World Refugee Day
According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), World Refugee Day is an international day designated by the United Nations to honour refugees around the globe. It falls each year on June 20 and celebrates the strength and courage of people who have been forced to flee their home country to escape conflict or persecution. World Refugee Day is an occasion to build empathy and understanding for their plight and to recognize their resilience in rebuilding their lives.
This year, in solidarity with other celebrations happending around the country, Roundtable intern, Kenza Benazzouz organized and facilitated a prayer service that featured Elena Mueller Garcia, retired diocesan director from the Diocese of Palm Beach, FL, who came to the United States as a refugee through Operation Pedro Pan. If you missed the prayer service, you can watch the recording and hear Elena's story.
Monthly Prayer Opportunities
During the month of October, we celebrate Respect Life Month. Please join us in praying this Prayer to St. Joseph, Defender of Life.
October 28 - This month's prayer opportunity will be facilitated by Roundtable's board chair, Dcn. Robert Vigil from the Archdiocese of Santa Fe. Hope to see you there!
Topic: October Prayer Opportunity highlighting the Holy Rosary
Facilitator: Dcn. Robert Vigil, Archdiocese of Santa Fe
When: Thursday, October 28 at 2 PM ET/1 PM CT/12 PM MT/11 AM PT
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 864 6876 7997
World Refugee Day - SAVE THE DATE - JUNE 20, 2022
October 7, 2021 - Organizers from the Office of Migration and Refugee Services at the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, the Office of Religious Life at Princeton University and Roundtable are hosting monthly planning meetings to prepare for World Refugee Day 2022 taking place on Monday, June 20, 2022. Monthly meetings are scheduled the first Thursday of each month at at 2 PM ET/1 PM CT/12 PM MT/11 AM PT. Please consider joining fellow colleagues as we support one another in our respective planning efforts and share best practices.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84262989970?pwd=bjZDVW9lZHRjdUpmMHB3aHA3K1lJZz09
Meeting ID: 842 6298 9970
Ideas to get your creative thoughts flowing:
- National Migration Week 2021
- World Day for Migrants and Refugees, September 26, 2021
- Praying With, For and Among Refugees written by James Martin, SJ and Matthew Weiner.
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
Council on Mental Illness, National Catholic Partnership on Disability
Mental Health Awareness Month (May) Prayer Service was led by Dr. Chris Miller utilizing the following resources:
- this outine,
- the video, There is Hope, and finally,
- a prayer through the intercession of St. Dymphna, patroness for those with a mental illness.
Call or text 202-854-8806 with any questions!