SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 938

WHEREAS, Catholic Charities, community partners at Saint Matthew Catholic Church, and the San Antonio Missions are joining together to observe World Refugee Day on June 20, 2015; and

WHEREAS, World Refugee Day is dedicated to raising awareness of the situation of displaced people throughout the world; this year, Catholic Charities, its community partners, and the San Antonio Missions are commemorating the occasion with two events at Nelson W. Wolff Municipal Stadium; during the daytime, attendees can enjoy a wellness and resource fair, performances and crafts, a children's art display, and a soccer game, followed by further festivities in the evening; and

WHEREAS, Thousands of refugees are brought to the United States every year because they cannot return to their home countries; the United States and the Catholic Church have been world leaders in welcoming these exiles regardless of their country of origin; and

WHEREAS, Almost half of all refugees arriving in the United States are resettled through the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Migration and Refugee Services; since 1980, the Catholic Charities Refugee Services organization has helped thousands of people from more than 16 countries make a new home in Texas, and the Catholic Charities San Antonio office has played a crucial role in helping them integrate into the community by providing housing, employment services, medical attention, education, English-language classes, and orientation; and

WHEREAS, Refugees are forced to leave everything behind as theyfleefromtheirhomestoescapewar,persecution,and terror, and by observing World Refugee Day, Catholic Charities, its community partners at Saint Matthew Catholic Church, and the San Antonio Missions are helping to increase public knowledge of the challenges these individuals face; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 84th Legislature, hereby commemorate the observance of World Refugee Day on June 20, 2015, and extend to all those associated with the celebration sincere best wishes for a meaningful and memorable event. Menéndez

________________________________

President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on May 20, 2015.

________________________________

Secretary of the Senate

________________________________

Member, Texas Senate