Hope Hero Shout Out!

St. Joseph Catholic School in Shawnee combined prayer with action during a week devoted to “Welcoming the Stranger.” After learning about Catholic Charities’ resettlement efforts for those arriving from Afghanistan, Fr. Scott Wallisch, pastor, led a discussion about Scripture and what each of us are called to do. The students and staff then participated in a Grace Assembly project.

In addition to offering their prayers for those affected by the Afghanistan humanitarian crisis, the students, along with parishioners, collected hundreds of requested items for the refugees including bags of dry rice, lentils, split peas and garbanzo beans; new hats and gloves; cleaning and school supplies; nearly $2,500 in Walmart gift cards; and more.

“The St. Joseph school community was honored to have the opportunity to partner with Catholic Charities during our ‘Welcoming the Stranger’ campaign. Our children were proud to help collect food, school supplies, and common household items for the Afghanistan refugees. It was a blessing to provide hospitality and kindness as they relocate to their new home in America. Our students enjoyed being a small piece of their relocation journey,” said Jodie Maddox, school principal. “The campaign also provided time to reflect and recognize the many blessings we experience daily. As we say at St. Joseph, ‘God is good all the time, all the time God is good!’”

Prayer for the People of Afghanistan
Lord, we join your children all over the world praying for the people of Afghanistan, especially the most vulnerable women and children. Our hearts cry out for people we don’t know in situations we cannot understand with the full faith that you do. Let your love reign, dispel the darkness and call all people into communion. Amen