the potential to create better lives and a stronger, safer, and more productive Juarez, Mexico. One hundred percent of donations go directly to students to cover their tuition.

But my words are nothing compared to the lived experience of a student from the Augustin Pro School who has been able to pursue a different future because of your support. Lara Diaz is one such student:

In addition to the school, San Alfonso Mission also supports dental and medical clinics. The doctors in the medical clinic are treating roughly 70–75 patients each week, while the dentist is seeing about 54–60 patients each week. Through generous support, the San Alfonso Mission is able to offer very low‑cost medical and dental services for families for only about $7 a visit. This is essential to maintaining access to health care for the poor when the average labor earnings are only $5–$12 a day.

I wish to thank you in advance for your consideration of the work of the San Alfonso Mission and how you might contribute to its continuation. Included with this letter is a self‑addressed envelope with the hope for your generosity to support the work of the San Alfonso Mission, to continue Father Stan Martinka’s vision for the youth of Juarez, and to break the cycle of poverty.

In this Lenten season of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving in preparation for the promise of Easter, I ask you to consider the poor of Juarez praying for a better future for their families. With your support, with your word of mouth about the work the Mission oversees, and with your prayers, the San Alfonso Mission may continue to serve students and families for years to come.

With sincere gratitude,

Matthew Lanning, with Fred Kissell

Board Presidents