In collaboration with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Office of Migration and Refugee Services (USCCB-MRS), Roundtable is helping organize and support interfaith prayer services for and with refugees on World Refugee Day (June 20, 2021). Each service will be conducted by a local network, coalition or resettlement site that chooses to participate.  Any interfaith network or resettlement site is welcome to join.

Services will be customized for local communities, and the intent is to have them take place in a variety of locations across the country on or around World Refugee Day. Currently, there are a dozen locations confirmed to host prayer services, and the purpose is simply to pray publicly for the well-being of refugees in our country, across religious and political lines. The act of organizing the service will also bring communities together.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we anticipate that the majority of these services will be taking place virtually, which does allow for the potential of greater participation.  If a specific location does have the ability to coordinate an in-person prayer service that could accommodate people safely by following social distancing guidelines, the leadership team will leave that decision up to the discretion of local organizers. 

Monthly Prayer Opportunities
This month, Roundtable board member, Dcn. Paul Kipfstul from Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Cleveland lead members through the USCCB's Stations of the Cross on Overcoming Racism. 

In April, Esther Garcia from the National Catholic Partnership on Disability will be leading us in a bilingual prayer service. More details to come after Easter. 

Additional prayer resources from our colleauges
Bread for the World - Finding Hope, Ending Hunger on Both Sides of the Border

Catholic Relief Services - Lead the Way on Hunger: A Solidarity Prayer Service and Reflection (En español)

Dorothy Day Guild
Charged with forwarding her canonization, the Guild and Roundtable prayed, Hope in Hard Times: A Novena with Dorothy Day from September 16-24. Over the course of its traditional nine days, we “spiritually gathered” (in the words of Pope Francis), invoking Dorothy’s presence and example. On the ninth day, Roundtable members gathered virtually to pray the final reflection and prayer together. Below are the daily reflections, which were shared via email to Roundtable members:

Introduction
Day 1 - Solidarity
Day 2 - Healthcare Workers
Day 3 - Generosity and Those Who Have Lost Work
Day 4 - Essential Workers
Day 5 - The Marginalized
Day 6 - Justice
Day 7 - Faith Communities
Day 8 - Non-violence
Day 9 - Hope and Delight

Call or text 202-854-8806 with any questions!