At St. Michael parish, Morgan, the Confirmation class of 2001 has big plans for their service hours. They are planning a banquet fundraiser, "Mardi Gras for Guatemala," in order to raise money for Guatemala. This money will then be used to buy a plot of land in the country for the people to use.

The Mayan people of Guatemala practice advanced horticulture on the very valuable resource of land using only non-moving metal tools such as a hoe and a machete. One family is able to sustain life with only three acres of land. A startling government statistic shows that 80 percent of the land belongs to 2 percent of the population. The people of Guatemala should be given the opportunity to thrive off of their own land. The land’s cost is very high, making it nearly impossible to make such a purchase. The purpose of this banquet and fundraiser is to give the people funds to purchase land which will sustain many families.

Through the guidance and generosity of Martin and Beth Meidl of Lamberton and the Mission at San Lucas Toliman, Guatemala, the banquet is sure to be a great success with your help. The "Mardi Gras for Guatemala" banquet is scheduled for the evening of Sunday, February 25. The evening will begin with a social time at 6:30 p.m. During this time, tickets may be bought for the raffle, the silent auction items may be bid on, and authentic Guatemalan coffee may be bought. Some examples of the raffle items are various Guatemalan items and other excellent items, and some of the auction items are a handmade quilt and a porch swing. There will then be a 7:00 p.m. catered meal of pork chops, glazed carrots, and dressing, which will be topped off with a cream puff dessert. Following the meal, our special guest speaker for the evening will be Bishop Raymond A. Lucker. He will share his experience about the San Lucas Mission of Guatemala. Following the presentation, raffle and silent auction, winners will be announced.

For more information about this event and donations to the cause contact Clare Larsen, PO Box 345, Morgan, MN, 56266;

(507) 249-3482.