The Association Jeanne Jugan just completed a two-month project to support the Refugee Resettlement Program run by our friend, Brother Joseph Schenk, OFM Conv. This program has been in operation by Catholic Charities for 40 years. We collected essential items that a refugee family in new surroundings would need: bathrobes, blankets, dishes, drinking cups, glasses, mugs (several lovingly painted by our Residents), pots, pans, tea kettle, rice cooker, Ventra cards, rolls of quarters and much more.
We put together a beautiful Welcoming Hearts Basket with two cards, one welcoming the new family and a second filled with prayer wishes to give to our refugee family along with everything we collected.
We presented all these items to the Franciscan Postulants, who help out here every week, to deliver to Brother Joe.
This was a very rewarding experience for all of us. Watching the news each night and seeing the plight of these desperate people touched our hearts. We pray for them, but wanted to do more. This was a rewarding way for us to start lent, and to celebrate this Year of Mercy!!
If you are interested in learning more about this ministry, please visit catholiccharities.net or contact Joseph Schenk, Refugee Resettlement and Outreach Coordinator at jschenk@catholiccharities.net.
AJJ Welcoming Hearts Basket