Council for Emigrants Christmas Flyer 2011

21 Dec 2011

Please click here to download the Council for Emigrants Christmas Flyer 2011

The Irish Episcopal Council for Emigrants is committed to the needs of the vulnerable involuntary emigrant. It aims to be a significant voice on behalf of emigrants by seeking rights and adequate services for them. It seeks to provide services for potential emigrants and, in conjunction with the host church, responds to the needs of the Irish as an immigrant community.

At Christmas it is important that we remember and pray for those who cannot return home to Ireland. We pray for the thousands of Irish people sleeping rough in cities throughout the world. We pray for families who are without a loved one this Christmas. We remember and pray for all Irish people, wherever they are in the world.

As a consequence of the economic downturn huge numbers of Irish people are leaving our shores in the hope of making a new life for themselves and their families. In response to this crisis the IECE is producing an Emigrant Information Pack for St. Patrick’s Day 2012. The aim of the Emigrant Information Pack is to provide information to Irish people who are planning to emigrate and to examine the experience of those who have already emigrated.

If a member of your family has emigrated and you would be interested in telling us your story please contact the IECE office on 01-5053155 or at [email protected]

Prayer for Emigrants

Lord Jesus,

who in the very first days of your earthly life were compelled together with your Mother Mary and your Father Joseph to flee your native land and seek refuge in Egypt, knowing the discomfort of emigrants.

Look kindly upon our brothers and sisters who are far from their native soil, from friends and family, and are struggling to come to terms with new life in a foreign land.

Guide them on their journey, stay close to them in their loneliness and comfort the family and friends they have left behind.

We pray Lord that we may be able to embrace them once more, at home or abroad, and for those that pass from this life, we pray that we may meet once more in your heavenly kingdom.

Amen.