SPONSOR A REFUGEE FAMILY

St. Albert the Great Parish is sponsoring a Catholic family who have been persecuted for their faith in Iran.  In about 12-18 months, we will welcome Mozhgan, (Christian name Caterina), and her two daughters Mahsa (Christian Name Clara) & Mahshid, (Christian name Camilla) and Mahsa’s husband Kamran Mosavari to our community and will take responsibility to support them for one year upon their arrival.

This family’s story begins in 2007 when as members of the Muslim faith they began to study Christianity in their country of Iran.  After years of study first Mahsa (Clara) converted to Christianity in 2011, and this was followed by Mahshid (Camilla) in early 2013, and then Mozhgan (Caterina) later in 2013.  This was followed by an intense time of persecution with threats, beatings, physical and emotional torture of all kinds, and with the ultimate threat of execution.  They knew they needed to flee Iran.

In January of 2015 they were baptized, and then received the Sacrament of Confirmation at St. John’s Cathedral in Izmir in 2018.  The family continues to be persecuted in Turkey where they are currently residing and are dreaming of the day when they might be free from the continual hardships that they are enduring.

 

MINISTRY MISSION STATEMENT

The purpose of our Ministry is to prepare for the family’s arrival, help with their transition and be parish liaisons as we support them during their first year in Canada.

 

How can you help?

 

PRAYER SUPPORT

We ask you to support the family in prayer until they arrive in Canada and have created a prayer card for you to include in your daily prayers.

FUND RAISING

The approximate cost to support the family upon arrival and for the first year is  $65,000.   We have 18 months to raise the funds.  We need the help of families in our parish to make this happen.  Please prayerfully consider donating to this initiative and remember to clearly identify your donation as for the “Refugee Family”.  You can make donations of any amount and anytime up to their arrival.  Or you can choose to donate $30 a month for the next 12 months.  With your generosity, we can do this!  You can get the fillable   Donations Form in PDF format  here  .

 

VOLUNTEERING

Are you someone with a heart for helping others in need?  Do you want to do something to help those who are suffering and persecuted for their Catholic faith around the world?  There are many opportunities to serve, starting with fundraising then transitioning to practical help preparing for their arrival and then, once they arrive, providing support for their transition to their new life in Canada.  The family will need friendship as well as logistical support setting up accommodation, employment searches, language learning, transportation support etc.

If you desire to be part of this family’s journey and serve with our team please contact:   satgrefugee@gmail.com  .

Commitment:   About 2 hours monthly, more time may be required closer to their arrival
Meetings:   Fourth Friday of every month

 

READ THE MESSAGES WE HAVE RECEIVED FROM THIS FAMILY

We appreciate all volunteers and the generosity of our parishioners.  Please continue to pray for the family so that God may keep watch over them and bless them abundantly.  Thank you and God bless!