Los Amigos is a faith-based organization dedicated to supporting programs that improve and transform the lives of the poor of Chimbote, Peru.

Home / Mission Life / Churches & Chapels

Mission Life

Churches and Chapels

The main church within the parish, Nuestra Señora del Perpetuo Socorro (translated: Our Lady of Perpetual Help) is located in the central mission compound and is the largest worship space within the parish boundaries.  In 2007 a massive renovation of the church was completed under the supervision of then-associate pastor, Padre Ivan Miranda.  Prior to the renovation, the church had not been updated for more than 40 years. The roof was in disrepair, floors were deteriorating, and the space did not meet the ever-growing needs of those who worshipped there.  Thanks to the visionary skills of Padre Ivan, today the church is a place of beauty and peace. 

There are three other churches, or “chapels” as they are often called, within Fr. Jack’s parish.  Weekly mass is celebrated at the chapels so that all within the parish have the opportunity to attend.

On Wednesday evenings, Mass is celebrated at Corazón de Jesús (Heart of Jesus) chapel.  On Thursdays, it is celebrated at the Santa Ana (Saint Ann) chapel, and on Friday evening Mass is celebrated at Virgen de los Dolores (Our Lady of Sorrows) chapel.  These chapels have only the most basic accommodations, with dirt floors, children’s desks substituting as “pews”, and limited or no missals. However, often the services are so crowded that there is standing room only.

Parish Councils
Nuestra Señora del Perpetuo Socorro Parish has a parish council that assists Fr. Jack and Padre Vasquez in their pastoral work. In addition, each of the four chapels has a “sub-council”.  The  responsibilities of these councils include preparation for the sacraments of baptism, eucharist, confirmation, weddings, and annointing of the sick, as well as parish participation in the diocese of Chimbote activities and meetings. A challenge for the parish councils is that they must work with a very limited budget. With average collections from all three weekend Masses combined totalling no more than 150 soles (or approximately $54.00 US dollars), there are limited funds to pay for parish expenses. Los Amigos provides funds to supplement Mass collections and to assist with these financial challenges.