Encounter with refugees, and bubbles

On Feb. 23, parishioners came together with their refugee neighbors for an experience of “Encounter,” in the spirit of Pope Francis, and for some fun with bubbles.

Refugee families resettled by Catholic Charities are regularly invited to fellowship and educational events at the agency’s Camden office. The most recent event was open to parishioners as a way to help them meet their refugee neighbors and celebrate the corporal work of mercy “welcome the stranger.”

A packed room of some 140 parishioner and refugee families enjoyed a presentation of “Bubble Magic,” the science of bubbles, from the Garden State Discovery Museum. But first, they listened to four refugees share their stories of how they found support after arriving to the U.S.

Volunteer students from Camden Catholic High School, Cherry Hill, helped run activities after the presentation: a Valentine’s Day-inspired craft and a service project where guests could write a welcome card to new refugees in their own language.

Refugee and non-refugee families alike enjoyed the opportunity to hear about the experiences of others and share an evening of laughter and fun together.