Showing posts with label Jesuits and Friends. Show all posts
Homelessness and Hospitality... ‘At Home’ Prayer Pack Is Ready!
Just in time for the World Day of Migrants and Refugees this Sunday, 18th January 2015, Jesuit Refugee Service UK, together with Christian Life Community, has prepared the JRS reflection guide on homelessness and hospitality: ‘At Home’ Prayer Pack!
With so much material wealth in modern societies, there are still many people whose livelihoods are not secured and thus have to worry about day-to-day survival, as you can find out in the prayer pack:
“It is not known how many asylum seekers are living destitute in our cities. Being ‘destitute’ means that you are not permitted to work or claim statutory benefits and so you become reliant on friends or charities to survive. This can happen while an asylum claim is being processed or has been refused.
We know that many rely on a hostel place, often short-term, or ‘sofa-surfing’ with friends or wider family members. Some sleep on the night buses, unable to lie down to sleep, or in doorways, fearful of violence or abuse. Daytimes can be a circuit of visits to day centres for hand-outs, meetings with lawyers and often waiting in libraries or other ‘anonymous’ public spaces.” - From the Prayer Pack
Along with practical help such as volunteering and giving donations, prayer is an excellent way of showing our genuine concern and solidarity for the destitute. Louise Zanré, Director of JRS UK says:
“Many of the people we accompany at JRS derive a great deal of strength and hope from their faith. They are always pleased when I tell them of church services or community prayers I know to be taking place during which refugees are prayed for. Praying for refugees is one way in which solidarity and care can be shown. What I hope you will be able to experience from using this prayer pack, either in a group or as an individual, is being able to enter at least a little into the experience of the people we accompany and those who host them in their homes. That prayerful encounter will provide solidarity, but will help deepen your awareness of some of the problems our refugee friends might have in their lives.”
We invite you to use this prayer pack and remember our brothers and sisters who need our acts of hospitality. These acts can take place in various ways and prayer is certainly one of them!
Packs are available to download as a pdf here.
An on-line version with spoken reflections and music is available at: www.pray-as-you-go.org.
To order a pack, please contact uk@jrs.net or call 020 7488 7310.
You can see the related news on JRS UK website at http://www.jrsuk.net/news/news2/index.php
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Three Types of Listening
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Photo by Steven Shorrock, from Flickr.com
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Jesuit Refugee
Service UK is based at the Hurtado Jesuit Centre in East London. The Centre has
just completed a “listening exercise” in
the local neighbourhood. Kate, who works with JRS and at the Centre reflects on
the importance of listening when we are building relationships with other
members of our community.
What does listening
mean to you? What does the dictionary tell us it might mean? Here are three
meanings I found: “to give one’s attention to a sound” i.e. to be attentive, to
give ear to, to concentrate. Another
meaning: “to take notice and act on what someone says” i.e. follow what they
say, bear it in mind, take it into consideration, an active response to a request or some advice shared. And finally:
“make an effort to hear something, be alert and ready to hear” i.e. a sense of
listening out for something that might be missed, trying to catch something at
a deeper level or from a place
beyond where we already are.
Over the last six
months, at the Hurtado Jesuit Centre, we have set time aside to build
relationships with our neighbours and community partners in Wapping and across Tower
Hamlets. This meant us concentrating our attention on those around us, being
curious about their work, caring enough to find out what their needs are and
enjoy getting to know them. Sometimes it meant easy connections, otherwise it
was about popping by, building trust and creating space to listen.
Now we are at the
stage of reflecting on what we have heard: it is about taking notice of what
people were generous enough to share with us. Now we have gained the privilege
of being welcomed into other people’s projects and priorities, we need to
follow up on what they have said, to consider it carefully and explore with them
how we can act on what they have said matters to them. This is less about us
reaching out to offer something to others, but a process of getting to know
another and developing something jointly.
And as we search for
a sense of what is beyond where we are now, in terms of our programme, we hope
that we will be alert to the unexpected, open to fresh wisdom and willing to
respond to surprises. Community engagement is never boring, but hopefully we might
avoid being so busy that our imaginations get tired or that we get pressured
into taking the easy option. So we trust that as our Centre grows in maturity,
we continue to have time to welcome people each week, be responsive to real problems
and get involved in creative, challenging activities.
I wonder if these three types of
listening are ones that we can all bear in mind as we go about our busy
community work in our neighbourhood and local borough? To listen to one another
with respect as we share different perspectives and learn something new. To
listen with a view to putting what we have learnt into action, to really make a
difference in practical ways. And to listen out for that deeper wisdom or clues
for future community needs, changing trends and creative opportunities to work
together over the months ahead.
Read the
report of our findings “Welcome to Wapping: The Value of Community in a Tower
Hamlets Village” . One of the themes emerging from the report is Migration and
Immigration which will be developed with JRS-UK.
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To Run to Change the World!
