Refugee Week

In his message for the 2021 World Day of migrants and refugees, Pope Francis reminds us that ‘we are all in the same boat and called to work together so that there will be no more walls that separate us, no longer others, but only a single “we”, encompassing all of humanity’. Refugee week, 14-20 June, is an opportunity to reflect on the challenges facing refugees and migrants and consider how we can translate the Gospel imperative to ‘Welcome the Stranger’ into action.

Pope Francis calls on us all to work together to make the Church become ever more inclusive. In encountering the diversity of foreigners, migrants and refugees, and in the intercultural dialogue that can emerge from this encounter, we have an opportunity to grow as Church and to enrich one another.

The refugee week website  suggests eight Simple Acts we can all take during the week, inspired by the theme ‘We cannot walk alone’ –  everyday actions we can all take to stand with refugees and make new connections in our communities.

There is also an opportunity to join a Caritas Social Action Network event on Community Sponsorship: 6.00 – 7.30 pm on 14 June. This event will celebrate Community Sponsorship, show how you can get involved and hear from refugees and parishioners who have experienced its transformative impact. The link to register: www.communitysponsorship.org.uk/events