R.O.O.M. - St. Theresa Catholic Church

R.O.O.M.

R. O. O.M.

R.O.O.M. stands for refugee outreach, our ministry. Around the world, families are forced to flee their homes due to war & political violence. Those who seek refuge in another country are refugees, a status which entitles them to certain rights under international law. Houston is one of the busiest U.S. resettlement cities. Catholic Charities assists with airfare which must be repaid and 3 month's rent. Our parish can be proud of helping 5 families during the past year with ongoing visits of hospitality and donations of furniture, food and household supplies. Special thanks to Daisy, Brownies and Boy Scout groups who provided Christmas gifts, clothing and food. To find out how you can help contact
patgerecci@gmail.com .

The Refugee Outreach, Our Ministry and was started in October, 2009.

Our volunteers identified two refugee families from Iraq who are sponsored by Catholic Charities. We offer visits of hospitality and donations of food and furniture. The Knights of Columbus members at Saint Theresa Church are especially helpful in picking up and delivering furniture.

Each year we have three focus times and activities: Advent/Christmas, Lent, Summer Share.

To join this spiritually rich ministry contact patgerecci@yahoo.com

New Family on November 20, 2009

An Iraqui father and 4 boys receive a pink dresser, a flowered couch and 2 recliners! Welcome to America.

This family needs soneone to visit as they just arrived in Houston 3 weeks ago. Everyone speaks very good English. They live at the Boca Springs Apartments 3777 S. Gessner Rd. Houston, TX 77063

R.O.O.M. – Refugee Outreach, Our Ministry:

The R.O.O.M. team sends thanks to the many members of the parish and their friends for the tremendous generosity of heart shown by visits of hospitality, phone calls, gifts, groceries, cooking and baking pot and pans, furniture, lamps, fans, school supplies, apartment decorations, written cards and most of all “prayers” – for the successful resettlement of our refugee families.

Update on Family #1 – Bassam Hannah, now goes by the name “Sam”. He and his wife are expecting a new baby in the fall. (Anyone want to co-ordinate a baby shower here at the church for Millie (Milad), Sam’s wife?) Contact Pat Gerecci.

The family has moved out of the dangerous SW neighborhood, into Memorial, right next to St. Cecilia’s Catholic Church on Bunker Hill. For a year, Bassam worked patiently doing “valet parking” for minimum wage. As Bassam once said, “God is building my patience!” As a well-educated electronic engineer, he is now “on assignment” in the Boston area with a good starting salary. His wife and son (Joseph) are waiting patiently here in Houston in a lovely apartment on Bunker Hill. The mother-in-law (who was a teacher in Iraq) helps with the daily cooking, watching her grandson and saying her prayers.

She has a special devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. The family is Iraqi Catholic who fled from Baghdad and lived for one year in Turkey. Bassam was unable to find work because they were refugees.

The Bassam family arrived in Houston last September 2008 – a few weeks before Hurricane Ike. They arrived in Houston after a long plane trip. They had no furniture except a card table and some mattresses on the floor. Everything this family now enjoys was provided by the members and friends of St. Theresa’s especially the Knights of Columbus. If you would like to contact this family please email Pat Gerecci. The Hannah family sends their thanks and promises to continue to pray for all of the wonderful people at St. Theresa. patgerecci@yahoo.com

                                      New families arrived August 15, 2009.
                                        Tagrit             Nedal           Dr. Asura
                                        Huda             Pat Gerecri ( parishioner)

Huda with son, Abbey