London Catholic Dioceses marking Refugee Week

Weekly Refugee Vigil at the Home Office

Refugee Week will take place 20 - 26 June. The theme of this year's Refugee Week is 'Healing'. With the furor surrounding the government's Rwanda plan, and the UN announcing that the global number of displaced people at its highest on record, this Refugee Week is an opportunity for action and reflection on this theme and how we can be a part of that 'healing' process.

You can visit the Refugee Week website (below) to access many fantastic events, both online and in-person. One of the events listed is 'Stories of Welcome', hosted jointly by Compassionate Communities (Diocese of London), the Diocese of Southwark, and Caritas Westminster (details below).

Schools of Sanctuary Local Lead Voluntary Role

This is an exciting opportunity to volunteer alongside Catholic schools in the Diocese of Westminster, Schools of Sanctuary and Caritas Westminster. The SoS Local Lead will help schools to recognise and build capacity for pupils from a sanctuary seeking background by guiding them through the Schools of Sanctuary accreditation. They will become part of a nationwide network, receiving training and support from Schools of Sanctuary.

See: www.caritasvs.org.uk/caritas-westminster-525.php

Youth 2000 - Subsidized Places

Youth 2000 are hosting their Summer Festival at Ampleforth Abbey from Friday 26 - Monday 29 August. Youth 2000 are offering to subsidise places for people with a sanctuary-seeking background who might like to join. Please register interest by contacting rosalewis@rcdow.org.uk

World Day of Migrants and Refugees

In the first of a series of video messages for World Day of Migrants and Refugees, Pope Francis asks the question: How can we build a future where everyone lives in peace and prosperity?

The Migrants and Refugees Section of the Holy See are inviting contributions of videos or photos in answer to this question to be a part of the campaign. If you would like to get involved, you can email media@migrants-refugees.va

Westminster Justice and Peace and London Catholic Worker Prayer Vigil

When: 20 June, 12.30-1.30pm

Prayer Vigil outside the Home Office to pray for migrants seeking safe passage to the UK. To learn more, please contact Barbara Kentish at barbarakentish@talktalk.net

A Home for Everyone

When: 20 June, 7pm

Where: St Martin-in-the-Fields, Trafalgar Square, WC2N 4JH

London Churches Refugee Fund Annual Speaker Meeting, with Revd Dr Sam Wells talking on 'A Home for Everyone: Responding to the Needs of Displaced Populations' Further details at email info@lcrf.org.uk

Spaces of Sanctuary

When: 20 June, 6-8pm

Join Caritas Westminster and the Anglican Dioceses of London and Southwark for an event celebrating those with sanctuary-seeking backgrounds, and celebrating the work of churches across London. One speaker is Right Revd Paul McAleenan, Diocese of Westminster and Lead Bishop for Migrants and Refugees. See: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/refugee-week-2022-stories-of-welcome-tickets-336387422837

In-Person Hosting Information Session

When: 26 June, 6 - 8.30pm

Where: Hurtado Jesuit Centre, 2 Chandler St, London E1W 2QT

To attend, and for more information, sign-up via Eventbrite www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/refugee-hosting-in-person-information-session-tickets-353809833737

This information session is for anyone who is hosting, would like to host, or explore further ways of providing support to those who are seeking sanctuary. The session is facilitated by the Jesuit Refugee Service, who run the 'At Home' hosting scheme.

Refugee Week 20-26 June

https://refugeeweek.org.uk/