NATIONAL NEWS: Sisters of the Incarnate

NATIONAL NEWS

Highlights, upcoming events and briefs

IWBS Sisters Lenten Appeal to aid CCRGV

South Texas Catholic

Sisters of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sac- preparation. Items needed are gift cards, underwear rament (IWBS) Immigration Action Group in and shoes. Corpus Christi hosted a Zoom meeting with She is collaborating with similar agencies from Sister Norma Pimentel, a Missionary of Jesus Brownsville to Laredo. “We’re trying to make sure that (MJ) and executive director of Catholic Chari- we all are connected so that we know what our status ties of the Rio Grande Valley (CCRGV). Sister Norma is, where capacity is, what our needs are,” she said. and CCRGV volunteers have led the effort to provide She has invited local leaders from every city as part humanitarian assistance to immigrants and refugees of the collaborative effort. “We’re going to have a lot through the Humanitarian Respite Cen- of work as far as taking care of ter in McAllen. those families that are coming in

The Jan. 28 meeting included an and providing shelter.” hour-long session of information gath- Some days Sister Norma says ering concerning immigrants and ref- she gets overwhelmed, but “I thank ugees’ current conditions at the Mex- God at the end of the day. I go to ican/U.S. border, and a debrief on the bed tired, but I go to bed in peace Christmas drive of “Project Restoring because I know He has accomHuman Dignity,” a border fund project plished a lot of good. And so that which started in November 2020. makes me happy.”

Sister Colette, a member of the Immi- Her advice to potential volungration Action Group, reported that teers is “never be afraid to do good. through their Christmas Appeal they Step up, and do your part because were able to send $450, 20 boxes of items to Brownsville Catholic Charities, and a check for $10,000, half of Screenshot of Pimentel, MJ Sister Norma you’ll be happier if you do.” Members of the Immigration Action Group are IWBS Sisters which was designated for tents and Colette Brehony, Barbara Netek, tarps donated by the Sisters of Charity of the Incar- Anna Marie Espinosa, Mary Paul Hon, Rose Miriam nate Word in Houston. Gansle and a visiting Sister Anna Le.

Sister Norma provided the group with an update. After discussion, the members agreed to send $3,000 She said that more people are beginning to trickle to the Respite Center. in from the border––some 100 immigrants daily (as “Project Restoring Human Dignity” is now a Lenten opposed to the 900 daily from last year) ––mostly appeal that the IWBS Sisters are promoting (see ad on pregnant women with children. Some days she wakes page 32) to assist Sister Norma and aid the immigrants up at 5 a.m. and stays at the Center until 10:30 p.m. on Texas southern border.

“Families are hurting. Some families have been over Through their 2021 Lenten Appeal, “Project Restorthere [Matamoros] for over a year––living in conditions ing Human Dignity” your donation will help with that are so inhumane, but through the generosity and legal and health care assistance, medical supplies, prayers of many, such as yourself––we have provided COVID-19 quarantine housing, essential items and them with some relief,” she said to the IWBS Sisters. other necessities. The drop off location is 5201 Lipes

According to Sister Norma, an attorney in Browns- Boulevard in Corpus Christi (78413). Donation hours ville is helping her put together a team of attorneys are Monday-Friday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mail checks to by providing pro bono services to the immigrants. Sister Colette Brehony, 5201 Lipes Boulevard, Corpus They will need additional staff—people who know Christi, TX 78413. Make checks payable to: IWBS their way around a computer to input information. Border Fund. Their greatest need now is monetary donations for the For more information contact Sister Colette Brehony legal team, medical aid, places to quarantine and meal at (361) 455-1802 or scobrehony@iwbscc.org.