(WBBM NEWSRADIO) – Special collections are planned at Catholic masses in the Archdiocese of Chicago this weekend in support of thousands of asylum-seeking families from South and Central America.
Fr. Larry Dowling says the second collections will be used to help many of the nearly 4,000 people who’ve been brought to Chicago after seeking asylum at the southern border.
“There’s three major things that everyone needs when they first come. It’s that welcome, it’s that supportive community that the Catholic community is trying to be. And I think is successful so far, but also housing and jobs.”
Support by Catholic Charities will be seen in other ways, too, he said.
“There’s obviously all the wraparound stuff that needs to happen, you know, in terms of teaching English as a new language for them, being able to offer legal advice, to be able to offer them counseling.”
Fr. Dowling says the money will also assist parishes that decide to adopt refugee families.
“They’re fleeing violence from the cartels, gangs and extreme poverty, as well, so we’ve been responding as best we can in cooperation with the city in terms of welcoming.”
Fr. Dowling says that, besides donating at Mass this weekend, people can donate anytime online to Catholic Charities at catholiccharities.net.
Related
Listen to WBBM Newsradio now on Audacy!
Sign up and follow WBBM Newsradio
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram