Dear Parents,
During this year of hope, I invite you to provide hope for a deserving family this Christmas. We have just become aware of a situation with a family who recently arrived in Santa Rosa. I don't know if you have heard about Mexican drug cartels taking over avocado ranches in Mexico, but it has been in the news lately.
This family had three brothers who owned an avocado farm. The cartel came and murdered two of the brothers in front of their families. The third brother is still awaiting asylum. But his wife, mother, and two children just arrived a few weeks ago. They came with only the clothes on their backs and a small amount of cash. They are living with relations in Santa Rosa who are very low income in a small apartment. The mother has to wear an ankle bracelet to prevent her from working in this country.
In all, there are eight family members. There is also a list of things that would enhance the family's living situation. Emissaries have met with the family to offer our help. They created a very modest list of clothing needs. But I have added some toys and other items to help this family feel the abundant love of Christ through the gifts we can provide.
About five years ago we provided Christmas gifts for a family who had lost everything in one of the Clear Lake fires. The outpouring of gifts was very abundant and our students were overjoyed when they saw it all displayed in the library. These kinds of opportunities help our students learn the principles of Catholic social justice and how to relate the events of the Christmas story to their own lives.
Mary and Joseph were refugees seeking a place at the inn. Let’s make sure this family experiences God’s love in the same way we do when we make a special place for Jesus in our hearts each Christmas.
The room parents will help to facilitate. If you prefer, you can send a gift card or cash. Of course, participation in this activity is completely optional.
Kathy Ryan
Principal
