Lenten Alms: CCSEM

St. Irenaeus is adopting Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan as our Lenten Alms Recipient.

Refugee Resettlement Program

In partnership with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan relaunched its Refugee Resettlement Program in October 2021. Dozens of families and individuals who were evacuated from Afghanistan, as well as refugees fleeing persecution in other middle Eastern countries, have been successfully settled into permanent housing in metro-Detroit and are now on the path to self-sufficiency as they seek to build safe and hopeful lives for their families.

During the 90-day resettlement period, CCSEM case managers guide clients through various services and processes including health screening and setting up medical appointments, applications for Michigan Department of Health and Human Services assistance programs, enrollment in employment programs, enrollment of children in school, and securing housing. Clients are referred to other agencies for additional services as needed.

Community is critical to this corporal work of mercy of “Welcoming the Stranger,” as CCSEM prepares to serve increasing numbers of refugees, including those escaping Ukraine and other war-torn countries. Eighty more people are estimated to resettle with the help of Catholic Charities this year. Our compassionate support will help these families build new lives and become contributing members of society.

Imagine having to leave everything familiar behind to start over in a new land with new customs… Join our parish in sharing Christ’s love by collecting items to help families make a new home!

Wishlist of New Items

Please return new items to the bins in the Gathering Area from now until Palm Sunday.