Sister Mary Ellen Robinson types as other Yakima Mission Centre members collaborate on the wording of their letter. The group included Terry Mullen, SNJM (in blue striped sweater), Blanca Bazaldua, Associate, Maureen O’Brien, Associate, Ann Dibble, Associate, Dalia Villareal, Associate (behind Ann), Bengie Aguilar, Associate, Marina Rose Parisi, SNJM, Mary Rita Rohde, SNJM (behind Mary Ellen), Mary Ellen Robinson, SNJM, Cecilia Chavez, Associate, Tom Gehlen, Associate. Photo credit: Charlyne Brown, SNJM.
A discussion around the dining room table at Kateri House in Toppenish, WA led to a decision by Yakima Mission Centre members to write to the bishop of Yakima about supporting immigrants and refugees. At their Feb. 11 meeting, five Sisters and seven Associates shared the energy they feel about advocating for migrants and refugees, which emerged as a major priority during the SNJM community’s 34th General Chapter in July 2016. Most of those at the meeting work and/or volunteer with immigrants, and all have immigrant neighbors, friends and extended family. In their letter to the bishop, the Yakima Mission Centre members quoted from the Acts of the 34th General Chapter and asked to meet with him to see how they can more effectively collaborate with him in current and future diocesan support for immigrants and refugees in the Yakima Diocese.