A simple question arises. How does a church become a community cornerstone? Here at Paróquia São José do Jaguaré/CCA SANTA CRUZ, the answer lies in faith and service.
Paróquia São José do Jaguaré has a rich history. It is the oldest church in the Jaguaré neighborhood. The church was founded on February 19, 1945.
Cardinal Dom Carlos Carmelo de Vasconcelos Mota decreed its creation. The Congregação de Santa Cruz maintains it. Padre Basil Anthony Moreau founded the Congregação. He was an educator from 1799 to 1873. Since 1945, the church has offered pastoral care. It also provides medical, welfare and educational assistance to residents.
In the 1980s, the church expanded its services. It established the Vila Nova Jaguaré Educational and Community Centers. Padre Roberto Grandmaison consulted community mothers. These mothers expressed a need for educational support. The Congregação de Santa Cruz responded. The Colégio Santa Cruz and Paróquia de São José became more involved. They supported children’s education. Activities encouraged study habits. They also fostered a love for school.
The CCA Santa Cruz is part of the Jaguaré Caminhos Program. It serves the Vila Nova Jaguaré community. It began in 1988 at Praça Onze. It was a complement to Creche Nossa Senhora Aparecida. It targeted youth aged six to fourteen. These young people needed supervision after school. Their parents worked. The CCA shared space with the daycare. As demand grew, new spaces were needed.
In 1998, the CCA Santa Cruz moved to its current location. It is annexed to the Paróquia São José do Jaguaré. The CCA Santa Cruz strengthens bonds. It serves children and adolescents. It operates during after-school hours. It provides social assistance. It aligns with national socio-assistance service standards.
CCA Santa Cruz offers a safe space. Children and teens from vulnerable backgrounds are welcome. They broaden their horizons through various activities. They develop skills through ethical education. They also participate in cultural and social activities. These activities contribute to their overall development. The unit serves 125 children and adolescents.
The Congregação de Santa Cruz has a global presence. Padre Basílio Antônio Moreau founded it in 1837. The Congregação is made up of priests and brothers. The first missionaries arrived in Brazil from Canada in 1943. They began building a residential area for workers in Jaguaré. At the time, the area lacked paved streets. It also lacked piped water and electricity. The Congregação founded the Paróquia de São José and a primary school.
Over the years, the Congregação expanded its educational work. They founded Colégio Santa Cruz in São Paulo. They also established Notre Dame in Campinas. They took over Dom Amando in Santarém. The Congregação is known for its social engagement. This includes programs like CECOIA, PESC and CESSC.
Paróquia São José do Jaguaré/CCA SANTA CRUZ exemplifies community. It embodies service. It is a testament to faith in action. It creates a welcoming space for all.