Milton, a Jesuit scholastic, undertook to run 26.2 miles to raise money for Jesuit Refugee Service. His fellow scholastic, Kundong, finds our more about what motivated and sustained him.
Why did you choose to run the London Marathon for Jesuit Refugee Service?
Since I came to London I have been part of JRS. I have visited detention centre where I have seen the pain and suffering of the detainees. Refugees and the detainees are subject to ill treatment even in a first world country like the UK where others enjoy the minimum basic rights, but the refugees are deprived of that. Every person has the right to live with dignity and respect. In this peculiar weather of the country (mostly cold and rain!) everybody needs a home to stay to protect themselves from the tough environment. But the elite and the government do not pay enough heed to such basic human needs. But JRS plays the role of being their ‘guardian’. I was moved by that. Hence, I decided to participate in the marathon and to run for JRS.
How did you prepare yourself for the marathon?
Firstly I had my mind fixed and determined that I would run for JRS. Accordingly I started practicing right from the beginning of the year. Initially I ran only for a few kilometres; but gradually I increased the distance on weekends.
How did you feel while and after you ran?
While I stood in the starting line I was excited that I was about to make a history. On the other hand I was a little bit worried whether I would be able to complete or not. Every doubt vanished while I started running. I got more encouragement and inspiration from the fellow runners and the supporters on the roadside. Right from the starting line till the finishing line the whole crowd was cheering. This was a boost for every runner. As I completed I felt mentally relaxed and happy because this event will always be a memory in my life.
What does this marathon mean for you?
This marathon is a good move to raise funds for charities. Thousands of people in need are helped by the funds the charities raised through this marathon. Hence, I think this marathon is a great helper for the needy, for disadvantaged, for sick and other downtrodden people.
Through this marathon, what changes do you want for yourself and for the world?
I feel that I can do something hard for a good cause. I can help the needy in the best possible way I can. The world has a lot of problems; I alone cannot change the whole world. However, the little role I play for the world is a help for it and its people.
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Volunteering at JRS, the Day-Centre
Mike Guilfoyle, talks about his experience as a JRS volunteer.
Following my departure from having completed a twenty year ' stretch ' working as a front -line Probation Officer in London in 2010. I started to look around for new and energising pathways into working outside the statutory sector and in particular fulfilling a long standing interest in working as a Volunteer. After experiencing some unexpected setbacks, I was informed by one well known charity having made what I took to be a convincing presentation, that I was unsuitable as I appeared to have not quite stepped outside the probation officer persona! Undeterred, I directed my attentions to an altogether different area of volunteering, that I had peripherally engaged with albeit in the context of casework supervision with ' foreign national' prisoners when working as a probation officer.
Having already written articles for the Catholic Social Justice Quarterly, Justice Magazine, on how my catholic faith had informed my approach to working with those who came into contact with the criminal justice system, it seemed fitting that having contacted the Mount Street Jesuit Centre and had the estimable pleasure of an informal interview with Andrea Kelly that I was directed (I have now nearly completed my novitiate!) towards the Jesuit Refugee Service. At the time, JRS was relocating from its former base in North London to Wapping and as such I awaited with keen anticipation the much delayed meeting (due to the aforementioned migration across London) with JRS Assistant Director Jonathan Parr. The convivial and engaging process of volunteer recruitment was then wonderfully complemented by the presence of a warm, welcoming and eclectic staff group.
Although I had expressed a preference for working as a volunteer visiting those caught up in the Orwellian world of detention centres, childcare considerations meant that this option has remained , at least for the present, impracticable. Since then I have willingly given up a chunk of my Thursdays to work in the vibrant and challenging weekly Day-Centre that is at the heart of the Hurtado Centre and this has offered a richly uplifting experience which has meant so much to me, anchored as it is in the foundational principles of catholic social thought, respecting the dignity of the human person, who is possessed of a god -given worth captured so well in Matthew 25: ' If you welcome the stranger, you welcome me'
I was mildly amused to note that the Jesuits also have what they define as House Probation , that is novices perform most of their basic but essential tasks , alongside their heroically lengthy but to the secular outsider, formidable period of formation. I can honestly state that the time I have so far spent at JRS has been unremittingly rewarding and has offered me a privileged opportunity to meet with, work alongside and support the refugees, many of whom offer their greetings and friendship, when they arrive at the Day-Centre and prior to leaving. I now feel a warm attachment and measured respect for those friends whose stories of displacement and rejection, have resulted in unmerited penury reliant on the charitable support of JRS and other voluntary bodies. In making oneself available often at times of great individual distress, by opening up an emotional space and presence and active compassionate listening. I have always tried at moments when my patience or attention is lacking, to recall the enduring words of Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel, ' If I see a person or persons suffer and the distance between us does not shrink, then my place, is not good, not enviable'.
