‘WELCOME THE STRANGER’

2015 saw the largest number of displaced people worldwide since WW2, with over 15 million people fleeing conflict and persecution, death and torture, in their own land.

For this Year of Mercy, we have been exhorted by Pope Francis more than ever to do what we can to help; “Indifference and silence lead to complicity whenever we stand by as people are dying of suffocation, starvation, violence, and shipwreck….. Biblical revelation urges us to welcome the stranger; it tells us that in doing so, we open our doors to God, that it is in the faces of others we see the face of Christ himself” .

As a first small step, a group of Parishioners has teamed up with Revive, a Roman Catholic project supporting refugees and asylum seekers, to provide a day out in the Ribble Valley for around 60 refugees and asylum seekers stuck in Manchester and living on subsistence incomes.

These people and families have fled their homes and countries under threat of imprisonment, torture, and even death, and found sanctuary in the UK. They know little of our country, and are often traumatised by their ordeal. A trip to the countryside provides a chance to learn more about their new country, to have a relaxing day out, and to gain solace from the peace and tranquillity of this rural idyll. It also gives an opportunity to be companioned for the day by ordinary friendly UK citizens.

The visit on July 23rd will include a walking day for single people, and a picnic and outdoor games for families with children followed by afternoon tea at St. Mary’s Parish Hall in Sabden.

Please help, by coming to the fund raising Street Parties in Clitheroe on the 11th June, and by volunteering to help on the day.

For further details contact Tom Clay on 07962136749 or email tomclay48@hotmail.com., or fill in the form at the back of the Church.