Keeping Us Connected Newsletter

October 4, 2024

O blessed Rosary of Mary, sweet chain which unites us to God, bond of love, which connects us with the angels, tower of safety against the assaults of hell, sure harbor in the universal shipwreck, never more shall we part with thee.

– Blessed Bartolo Longo

Dear Saint Mary Friends,

Rosary in the Park

I hope to see many of you and your children and grandchildren at the Rosary in Ballard Park this Sunday, October 6, at 1:15 PM. The following day, October 7, is the Feast of the Holy Rosary, and the entire month is the Month of the Rosary and also Respect Life Month. The two go together well, don’t they? (Also, see the trailer to a video series on the Rosary at the bottom of the Newsletter.)

A Needed Respite of Beauty

With the hurricane devastation in the south, war in the Middle East, the Ukraine-Russia War, 24/7 Presidential Election coverage, and the usual challenges of life, it can seem that there’s not much good coming in. Well, then there’s this from St. Paul (Corinthians 13:1-8). Be sure to click on “closed caption” to get it all.

Refugee Family

The last item for today is an update on the Allabban family who First Congregational Church and St. Mary’s have been collaborating to welcome to Ridgefield after years in a refugee camp. I saw a beautiful moment this past Tuesday afternoon. The children were sitting on the lawn behind the church in front of the large cross, playing a game with friends. I thought “only in America” – Muslim Refugees, in Ridgefield, Connecticut under the shadow of Christ’s Cross. Go figure.

I call your attention to the opportunity to help them with winter clothing in the Sign-up Genius link at the bottom of this Newsletter.

The update that follows was written by the team leading the resettlement.

Update: September 29, 2024

It’s been a while since we’ve talked to you about our refugee resettlement project. This is an effort to communicate what we are doing and where everyone is at.

As you know, the family arrived June 6. The summer months were extremely busy with language tutoring, medical appointments, signing up for benefits, teaching the parents the US banking system and American culture, as well as getting to know our town. The 3 children spent the summer going to camp, riding bikes, Storytime at the Library and swimming at Martin Park. Sound familiar? Just like our kids.

As of September, all 3 children are attending school. The Ridgefield Public Schools have gone out of their way to make sure the two older children, one at East Ridge and the other at Veteran’s Park, are getting what they need. They have multiple ELL classes and one-on-one help in other classes. We’ve been very pleased and impressed with the care and kindness with which they’ve been treated.

The little one is in preschool and has already made friends. And she sings “Happy Birthday” in clear English multiple times! You should see her do the action song, “Heads, Shoulders, Knees and Toes!”

The parents began formal English Language classes in September as well. Mom goes 4 mornings a week and Dad goes 4 evenings. His English is coming along nicely. Recently, while driving with him, he said “It’s a beautiful day.” I agreed, not noticing that he said this in English. He then pointed out a building and said, in English, “I work there.” Again, it didn’t register with me that he spoke in English. So, he looked at me and said, “I speak in sentences now.”

The really great news is that September 16, Dad started a job painting, spackling, and cleaning apartments. He has even passed his test for Learner’s Permit to drive a car. He is ambitious!

They are on their way to self-sufficiency, which is our goal. They love Ridgefield, which they call a paradise of safety. First Congregational Church and St. Mary’s has been great partners in all of this.

And Pray

So having read the update and reminded of the winter clothing needs, one important thing remains: Please continue to pray for them. As with everyone, our concern is for well-being of both body and soul.

Blessings,