Pastoral/Social Apostolates

PREAMBLE: The TSSF carry out this apostolate everywhere where they work. The main areas of involvement are: formation of Women, military formation, Prison apostolate, care of orphans and vulnerable Children, care of persons living with HIV/AIDS and of families infected and affected by HIV/AIDS, youth ministry, pastoral assistance in Parishes and Hospitals and catering services, etc.

PRISON APOSTOLATE

Sometimes imprisonment could be an irrational punishment, which causes more harm to detainees and society then offering solutions. More imprisonment does not only punish detainees themselves but also their families. We thus do participate in the rehabilitation of inmates, counseling for the purpose of reintegration into the society.

The TSSF are involved in the following prisons:

Bamenda central prison, Kumbo, Banyo, Wum, Ndop, Mbengwi, Nkambe, and Yagoua prison. Inmates are trained on crafts like weaving, shoe making, tailoring, making of traditional dresses, home economics, mechanics and computer science. This is in a bid to help them be occupied and not get involved in crimes again. They sometimes supply medication and food to the various prisons. They also give prisoners spiritual assistance and counseling, such as preparing inmates as well as prison staff for Sacraments, etc. With the poor conditions of prisons in Cameroon the Sisters have assisted to increase the number cells in order to reduced overcrowding.

MINISTRY IN THE BAMENDA MILLITARY CAMP

There is On-going chaplaincy with the Forces of Law and Order introduced way back by Rev. Sr. Hedwig Vinyo and visad by Archbishop Paul Verdzekov. They offered spiritual and moral formation to the military men, women, and their families  through doctrine, seminars, and days of recollections. Present at the Camp is a counseling office which is open once a week to those that needs counseling. Once a year they contribute money and material to offer to orphanages, hospitals and Centers for persons with disabilities. The Archbishop of Bamenda says Mass with them once a year.

APOSTOLATE WITH THE HIV PATIENTS 

 A lot of work is being done with those living with HIV/Aids with the goal of sustaining them spiritually, morally, materially and physically.  To help fight stigma, prolong life as well as help cope and live positively, we organized and create support groups of persons living with HIV/AIDS. Through these support groups we are able to Counsel and Care for those living with HIV/AIDS in the following ways:

SPIRITUAL CARE FOR GROUPS:

  • Yearly a leaflet is being handed to them with various scriptures passages which will be used during their monthly meetings.
  • Home visit marked by needs assessment and socialization.
  • Prayers for the decease members irrespective of their religion
  • Annually a prayer day is organized by the General Executive, where all the members of the various group come together for prayers and Holy Mass.
  • Prayer and Counseling sessions are being organized in these support groups which help them live positively

MATERIAL CARE

We organize seminars on “Leadership Skills” for the various support group leaders to properly run their groups. Also seminars on nutrition and hygiene are organized consisting of lectures and demonstrations on  balance diet and sanitation. In order to meet up with their nutritional needs they are being encouraged to carry out income-generating activities. In order to accomplish this, seminars on “Business Skills” are organized after which loans are given to persons living with HIV/AIDS without interest to aid them run petit businesses of their choice.

CARE OF ORPHANS AND VULNEABLE CHILDREN

One of social apostolate achievements is helping orphans and vulnerable children especially those infected or affected by HIV/AIDS. We find sponsors for their education. The Tertiary Sisters of Saint Francis through their centers helps theses children develop life skills for instance, Saint Francis Home for Skills Training ( SAFRAHOST )

 

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PRISON APOSTOLATE

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SPIRITUAL CARE FOR GROUPS

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MATERIAL CARE

CARE OF ORPHANS AND
VULNEABLE CHILDREN