The Gospel in Action

The Good Shepherd is engaged in supporting those in need in Lima. There are many more social outreach projects around the Diocese. If you would like to get involved or provide support, please contact the Cathedral for more information.

Social Worker

The Good Shepherd contracts a highly experienced Social Worker to assist with the needs of those who are seeking to better their lives. She interviews people with requests, makes home visits, evaluates cases and coordinates actions to be taken, recommending a solution to problems. Her work does not lie in simply handing out money but concentrates on giving advice and information. She attends to cases on Monday afternoons.

The Social Worker helps people make proper arrangements regarding:

• health problems, such as urgent needs for medicines, analysis or special examinations which the family cannot afford;
• clothing, which we receive by donation
• non-perishable foods, which members of the congregation bring on Sundays

The program gives priority is given to those suffering or recovering from tuberculosis.

Schooling

Some children suffer great hardship at the beginning of the school year when materials must be bought. The Good Shepherd supports families for inscription fees, materials, uniforms etc. The funds for this come from a special collection called "The One Sol Collection" from the congregation. This ensures that the children can attend school adequately equipped to learn, and undistracted by being with the necessary tools for learning.

Student Grants

For a number of years, The Good Shepherd has been supporting a small number of students who have had to abandon their studies for economic reasons. Our assistance enables them to complete their courses of study and improve their futures in the professional world. For example:

• two persons have completed studies and qualified as licensed nurses
• several people have completed computer courses
• two persons obtained their teaching degrees

At present we are helping eight students with their higher studies. The students are mostly covered by personal donations.

Arpillera Groups

Arpillería is 3-D embroidery work. Most of our products are related to scenes from Peruvian rural life. Two groups have been formed in the Pueblos Jóvenes and a member of the congregation coordinates the work. The sale of these products has made a great difference to the lives of the women involved. The income has allowed some women to:

• build homes
  
• educate children
  
• pay for medical needs

The embroideries are of a very high quality and most of them are exported to the United States linked with the Forrest Trust in Plano, Texas.