Migration and Refugee Ministry
World Refugee Day should be “an opportunity to turn an attentive and fraternal gaze to all those who are forced to flee their homes in search of peace and security. We are all called to welcome, promote, accompany and integrate those who knock on our doors.” the Pope added, “I pray that States will strive to ensure humane conditions for refugees and to facilitate integration processes.” Pope Francis, before World Refugee Day, June 20, 2024
Activity: Annual collection to assist the Migration and Refugee Services (MRS) office of Catholic Charities in support of refugee families in our area. Refugee collection coincides with World Refugee Day in late June.
- Collection focuses on most pressing household needs determined by MRS. Examples: kitchen items, bedding
- Donated items are brought to the Narthex for sorting, or donated directly to the MRS Manassas warehouse via Amazon
Volunteers: All age groups and families
Time Commitment: Time needed to purchase items and bring to Narthex or to order online; help with sorting, and loading donations on a Catholic Charities truck after the collection is completed.
Contact: For more information, please contact Michele Mrozek, mmrozek@ggic.com; Peter Fox, petmon@verizon.net
Catholic Charities (Arlington Diocese) volunteer opportunities to help migrants and refugees:
Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Arlington (ccda.net)
Definitions of refugees, immigrants, etc:
https://www.ccda.net/give-help/welcome-the-newcomer/mrs_about_refugees_their_journey.pdf
Refugee Ministry update for 2024 – Annual collection:
ST ANN 2024 COLECTION FOR REFUGEES, ANOTHER GREAT SUCCESS! Thanks to all who supported our annual collection to support the Migration and Refugee Services (MRS) office of Catholic Charities Again, St. Ann parishioners stepped up in a big way and donated the requested kitchen items including: flatware and knife sets (31), dinnerware sets (10), cookware sets (5), frying cast iron sauce pans (11), stockpots (2), baking pans/dishes/sheets/pie pans (16), cutting boards (4), rice cooker (1), water glasses sets (2), and numerous kitchen utensils, hot pads, towels, a hand mixer, dish drainer, waste basket and a broom. Additional donations included bed-in-a-bag sets (8), bath towels sets (6), and bathroom rug/showers sets (3). (Totals include items worth $1,000 donated via Amazon which were delivered directly to the M RS warehouse.) Parishioners also donated $900 in cash and checks towards the drive. All donations will be put to very good use for newly arriving refugee families setting up their new homes in our community. MRS has expressed its sincere appreciation for St. Ann’s continued generosity and support over the years. (Photo shows MRS Community Engagement Specialist Lourdes Iglesias receiving the St. Ann donations from St. Ann Pastor, Father John, and Peter Fox, Outreach Ministry.)
Refugee Ministry update for 2023 – Annual collection:
SUCCESSFUL 2023 ST. ANN REFUGEE COLLECTION: Thanks to all who supported our annual collection to support the Migration and Refugee Services office of Catholic Charities. Again, St. Ann parishioners stepped up in a big way and donated the requested items, valued at $3800! These included 60 boxes shipped directly to the MRS warehouse in Manassas and 40 items brought to the Narthex (photos below). In addition, St. Ann parishioners donated nearly $2400 in cash and checks! These donations will have a major impact supporting newly arriving refugee families this year. MRS has expressed its sincere appreciation for our continued generosity
Letter of Appreciation from Catholic Charities of Arlington, Migration and Refugee Services
Dear Father Mel:
On behalf of Catholic Charities Migration and Refugee Services, I offer you this note of our most sincere appreciation … (for full letter).
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For a history of this ministry, please see History of the Ministries, link below:
https://stannchurch.org/wp-content/uploads/75th-Anniversary-History-Brochure-English.pdf
Volunteer for or inquire about this ministry using the form below.