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COMMUNITY
April 4 , 2017 | The Valley Catholic
The Diocese of San Jose and the Church of Latter Day Saints Join Together to Raise Awareness and Funds for Refugees
For the first-time ever , Catholic Charities , the Diocese of San Jose , and the Church of Latter-Day Saints ( LDS ) will join together to raise their voices and awareness for the plight of refugees by producing the Lamb of God Concert on April 22 and 23 at 7:30pm . It will be held at the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Joseph in downtown San Jose .
The concert will benefit Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County ’ s Refugee Resettlement and Refugee Foster Care Programs . Each program helps refugees upon arrival adjust to their new culture by providing life skills through a range of services , from finding housing , to searching for a job , to learning English , or learning how to use a computer .
“ I am delighted that the Diocese of San Jose and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints have this opportunity to work together in co-sponsoring the Lamb of God 2017 concert ,” said Bishop Patrick J . McGrath . “ Catholics and Mormons share many of the same values and concerns , among them the importance of home and family . With both the choir and the orchestra composed of members from our parishes as well as Mormon congregations , the performance proves to be an event that will hopefully touch the lives and hearts of many . I am grateful for this effort and look forward to collaborating with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints at other such events in the future .”
Since 1979 , Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County has served over 7,000 refugees , from unaccompanied minors to individuals and families , who seek a safe haven from violence of war and terror , poverty , and oppression . Their Refugee Foster Care program is the only program in Northern California that serves unaccompanied refugee children .
Terry Davis , Director of Public Affairs for the San Jose South Stake of The
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints , was inspired to do something to help refugees after Elder Patrick Kearon of The Seventy during the April 2016 LDS General Conference speak about the importance of helping refugees . He said , “ This moment does not define the refugees , but our response will help define us .” The Mormons also share a history with refugees because they have had to flee their homes because of persecution . Elder Kearon asked Mormons to serve however they could . The next day Davis and her colleagues reached out to Catholic Charities and offered their assistance , from providing volunteers to giving financial assistance to help ensure that refugees in their programs and future refugees will have what they need to thrive .
“ After Elder Kearon ’ s speech , I was forced to take off political lenses regarding refugees and see the situation as it really is : a human crisis ,” said Davis . “ Being a refugee is simply a point in time . I think that someday our grandchildren will learn about this time in history , when there are 60 million displaced people around the world who fled persecution or terror . What will we say when they ask us what did we do to help these refugees ? I hope this concert will touch people ’ s hearts and will help raise awareness and funding to help make a difference . The Diocese has been essential in this collaboration . We simply would not be able to organize this event without Bishop McGrath and Wendy Scherbart .”
The concert , Lamb of God is composed by Rob Gardner and features 13 vocal soloists , a cello soloist , 2 narrators , a 120-voice choir , 70-voice balcony choir , and 35-piece orchestra . The San Jose performances have been underwritten by the Forever Young and the Mercy and Roger Smullen Foundations . San Jose City officials , County Supervisor Dave Cortese , congregations , and community members are showing their support by getting involved .
“ As Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County stays true to its long standing tradition of serving refugees , we are delighted to be joined by our brothers and sisters from The Church of Latter- Day Saints ,” said Gregory R . Kepferle , CEO of Catholic Charities . “ Together , with the Diocese of San Jose , we will remain a steady force in these turbulent times . We will welcome those whose lives have been disrupted by war and conflict . The donations received from the Lamb of God benefit concert will aid refugees in their transition to a new and brighter future .”
The concert is an example of how a group of people from different faiths and backgrounds can come together to make a difference for the most vulnerable in society . We hope the community will join us on April 22 and April 23 as we raise our voices and show the world that refugees need our help . After all , we are all children of God .
Admission is free with a ticket . For tickets and information go to www . LambofGodEaster . com . All donations will benefit Catholic Charities Refugee Resettlement Programs .
These performances will benefit the Catholic Charities Refugee Resettlement Program .
This inspiring Easter musical production has already become a well-loved tradition . Now in its seventh year in the Bay Area , many attendees have shared their support by marking their calendars to attend , with some guests returning several times . Note : Performances a feature special youth choir .
Get your free tickets at LambOfGodEaster . com and join us this year . Also visit TempleHillEvents . com .
Composer Rob Gardner has integrated holy scriptures in beautifully compelling music , narration and song . The result is nothing less than inspiring and fulfilling .
Sponsors : Catholic Charities , Diocese of San Jose , The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints , Forever Young Foundation , Mercy & Roger Smullen Foundation , Public affairs committees and community representatives , American Red Cross
Annual Meeting – Bishop Patrick McGrath , along with Monsignor Francis Cilia , Vicar General for Clergy and Anthony Gonzalez , Director of the Office for the Protection of Children & Vulnerable Adults ( OPCVA ) met with representatives of the various men ’ s religious communities serving the Diocese , on March 23 at the Chancery to discuss common efforts for the protection of children and vulnerable adults .