The Society’s 2016 General Chapter calls us to address the root causes of violence, war, human trafficking and the myriad humanitarian and environmental crises of our time and respond to them collaboratively through actions in accord with our spirit and mission: education, political and social advocacy, direct action, prayer and sharing of resources.

Below are some of the actions the Society and its members are taking in response to alleviate the struggle and suffering of migrants, internally displaced persons, refugees and asylum seekers.

Judith Lancaster, SHCJ, prepared a prayer that everyone can pray together for a just, peaceful and compassionate resolution to this major crisis. Click here to download a copy.

The leadership will allocate funds and develop criteria and processes by which sisters can request funding in their provinces for specific needs and projects to help migrants.

SHCJ and others will be invited to share their experience and perspectives on the migrant crisis from the viewpoint of theology, scripture, spirituality, education, art, finance, social science, advocacy and relief work.

The Society and province leaders will ensure that ministries and committees throughout the Society address these needs in a way that fits with their mission or focus.

Recently, a presentation, given by Carmen Chavez, Esq., Executive Director of Casa Cornelia Law Center in San Diego, CA, provided an overview and perspective on today’s refugee crisis. Click here to watch it.

The Society’s American Province is creating a Wants of the Age Fund from a very generous bequest received in the last fiscal year. Province members have offered suggestions for the administration and use of this fund and a small committee will meet in March to implement the suggestions. Thus far, the province has made contributions to support the efforts of: Jesuit Refugee Services, the UISG’s Migrant Project in Sicily, the International Catholic Migrant Commission, Annunciation House in El Paso, TX, the Diocese of San Diego for Haitian refugees, and the Refugee and Immigration Services of the Diocese of Camden, NJ.

The Society’s European Province is using funds from a recent sale of property in Preston, England, to fund projects that work with displaced people. Organizations receiving a donation include Revive, Talk English, International Refugee Trust, and the Cardinal Hume Centre. READ MORE.

Ten families from Syria are relocating under Humanitarian Protection to Harrogate, England, where the province’s community and care home is located. A number of SHCJ and other residents there are keen to support the project, making an initial donation before their arrival, and sending them Christmas cards. The families said they all would appreciate the sisters’ prayers.

The city of Blackpool in England accepted 56 Syrian refugees, and Holy Child Sisters Anne Stewart and Philomena Grimley are assisting with the effort to offer support as the intensive government help eases off. READ MORE.