About Us

In 1997, Our Lady of Grace parish in Chelsea, MA began a sister relationship with a rural parish in Haiti through the help of the Haiti parish Twinning Program. In 2011, Fr. David was assigned to the parish in Haiti as the pastor and we continued developing our relationship as sister parishes. During the following years, we helped develop the school, established a feeding program at the school, dug a well for potable water for the children, helped the community during times of natural disasters, sent three shipping containers with a variety of contents from pews and statues to mattresses and so much more. We visited every year to build relationships, to build chapels, to have field days with the children, to celebrate prayer and sacraments, to present retreats along with Fr. David, and to simply celebrate life together.

Recently, Fr. David was transferred to Cite Soleil, the poorest slum in the western hemisphere and Fr. Jim retired. While being assured that the former relationship between the two parishes was going to continue on a firm foundation, a group of friends of Fr. David quickly realized that the spiritual and financial needs facing him were even far greater than what he faced in the rural parish. Coming now from different places and not one local parish, we decided to form a nonprofit organization to support Fr. David and our sisters and brothers in Cite Soleil

Board of Directors

 
 
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Paula & Johnny Jimenez, Co-President

We are a married couple of 44 yrs. We have 3 children and 6 grandchildren. After traveling to Haiti on multiple mission trips our hearts were opened with love for the people of Haiti.

Despite their poverty and lack of basic necessities they are a loving and spiritual people. We know Fr. David personally. His love, passion and commitment to the people of City Soleil astounds us.

Stephanie Phillips, Co-President

Married for 29 years and mother to 3 grown men. I visited Haiti in 2018 and was inspired by the people of Haiti and their abundant faith, willingness to share and happiness despite their circumstance of poverty. I feel called to help them anyway I can.

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Wayne Phillips, Treasurer

I am married to Stephanie and we have 3 wonderful sons. I met Father Barry when I was 19 and we have been friends for almost 40 years. While reflecting and prioritizing during COVID I mentioned to him I needed to give back and get more involved. A short time later he called and presented an opportunity for me to use my finance background and become part of this worthwhile organization to help others in need.

Susan Clasby, Clerk

I am a mother, daughter, sister, and wife and hope to improve the lives of my fellow mothers, daughters, sisters, and wives, to strengthen their communities. Seeing the challenges of living in Cite Soleil, I am a concerned global citizen working with like minded people in providing support, aid, and relief to the people of Cite Soliel.

Board Members

 
 
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Fr David

I'm Fr David Fontaine, a 49 year old stubborn, French, Catholic priest, living in Haiti since 2009. For seven years I was Pastor of the mountainous parish of L'Asile where I met Fr. Jim, my friend. Gradually, I felt in my soul the desire to devote myself to live with the poorest in Haiti. The archbishop was looking for someone who accept to go in Cite-Soleil, so I’ve been here since February 2020, learning to know, love and live with this favorite herd of God who teach me what it means to have confidence, patience and peace in pain, and true joy in the little moments of life. When I came to Cité Soleil I wanted Jesus to be physically present 24 hr per day through the Eucharist and sacraments in the middle of the poorest, who are the body of Christ too. With one strong certitude in my heart : they are the ones who will open to us the doors of Heaven.

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Sister Paesie

Sister Paesie was born in France and joined Mother Teresa ‘s missionaries of Charity some thirty five years ago, twenty two of which were spent in Haiti. Four years ago, she left the missionaries of Charity to found a new community :The Kizito Family, named after the youngest of the Ugandan martyrs. The new community, while still living of Mother Teresa‘s charism of bringing the light of Jesus to the poorest, aims at creating places where street kids can be safe and learn how to love God and neighbor .

The Kizito Family runs 8 free slum schools in Cité Soleil and Village de Dieu,5 homes for boys and girls who had formerly been on the streets, 6 catechism centers and other centers with sport teams and recreational activities. All together about 2000 children benefit from the activities of the Kizito Family.

Father Jim Barry

Priest of the Archdiocese of Boston. Ordained in 1969. Retired. I met Fr. David when our parish joined with his through the Haiti Parish Twinning Project. Fr David was recently transferred to a church in Cite Soleil and a group of friends decided to form a non-profit organization to support him in this new and crucial ministry. Visiting and being connected to the people of Haiti has been life giving and life changing for me.

Mary G Brackett

Wife, Mother of 2, Artist, lover of God and all her creations. I first visited Haiti at the ripe age of 17 and was taken with the beauty and spirituality of her people. In establishing this mission, I hope to create solidarity with our sisters and brothers in Cite Soleil and sow seeds of hope for all involved.

  • John and Jane Giordano

  • Andrew Phillips

  • Landy Buzzi

  • Landy Buzzi I am a high school student and I have always loved to help people and I’ve been taught to respect all people, especially the poor. I am excited to be part of this mission.

    Julina Bigot

    My name is Julina Bigot I was born and raised in Haiti, immigrated to the United States in 2010 after the earthquake with my daughter.

    I have a Bachelor’s degree in Economics back in Haiti, I also have an associate's degree in Business here in Boston.

    As of right now I'm one of the choir director at our parish the Blessed Mother of the Morning Star.

    I love a long walk at the beach,Singing gospel music and my family

    My hope is one day Haiti can stand on its own so the future generation could know what it's like to have freedom and peace of mind.

  • Tyler Francois

    I’m a high school student studying computer science, and I play soccer and run track. I’m excited to support the people of Haiti and help improve their lives.

  • Albert Aristhene

    I've been to Haiti, I like to bring people to church, I am married, I have 2 kids, I play drums and I sing at Our Lady of Grace.

Gay Clasby

11/4/39 - 2/20/22

Gay was a gift from God to all of us; a warm,welcoming, wise,compassionate, generous woman of faith who shared her abundant life with everyone. Eternal rest grant unto her O Lord.