Serving The Poor Since 1998
Nativity Catholic Church’s Operation Starfish® and its subsidiary ministries, Fish4Hope and Stella Marina, provide opportunities for encountering the poor of Haiti. Through community development, small business and safe childbirth projects, we make a difference one person at a time.
Our Story
Operation Starfish® began in 1998 when Father Dick Martin began encouraging parishioners to save just 50 cents a day by making small sacrifices and using the proceeds to make a difference in the lives of the poor in Haiti. From this simple idea, we have indeed made a difference – 13 “Nativity Villages” with more than 1,500 homes with basic needs like shelter, sanitation, clean drinking water, schools, clinics, businesses and jobs. A 14th Nativity Village is now under construction.
Today, Fr. Bob Cilinski carries on Fr. Martin’s legacy by continuing the Lenten sacrifice and supporting Nativity mission trips to see first-hand the difference we are making.
Learn MoreTransforming Lives in Haiti
Father Martin always said that when you see the Haitian people, you will see the face of Jesus. As many have travelled and experienced this, they also experienced one constant that the people—despite their many struggles and challenges—always had: hope. Come and experience the 13 Nativity Villages!
Visit the Projects Map
Growth and Expansion
JAMAICA – Since 2019, Operation Starfish has brought Nativity mission trips to Jamaica, where we have built homes and visited orphanages and senior facilities. Operation Starfish has also partnered with Food For The Poor and the University of the West Indies to provide full medical school scholarships to promising physician candidates. So far, 3 students have become M.D.’s and a 4th student, Keonie White, will graduate in 2025.
HONDURAS – In 2023, Operation Starfish built a medical clinic in El Colirio, Honduras. A Nativity mission trip traveled to the clinic in 2024. Another mission trip travels to Honduras in 2025 to break ground on a second clinic project.
HAITI – Work has begun on the 14th village development project – Nativity Village at Bois Lourou – and construction is underway on a standby power system for New Hope Hospital in Cap Haitien.
Operation Starfish® Fact SheetHow to Donate
Thank you for considering making a Donation to Operation Starfish®
Online Giving | Visit the Nativity online giving platform and donate to the ‘Starfish’ fund. You can create an account or donate as ‘guest’.
Check | Make check payable to “Operation Starfish” and use the memo line or include a note if you have a special intention for your gift. Please send your check to:
Church of the Nativity
6400 Nativity Lane
Burke, VA 22015
Attention: Operation Starfish
Contact
If you have any questions, please contact
Jim McDaniel
Coordinator, Operation Starfish
jimmcdaniel@me.com