Extreme hunger is a harsh daily reality for more than 12 million people in East Africa because of what many are calling the worst drought in 60 years. Further compounding this natural disaster are political violence in Southern Somalia and drastic increases in food prices. These numbers have swelled the already overcrowded Dadaab refugee camp in Kenya to a half a million people. Crowded conditions in Ethiopian and Kenyan camps, and in urban areas in Somalia, pose huge health concerns. Cases of cholera and measles outbreaks are on the rise. Somalia is the hardest hit of the East African countries stricken by drought. The UN estimates that more than 3 million people are suffering from inadequate nutrition. And nearly 250,000 Somalis are at risk of starvation if immediate lifesaving interventions do not reach them. Continue reading
The St. John Christmas Wish program brings the joy of Christmas to hundreds of children and families from 5 parishes: St. Patrick’s in Brockton, St. Patrick’s in Lowell, St. Katharine Drexel’s in Roxbury, St. John the Evangelist in Wellesley and St. Julie’s Family Learning Program in South Boston. We appreciate all of the parishioners who have already contributed to the program and we want to invite parishioners to consider volunteering as a shopper or sponsor for the program. A shopper typically will shop to purchase clothing for families (an outfit and toy for each child) and all shopping expenses will be reimbursed through the program. Volunteers typically shop for 5 children. Sponsors purchase clothing and a special gift for children in a family age 18 and under. Approximate value of sponsorship is $50-75 per child.Saint John School
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