Moms and babies gathered at the M.A.M.I.S. program at the SSJNC.
Our readings for the Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time seem to capture the service and faith that members of Christ The King Parish share with Neighbors in Camden and beyond. The light of Christ truly shines through you as you “share your bread with the hungry, clothe the naked,” support our Moms and babies through the M.A.M.I.S. program, teach English to our adults, and assist our Neighbors with their financial burdens. Your goodness and generosity are lights that shine before others and your good deeds certainly give glory to God. You are partners in mission and enflesh the Sisters of Saint Joseph’s mission of “unity~uniting God and Neighbor and all creation as ONE.” We are so very grateful for your Works of Mercy and are aware of your prayer. We couldn’t provide the services that we offer to our Neighbors without your spirit of generosity.
Due to recent sightings of ICE in our Camden Neighborhood, many of our Neighbors are living in fear and are afraid to leave their homes. Children are not going to school, parents are not working, and Neighbors are not coming to the Neighborhood Center for assistance. Neighbors or their family members have been detained, deported, or shackled with ankle bracelets that track their every move and often cause them to lose their jobs. Many of these Neighborss have the proper documentation to be in the United States, have work permits, or are in the asylum process due to persecution in their country of origin. We have a great relationship with the Camden Center for Law and Social Justice and lean on them for legal advice. Sadly, we are often told that the laws keep changing, and although our Neighbors are guaranteed rights under the Constitution, those rights are ignored. Our Neighbors live in fear, afraid to go home and afraid to stay here.
At the SSJ Neighborhood Center, we are challenged to meet the emerging needs of our Neighbors, and our ministry is always evolving to meet those needs. Many of our English classes have moved online. We are delivering food to Neighbors who are experiencing food insecurity and encouraging parents to have a “plan” for their children if they are detained or deported. With no jobs, the calls for financial assistance are becoming unsustainable.
In these uncertain times, may we continue being a light our Neighbors so desperately need.
Sr. Bonnie McMenamin SSJ is the Director of the SSJ Neighborhood Center.
Please read a Message from Bishop Williams at http://bit.ly/4af8Hjj