The Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate minister in more than 30 parishes throughout the United States, stretching from Massachusetts to California. Nearly all of these parishes are multicultural.

While each parish is unique, all Missionary Oblate parishes share a common goal, to reach out to people who are seeking spiritual and physical healing. Here are a few examples of Missionary Oblate parishes in the United States that benefit from the generosity of co-missionaries like you.

Guadalupe parishioners have a strong devotion to St. Jude, patron saint of desperate cases, and created the International Shrine of St. Jude at the parish. Thousands of people have found strength during times of difficulty praying at the shrine, including Grammy Award-winning singer Aaron Neville, who credits the Missionary Oblates there for turning his life around after years of substance abuse.

The Missionary Oblates at Guadalupe do not focus their ministry on the tourists at the nearby French Quarter. Instead, they focus on the poor living in the area. The St. Jude Community Center provides food, shelter and other services to the residents of New Orleans most in need.

About a mile from Guadalupe parish is St. Augustine Parish. Beginning in the 1840s, it was the most integrated congregation in the country. Free black people began buying pews for themselves and slaves. By the time white people began buying pews, they were forced to sit in the back of church.

After Hurricane Katrina devasted New Orleans in 2005, the archdiocese looked at closing the parish, creating an outcry in the community. The Missionary Oblates eventually agreed to become caretakers of the parish. Today there are about 300 families in the parish, and numerous tourists come on Sunday to experience the “Jazz Mass” with its unique New Orleans sound.

Over the years, the Missionary Oblates have baptized more than 500 people of Hmong heritage into the Church. Today, the Missionary Oblates continue to serve the Hmong at St. Patrick’s Parish in St. Paul.

“Through Christ, the Oblates clean our souls every Sunday,” said Sio Lo, a parishioner at St. Patrick’s. “Through Christ, they teach us the blessings of Heaven and the true purpose of life. Through Christ, the Oblates lead us closer to God, and for that we cannot thank them enough.”

At the Cathedral of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Juneau, Alaska, Fr. Pat Casey, OMI, is Pastor. He oversees local efforts by the parish to provide assistance to impoverished families, seniors, adults with disabilities and people who need in-home care or end-of-life care.

Father Ray Lebrun, OMI, is the Spiritual Director of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. He provides spiritual direction to pilgrims and assists the poor who come to the National Shrine seeking assistance.

A trademark of Missionary Oblate parishes in the United States is their work among the poor, not only among parishioners but throughout the community.

In California, Missionary Oblate parishes in Oakland, Los Angeles and San Diego have outreach ministries to the homeless and destitute. In Texas, Missionary Oblates help immigrants adjust to life in the United States. And near East St. Louis, Illinois, the Missionary Oblates recently became the administrators of two parishes that are bringing hope to one of the country’s most violent areas.

These parish ministries fulfill the simple motto of the Missionary Oblates: “He has sent me to evangelize the poor.”

If you would like to help Fr. Jesse complete all his current goals, please prayerfully consider donating to this special ministry that is transforming lives every day in Tijuana. You can reach out to your gift advisor or contact the Office of Charitable and Planned Giving at 1-800-233-6264 for more information.