Refugee Committee

This committee was formed in the spring of 2019 as the Diocese was engaged in responding to the needs of Eritrean refugees who were temporarily located in Israel; but who needed a permanent country in which to settle. Generous donors in Israel have provided financial support for the five Eritrean  men seeking to relocate to Canada.

The parish is expected to facilitate their arrival in early 2021 and support them in their resettlement over the initial year; but has no financial responsibilities. As the time approaches, we will be seeking furnishings and other household necessities needed for two households. A number of volunteer drivers will be needed in the initial months in particular. The Saint John YMCA has language classes as well as other supports that will be essential to the men and supportive of our efforts.

Leticia Adair (Diocese Refugee Coordinator) supports this project and will work with Kathleen Karamanos on the immigration documentation. Msgr Sheehan has encouraged this parish initiative and Susan, at the office, is helping us to fulfill the Diocesan Responsible  Ministry requirements. Updates will be provided to the parish through the Church bulletins.

The committee is co-chaired by John Moore and Mary Reeve supported by committee members:

Tom Bishop (Finance coordinator), David Brown (Transportation coordinator), Mary McAuliffe (Welcoming committee coordinator), Charlie McKendy, Phillip Reeves, Moira Adams, Ray Lloyd, Patricia Hazel, Ann Hill, Paul Hill and Kathleen Riley Karamanos.

If you would like to be involved with the Refugee Committee or provide support in other ways – please fill out the “Contact Us” form and we’ll get back to you!