December 17, 2021 
In Matthew’s gospel (Mt 25:37- 40), we read:
“When, Lord, did we ever see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you a drink? When did we ever see you a stranger and welcome you in our homes, or naked and clothe you? When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?” The Gospel then tells us, the King replied, “I tell you whenever you did this for one of the least important of these brothers of mine, you did it for me!”
SS. Isidore and Maria Parish recently joined other local faith-based and civic community groups to form an alliance called the River East Resettlement Alliance (RERA), a community of volunteers from the greater Hartford area who have come together for the purpose of supporting refugee families as they resettle in the greater Hartford area.
RERA is applying to be a co-sponsor group with Integrated Refugee & Immigration Services (IRIS), a Connecticut-based resettlement organization established in 1992. IRIS partners with community groups like ours throughout Connecticut to help refugee families restart their lives in towns across the state. IRIS provides structure, case management, and guidance. Each community group is responsible for raising the money and the volunteers to do the work.
The RERA co-sponsorship will provide support by assisting families with the many challenges they face as they resettle in their new home. This includes helping them acquire housing, healthcare, enroll the children in school, learn English, obtain employment, learn the public transportation system, and much more. We also assist new families financially during their first year. With this guidance and assistance, a family is empowered to support themselves within a year and become members of their new community.
We believe that these efforts enrich both the individuals and the communities we serve. Helping the family offers them hope and support which comes back to the community as friendship, gratitude, and an interest in learning about our culture as they teach us about the richness of theirs.
To make a financial donation, visit the website RERA website. If you have any questions or would like a list of items we will be needing please contact Deacon Steve at dcnsteve@isadoreandmaria.org.
Thanks for your continued support.
