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Building Relationships with the Diocese of São Paulo, Brazil

In the summer of 2004, the Diocesan Conventions of the Diocese of Central Pennsylvania and the Diocese of São Paulo, Brazil approved a companion relationship among the two dioceses. This relationship will allow members of congregations in São Paulo and Central Pennsylvania to share in each others' ministries and learn more about the state of the church in other locations. In the summer of 2010, the Diocese of Central Pennsylvania and Diocese of São Paulo, Brazil, renewed the relationship.

For St. John’s, a companion parish relationship has been established with the Church of Santo André (St. Andrew’s Parish) in Pereira Barreto, located in the western region of the Brazilian state of São Paulo, about 650 miles away from the Diocesan Center. Pereira Barreto is mostly agricultural, providing food for the major cities along the Atlantic coast. Historically the area was opened for farming by immigrants who came in the early 20^th Century and also after World War II. At that time Brazil was in need farmers and Japanese farmers were in need of new land. It proved to be a good match. Today, Santo André Parish has many members who are Japanese-Brazilians, and they speak both Portuguese, the official language of Brazil, and Japanese.

St. John’s enjoys a long and meaningful partnership with our brothers and sisters in Christ. Our J2A pilgrims have now visited in 2006 and 2010.

Canon Fred Honaman, of St. John's, stands with the Rev. Sérgio Pacheco, former rector of Santo André Parish.  Note the vestments and altar hangings, one of two gently-used sets that were given by St. John's to Santo André, after Patrick let us know of their need.

Here is one of the many Christmas greetings that were sent to St. John's from our companion parish: