Pope Francis recently called attention to the plight of the refugees fleeing from Syria and Iraq, especially concerned about the elderly, the children, and those with illnesses. There are many compelling images in the media surrounding this international tragedy. The images represent both the dire struggle of those searching for human life free of violence, terror and economic injustice, and the humane inspiration provided by simple individuals aiding those in need at this crucial time.
In honor of Pope Francis’s apostolic journey to the United States, the school will provide support to the following Catholic refugee service organizations:
- $2,000 to Catholic Community Services of Utah for their refugee resettlement work.
- $2,000 to Sacred Heart Parish in McAllen Texas for their work with the refugee children coming from El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala.
- $3,500 to Catholic Relief Services for their international assistance with the Syrian and Iraqi refugees.
This plea was made with the hope that the Choir School community’s collective effort would make a small impact on those who are suffering such enormous loss, and hopefully inspire others possessing the means to make their own sacrifice to aid these fellow human beings in their most desperate time of need.
Click here to read about the current work of Catholic Relief Services.
Students in grades Pre-K through eighth grade from MCS gave over $1,000 to this effort, mostly coming in the form of one-dollar bills and quarters. Parents, grandparents and other supporters of the Choir School community from coast to coast have joined the students’ effort through online donations. Donor Cay Casey, a grandmother of students at MCS, expressed her sentiments of appreciation for the effort.
"At this glorious time in our Catholic lives with the blessed trip of the Holy Father, Pope Francis, to the United States, may we all rejoice, reflect, and resonate in a spirit of giving to honor those who are in such great need," said Casey.