The Refugee Ministry at St. Mary’s strives to welcome, protect, promote, and integrate refugees, immigrants, and those on the margins of our society – particularly those whose lives have been upended by war or other tragedies.

Refugee Olympic Team
Over 100 million people have been displaced throughout the world, through flood, famine, war, and economic injustice.  And yet, the hope and courage that defines the lives of refugees continues to move our hearts. In Paris right now, for the 2024 Olympic Games, among the national teams, there is a Refugee Olympic Team. Learn more about these athletes and be inspired! To learn more, view here

Check out our New Refugee Booklet – a compilation of stories about our recent efforts (written by our Refugee Group)! View Here

Learn about the 2 recent collections in 2023 which supported our friends at Lutheran Social Services (one in March and one in November). Thank you for your support! Here are the results from the cleaning kit collection in March 2023 – View Here

Learn more about the Refugee Bicycle Project (completed in summer 2023) featuring our Afghan refugee children: View Here

Learn more about the status of Afghan Refugees (from Global Refuge here) or check out these PBS Newshour stories.

Interested in some summer reading? Check out these suggestions: View Here.

Check out this Refugee Video Presentation by Aine Mickelson – who shares her experience of mentoring refugees and our collaboration with Lutheran Social Services: View Video

With questions or to express your interest in helping refugees, please reach out to Carol Stehly –[email protected].

How to participate:

  • Donate throughout the year at parish-wide collections – watch the bulletin for updates on these.
  • Volunteer with LSS or other organizations in our local community – check out our volunteer interest page here or our Service Opportunities Booklet.
  • Join the Refugee Group.
  • Most importantly, join us in prayer!

Find more easy ways to get involved/how you can assist our Refugee Ministry moving forward – View Here


Afghan Adjustment Act: What it is and Why it is Essential
In early August 2022, the Afghan Adjustment Act was introduced into Congress. This legislation would give Afghans, now under “humanitarian parole” protection, a pathway to lawful permanent residency. This bi-partisan legislation echoes adjustment acts that Congress historically passed for every other generation of US wartime refugees.

How can you help? You can write to your senators and representatives to urge them to pass the Afghan Adjustment Act quickly. For much more information and a sample message to send to your legislators, view here.

Refugee Organizations: