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Assists refugees who have been persecuted for their ethnicity or their religious or political beliefs in their country of origin. The vetting process they undergo is the most thorough in the world and they often can spend up to 10 years (or more) in Refugee camps before they are approved for refugee status.
Our activities are coordinated with the United States Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI) and Lutheran Family Services.
The members of our Ministry nurture newly arrived families by furnishing their apartment and assisting with food, employment, transportation, tutoring, budgeting, institutional and legal issues, and home purchases. Donations needed for a newly arriving family are requested at that time in the Parish Bulletin. We have a special agreement with Green Chair for the purchase of secondhand furniture at a very low price so donations can be brought there in the name of our OLL Ministry when they are not immediately needed.
Our greatest need is for drivers who can provide transportation during the weekdays and on weekends to Mass, as well as provide trucks to help transport furniture when needed.
This ministry grows close and satisfying friendships between our volunteers and the refugees that last many years. In turn you will see many of our Refugee Families attending Mass, serving as altar people and ushers. Catechists from Burma and Vietnam have been designated to serve their ethnic group.For more information, please contact: Jerome Harrison, jaharrison9@yahoo.com, 919-414-0554.