The Mission of the Father Baraga Website
Through the changes and transformations that have happened overtime what I thought was the beginning mission of the site has evolved and progressed. Here are the missions of the website that may continue to transform.
To Educate about the Histories
To be able to share of the changes and transformations that Father Baraga helped to initiate during the 1800's and during the time of greatest transformation for the Ojibwe Natives.
To Help with Truth & Healing
Having heard stories myself of what has transpired during the time of the boarding schools and knowing the difference of what Catholicism stood for prior to these histories, it is my greatest desire to be able to help with the Truth & Healing initiative that continues to be brought forward and to teach of the difference between these histories.
To Support Pope Francis
Along these same lines it is my greatest desire to support Pope Francis and his work towards reconciliation. The very first steps have been taken and there is a long road ahead to continuing these reconciliations but it is fully recognized that it is not only needed but it is also the Christian and Catholic thing to do. I also choose to support all of those whom Pope Francis has inspired to continue this work.
To Serve the Catholic Ojibwe's
It is also my hope and prayer that I am able to provide a home for Catholic Natives. I wish to be able to provide resources for them in their language and a store that will help them connect with their Native background and histories. In this way I hope to continue to follow the legacy of Father Baraga and those he cared for whom he continually called "his children" and to continue to provide for them.
To Promote Seeing the Native Culture in a Positive Light
Given that I have worked with the Native people, my heart is with the Native people. I wish to be able to bring forward the positive histories in regards to the native cultures so that others can see a part of the work that I have seen in working with the Ojibwe and Dakota people and in learning of their culture, their way of prayer, their way of honoring the earth, etc.
To Promote Father Baraga's Path to Sainthood
Given Father Baraga's legacy, it is important for others to understand that I fully and unequivocally stand behind Father Baraga becoming a Saint. He is beyond deserving of this. I pray that the Vatican is able to see what is needed to have him become a Saint and that these steps are able to be brought forward so that his legacy can become known.