Parishes join community scheme to support fleeing Syrians

The Catholic Church has welcomed the Government’s launch of a community sponsorship scheme for Syrian refugees, which gives parishes the opportunity to personally welcome and support families, writes Liz Dodd.

Catholic charities were  involved in shaping the scheme, through which individuals and organisations can sponsor a refugee family by providing for some of their financial and material needs, as well as by befriending and mentoring them.
St Monica’s parish, Salford, is in the pilot scheme and is looking forward to receiving families later in the summer. Cardinal Vincent Nichols urged other parishes and groups to contact their diocesan refugee co-ordinator or Caritas Social Action Network for information on how to participate.