The purpose of the Refugee Ministry is to welcome, embrace, and stand alongside newly arriving refugees and their families to help them navigate their day to day living and integrate into the Tucson community and their new country, USA.
These refugees have fled violence, persecution and/ or war in their homeland hoping to find safety for themselves and their families.
The parish has welcomed and supported two refugee families in the past three years. A family of four, from Syria, has integrated well into our community and loves the USA!
A family of eleven, from the democratic Republic of Congo, waited 20 years in a refugee camp before finally being welcomed into our community. This family created a great challenge to volunteers who persevered for many months in supporting this family's transitions to their new home.
The children are doing well and receiving honors in school. Plus, two of the family members have jobs and much of their success is due to the steadfast support of volunteers.
There are now more than 82 million refugees and displaced people around the world.
Tucson is one of the locations for a government Resettlement Agency which handles hundreds of refugees every year. In addition to sponsoring refugee families, the ministry also does many things to welcome refugees to Tucson.
Consider joining us when we welcome them as they arrive at tl1e airport with signs, balloons and a warm smile; help Resettlement Agency personnel to set up their apartment before they arrive; donate needed items; or volunteer in a Resettlement Agency office.
For more information about this ministry, please contact: Judy Lynch- sajm@santacatalinaparish.org
