La Gran Familia Orphanage
In 1998 St. John's planted a seed in Cuauhtémoc, Mexico. Today, that small seed has changed the lives of over 40 abandoned & abused children.

In 1998 Greg David Spinks, a young deacon from St. John's with an overwhelming compassion for the less fortunate, went to northern Mexico to immerse himself in mission work. After arriving in Cuauhtémoc, Greg witnessed the appalling conditions of children roaming the streets.

Greg soon realized the dire need for an appropriate living environment for the children of Cuauhtémoc. Greg's vision was to rescue children from the vices and insecurities of the streets and to provide them with improved living conditions, quality of life and a vision of opportunity and hope for the future.

An appeal to St.  John's resulted in several parishioners, including Pete and Dottie Kastner, raising funds to build a small home for the children. Thus "La Gran Familia" or "The Great Family" was born. 

This was to be a home that would care for the children for as long as they needed it, and become the home that they had always wanted and needed.  Greg worked in cooperation with the Mexican Child Welfare agency.  He ensured that the children were well fed, clothed and educated in a loving and caring environment.

Throughout the years, St. John's has remained committed to keeping Greg's vision alive by providing funding and volunteer work for La Gran Familia. Currently nineteen boys and nine girls are cared for at La Gran Familia. In addition to housing the children in a boy's house and a girl's house, a day care facility recently opened and has 15 children of single parents enrolled. 

This little mustard seed planted by St. John's has provided love, care, clothing, food, and shelter to over 40 children in the past 12 years.  Father Greg answered the call in his heart and started nurturing a seed with St. John's help. 

This is truly an example of what our community, following Christ's words, can accomplish despite great distances.  We are all brothers and sisters in Christ and these little ones have a better life thanks to our efforts.

Become a part of this tradition of love and support La Gran Familia today.

La Gran Familia Backpack Fundraiser 2010
From July 21 - August 8 we will raise funds for the children of La Gran Familia through our Backpack Fundraiser. Backpacks for each child will hang in Hansen Hall and parishioners are invited to sponsor the children by providing supplies, books, toys and monetary support.

Fajita Dinner
Meet the Children of La Gran Familia
July 21, 2010
6:00pm
Hansen Hall

Coffee & Churros Celebration
August 8, 2010
11:00am
Hansen Hall