Immaculate Conception Church and the church of San Francisco de Asis in Pisco, Peru established a sister parish relationship in June 2010. Earlier that year the city of Pisco was devastated by an earthquake and tsunami. Because of our diocesan presence in the country of Peru, 2 IC parishioners visited the area and met with the pastor of San Francisco. Months later, a group of 5 parishioners took a trip to Pisco to meet parishioners and discuss ways that we could help them recover from the disaster.

Since then, we have held an annual fund raiser in June-named the Bell Tower BBQ-to assist them financially. The diocese of Jefferson City and IC parish have helped them re-build their church, bell tower, and other parish buildings. Significant funds from the BBQ have been used to establish, expand and maintain a comedor (nutrition center) in a nearby re-settlement area called Los Molinos. The parishioners from San Francisco provide a daily simple meal for children and women who live in this impoverished area. Our funds are instrumental. Our solidarity with them in work and prayer is mutually holy.

The Bell Tower BBQ involves approximately 250 parishioners from IC. We have dessert bakers, BBQuers, servers, cleaners, runners etc etc etc. More than 1300 meals are served. The committee is made up of interested parishioners with any skill level...throw your hat in the ring and we'll give you a job! This is a great annual community project for a very worthy cause. The Sister Parish of Immaculate Conception welcomes your involvement and ideas!

Plans are being made for our 8th Bell Tower BBQ. The date will be Thursday, June 21st, 2018. Please mark your calendars and make plans to have lunch and/or dinner with fellow parishioners, friends and neighbors. The proceeds from this event are sent to Pisco, Peru, our Sister Parish of San Francisco de Asis. The parishioners in that parish use the money we send to support 3 nutrition centers for women/children who live in impoverished conditions. We have helped them build these centers; one of them is named Immaculate Conception. Their community was devastated years ago by an earthquake and tsunami. Many people in the area are still trying to get back on their feet after losing their possessions and livelihoods. The parish of San Francisco has been dedicated to the poorest among them and has worked hard to establish decent housing and food for these families. Our annual BBQ is a financial mainstay for them and a global gesture of solidarity with their struggles and efforts. Our presence is very much appreciated. Many blessings come from this relationship. Our Sister Parish in Peru is also the home parish of Cesar Anicama Jorges, a seminarian who is studying in our diocese. Cesar will be ordained a priest at the end of June and will serve in our diocese. We welcome any help you can offer for the continued success of the BBQ on June 18. Your support is appreciated---with the purchase of meal tickets and with your commitment. Please watch the bulletin for details on ways you can help and on updates for the event. Thank you, and we hope to see you at the June BBQ. Bell Tower BBQ Committee