ICSJ Parish Refugee Ministry
The ICSJ Parish Refugee Ministry is led by a group of parishioners who are dedicated to welcoming refugee families as they arrive in America and walking alongside them as they adapt to a new country and culture. The group has been diligently working with the Catholic Charities Refugee Resettlement Program and Exodus World Service. Since 2017, ICSJ has welcomed 10 wonderful families and continues to support and maintain friendships with 7
Ways to Be Involved in ICSJ’s Refugee Ministry
Donate to our Refugee Ministry Fund
Your donation to the ICSJ Parish Refugee Ministry Fund allows us to resettle new families and supports our existing families. To see how your donation will be put to work, please see the ICSJ Refugee Ministry News section below. Thank you for your generosity!
Volunteer as a New Neighbor with ICSJ & Exodus World Service
Visit a newly arrived refugee family in Chicago once a week for three months. This is a hands-on way to "welcome the stranger” in our midst. Volunteers and refugees have the opportunity to build bridges of understanding, cross-cultural learning and friendship. Volunteers answer basic questions about life in the U.S., help refugees practice their English and introduce them to their community.
Volunteer as a New Neighbor for Youth with ICSJ & Exodus World Service
Adult volunteers visit weekly for three months with an elementary, middle, or high school student, coordinated with Exodus and the child's parents. Volunteers help increase academic skills and confidence through fun activities, and partner with refugee parents on how to support their child's learning. Resource guides are provided.
Inquire to Learn More About Current Needs
As we walk alongside our existing refugee families, life brings change and new needs arise. Reach out to learn what the current needs are and if you might be able to help!
Join our ICSJ Refugee Ministry Team
Join our refugee ministry team as we navigate challenges and celebrate victories with our current families and prepare to welcome and support new ones.
ICSJ Refugee Ministry News
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• October 2023: Respect Life Sunday
• August 2023: Meet the Thabits, Our 10th Refugee Family!
• June 2023: The Thabit Family–Our 10th Refugee Family!
• June 2023: The Almbied Family
• April 2023: Burundi Family Update
• June 2022: We Welcome our EIGHTH Family!
• March 2022: Help With Our Virtual Baby Shower!• February 2022: Job Needed!
• April 2021: A Family Update
• October 2020: Eight Reasons to be Thankful During This Pandemic
• August 2019: A Refugee Fairytale
• February 2019: An Incredible 2-year Check-In With One of Our Families
• December 2018: A New Refugee Family! Household Items Needed!
• November 2018: We Are So Blessed
• August 2018: Sunday Funday
• July 2018 : Meet Our New Family From Rohingya
• May 2018: And One More Makes Four
• December 2017: Tutors and Mentors Needed
• November 2017: Clothing Drive Results–Be Careful What You Ask For!
• October 2017: (New) Home For The Holidays/Winter Clothing Drive
• October 2017: Never A Doubting Thomas When It Comes to ICSJ
• September 2017: Baby Shower
• August 2017: Kids Come In All Sizes–So Do ICSJ Volunteers
• July 2017: A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words
• June 2017: We Have A Second Refugee Family
• May 2017: Well Worth The Wait
• April 2017: We Surpassed Our Fundraising Goal!
• March 2017: Our Family Has Arrived!
• March 2017: ICSJ To Welcome A Refugee Family
• February 2017: On Hold
“As we fix our gaze on the Holy Family as they were forced to become refugees, let us think of the tragedy of those migrants today who are victims of rejection and exploitation . . . and give voice to those who cannot manage to make their cry of distress and oppression heard.”
— Pope Francis