On the evening of Tuesday 19 November, St Patrick’s College hosted a Welcome Dinner for migrants and refugees who have recently arrived and settled in the Campbelltown area. Many of those who attended are originally from Tibet and there was also a family from Syria. This group was gathered together and coordinated by Sana Al-Ahmar, who is a Generalist Settlement Case Worker at Focus Connect’s Campbelltown Office. Sana is assisted by Fatin, who is originally from Iraq. Both Sana and Fatin are a blessing to the people they serve. We are grateful for their efforts in helping to make the Welcome Dinner possible.

Under the leadership of the Benedict Captain, Jessica-Leigh R, the St Patrick’s College Social Justice team worked together to prepare gift bags of “goodies”, set the tables, provide entertain, and host the dinner. It was an occasion to express hospitality and for new bonds of friendship to be formed. As part of introductory words of welcome, the guests heard these words: “We all know that today there are many misconceptions and misunderstandings that are portrayed by the media on a range of issues. We here at St Patrick’s also know that your individual lives present to us stories of courage, sacrifice and bravery. This gathering, in which we share a meal, is for us a symbol of harmony and shared values. We are all members of the human family and what better way to celebrate that than with a meal in the company of friends.”

It is always our privilege to host this Welcome Dinner and we look forward to the next time in 2021.

Angelo Gattone - Mission Coordinator