New ways to help our newly arrived Migrant & Refugee Sisters and Brothers
TOGETHER LET US HELP OUR NEWLY ARRIVED MIGRANT & REFUGEE SISTERS & BROTHERS!
You may have heard on the news that since last month there have been more than 22,000 & counting migrants & refugees bused from Texas & Arizona to New York City. The New York City government, Catholic Charities of New York, Brooklyn & Queens, & numerous other organizations have been assisting these new arrivals with food, clothing, shelter & legal assistance.
When I was a stranger, you welcomed me.” Matthew 25:35
Fr. Julilan Jagudilla, OFM reflects on this situation:
Recently, 2 friends of mine asked me the following questions. “Why do you bother helping these political illegals?” “How did you end up doing what you are doing for migrants & refugee? I felt that the 1st was a loaded, intrusive & dismissive question while the 2nd question opens up an opportunity for reflection.
Why bother? Are these migrants & refugees really a bother or are they our sisters & brothers whose situation calls for our Christian response?
Our Catholic faith reminds us that someone’s immigration status does not define a person’s dignity as human beings created in the image & likeness of God. No can we let someone’s immigration status alienate us from each other – together we are all part of the Body of Christ. There are ample reasons why we must get involved.
Here at the Church of St. Francis of Assisi through our Migrant Center we’re responding to their needs by providing migrants with food & necessary clothing especially during this cold season.
We invite you to be part of St. Francis’ Christian response to the needs of our migrant & refugee sisters & brothers? We are offering easy ways to make a big impact during this Christmas Season. We have created wish-lists which enable us to request exactly the items we need, and make it easy for you to help:
If you are choosing to donate directly toward our assistance of the migrants, which helps us purchase items that are needed but not donated, please select “Migrant Center” from the “Fund” list.
Volunteer:
We also need volunteers to assist in a variety of ways, and while speaking Spanish is helpful it is not necessary. To find out way you can help please ontact Fr. Julian (212) 736-8500 ext. 328 or jjagudilla@stfrancisnyc.org
May the Good Lord bless you & your loved ones for your generosity!
PLEASE NOTE:
WE DO NOT ACCEPT USED CLOTHING, SHOES OR OTHER USED ITEMS.
Thank You.
