Asylum Seekers & Refugees
SUPPORTING ASYLUM SEEKERS AND REFUGEES
We want to reflect Christ’s message ‘Whatever you do for the least of my people, you do for me’, by providing a welcoming, safe place where asylum seekers and parishioners come together to share a meal and companionship, as well as enjoying the beauty of Whitby.
We also want to support the visitors by occasionally offering gifts of food, toiletries, phone vouchers or money while they struggle through the long process of the application for asylum.
Supporting asylum seekers from Teeside began in our parish when Father Pat became our parish priest in 2012. Over the years our support has continued: friendships have grown and various forms of sponsorship have emerged. It is a privilege to accompany people on their journey and watch how they, as their status is legalized, start to give back to society joyfully, and in gratitude for what they themselves have received.
As the get-togethers with the asylum seekers are irregular (but usually before Christmas and again in summer), meetings are arranged via a WhatsApp group, run by Pauline Taylor. Please contact Liz Atkinson to be included in the group.
Meeting venue: Parish Hall, usually after 10.30 Mass
Liz Atkinson
Tel: 07810 644140