I was mildly amused to note that the Jesuits also have what they define as House Probation , that is novices perform most of their basic but essential tasks , alongside their heroically lengthy but to the secular outsider, formidable period of formation. I can honestly state that the time I have so far spent at JRS has been unremittingly rewarding and has offered me a privileged opportunity to meet with, work alongside and support the refugees, many of whom offer their greetings and friendship, when they arrive at the Day-Centre and prior to leaving. I now feel a warm attachment and measured respect for those friends whose stories of displacement and rejection, have resulted in unmerited penury reliant on the charitable support of JRS and other voluntary bodies. In making oneself available often at times of great individual distress, by opening up an emotional space and presence and active compassionate listening. I have always tried at moments when my patience or attention is lacking, to recall the enduring words of Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel, ' If I see a person or persons suffer and the distance between us does not shrink, then my place, is not good, not enviable'.
Working at the JRS has helped me to see in the vulnerable stranger a mirror of myself, and a reflection of Christ that points towards an invitation to human solidarity. I have met some truly wonderful colleagues, some of whom have since moved onto other challenges and career openings. The ready wit, cheerful banter and ' salty' humour in evidence when volunteers come together has been a source of joy and delight to me, the ' passagiato' practised with consummate ease by one of the volunteers now studying for a higher degree! will no doubt be recognised by 'front of house' volunteers! An invitation to accord greater attention and support to those marginalised by political strife and persecution and broken by personal tragedy was recently reiterated in the Apostolic letter in anticipation of the World Day of Migrants and Refugees from Pope Francis which concludes with these resonant words: 'Dear migrants and refugees! Never lose the hope that you too are facing a more secure future, that on your journey you will encounter an outstretched hand, and that you can experience fraternal solidarity and the warmth of friendship! To all of you, and to those who have devoted their lives and their efforts to helping you, I give the assurance of my prayers and I cordially impart my Apostolic Blessing.'
Hospitality
The main subject of discussion during the annual JRS meeting in Portugal was hospitality. Hospitality is the welcome, one of the most important things that we do in JRS.
JRS is going to run a hospitality campaign around hospitality, community and destitution. The word community came up for me. I think it is important being able to form a community for the refugees. For example, through church or through activities like sports. In the UK, we do that with all the activities and workshops we offer such as the creative writing sessions. Through those activities, refugees can become a part of something and belong to a community, in contrast with the isolation they live in when they first come. They feel that they are not out on a limb and more a part of us, as we are part of them, feeling all part of the same community.
I believe we are doing the best that we can in the UK, although we are sometimes limited as an organisation because of the way things are politically here. Hospitality first and foremost is about being a welcoming presence, being a place of safety for people to come to where they feel accepted and safe. It would be wonderful if we had the means, if we could for example provide accommodation for the homeless people who come here. I would love to be able to do that!
The trust that asylum seekers have in us comes quickly, and you can see a change in people thanks to the hospitality we offer. At first, they are apprehensive but later, they see that we are just here to help them and the next time they come they are all smiles.
The Portuguese team put hospitality into practice with us, the participants. They went out of their way to make the everyday really interesting and enjoyable. I felt how I want our refugees to feel when they come to us. It has made me realise even more how it feels for those we see.
From Sister Bernadette
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The needs of urban refugees
Sister Bernadette has been working 4 years with JRS. Before that, she spent 10 years with Asylum Welcome in Oxford, co-ordinating English classes and the advice team. She shares her reflections on the different contexts for urban refugees here in the UK and in Portugal.
The purpose of the meeting this year’s JRS Europe meeting was the theme “The Refugee in the Urban Context”. We looked at how JRS can respond to the needs of urban refugees. The meeting offered a comparative approach on how different countries deal with the same issues, all with the ultimate same aim.
In contrast with JRS UK, JRS Portugal works mainly with migrants and just 5% of refugees, plus they run a night shelter for 17 people. Also, in Portugal, migrants are supported by governance subsidies and they are allowed to work. Migrants there normally do an apprenticeship during which they are not paid, but if they do well they can get a paid job in future. For example, we had the chance to meet a young man, who in his own country had been a professional footballer and now taught skills to children. We also went to visit an elderly people’s centre where some migrants were working as well. These examples show that the context in Portugal is different to here in the UK.
Generally speaking, it was very interesting meeting people from different European countries like Albania, Romania, Macedonia or Ukraine. I found the wide representation of JRS across Europe very helpful. Some of the participants were from the main office; some were volunteers and some members of staff. There were a lot of young people, especially volunteers. I found it surprising to be invited as a volunteer as I thought the meeting would be just for staff! This meeting gave me a wider view of what JRS is and how it works in Europe. To me it was like looking at the wider church family which I found it quite inspiring.
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A Journey in Hope & Faith
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| "Life is not easy living as an exile in a foreign country. We are exposed to all kinds of danger. Here, life does not make sense. During this time we live in hope and fear." |
Read
the rest of 'Malan's' article about his journey in Jesuits & Friends
