Catholic Education Staff reach out to refugees and asylum seekers

8 August 2018
Lyn Harrison, CEO of St Francis Social Services, at the former convent of the Sisters of St Joseph in Holy Family Parish at Granville. the new home of the House of Welcome. Image: Jordan Grantham.

 

Some Catholic Education Diocese of Parramatta staff recently had the opportunity to participate in renewal sessions during Refugee Week. The informative program raised awareness of the plight of asylum seekers and refugees and opportunities to respond to need in the Diocese of Parramatta.

The program included prayer, reflection on scripture and guest speakers from Jesuit Refugee Services (JRS). Staff shared a humble meal funded by gold coin donation. The food was prepared by the House of Welcome catering and the Bread and Butter Project, social enterprises aimed to provide refugees and asylum seekers with hospitality training.

RELATED: House of Welcome finds a new home in Granville

During Refugee Week, Catholic Education Office staff also provided practical assistance to vulnerable people in Western Sydney by collecting basic food and sanitary items for the food banks at Jesuit Refugee Services’ Arrupe House, Parramatta and the Granville-based House of Welcome.

At the close of Refugee Week, there was also a moving liturgy in the chapel at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta. Staff then gathered to view a powerful video about the work of the House of Welcome featuring students and parents from Catholic Education Diocese of Parramatta schools.

As a result of these powerful experiences, staff will continue to put their faith into action through opportunities to volunteer for Humanitarian Hub and JRS. Thank you to the Mission Team for leading this meaningful outreach to asylum seekers and refugees in our local communities.

With thanks to Catholic Education Diocese of Parramatta.

 

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