Visit to the Holy Family Children`s Home in Bethlehem

Visit to the Holy Family Children’s Home in Bethlehem
St Mary’s Cathedral Parish and St Gerard’s and St Augustine’s Schools have supported the Holy Family
Children’s Home in Bethlehem from February 2012. On the 8th of March during our Pilgrimage to the Holy
Land, one group of 36 Pilgrims including Bishop Terence and Canon Gerard and several parishioners visited the
Home in Bethlehem within the occupied West Bank.
We brought gifts from the Parish in three suitcases, Middlesbrough Football Kits, toys, knitted and crocheted
items (hats blankets cardigans), baby clothing, tee-shirts and other
clothing. Also we delivered newsletters,
cards, DVD, gifts and messages of
support from the Children's Liturgy and
both primary Schools.
The entrance was through the Maternity
Hospital and then up steps to the Chapel
where we were greeted by Sister
Elisabeth.
Canon Gerard introduced Bishop
Terence to Sister Elisabeth who explained how the home has developed and their
work today:
The Creche receives up to 120 children: poor, orphans and abandoned coming from
all Palestinian territories. Fifty are resident the others come for day care. They have
around fifty employees with different specializations, Caregivers, Neonatal Nurses,
Paediatrician, Psychologist, Social Workers, and day care Teachers. They work
together as a team to provide services for all the children and meet
individual needs in a home-like environment. The children are given
love, security, care and education in this loving family home.
Today the Creche is more necessary than ever being an Oasis of Peace
for the abandoned and entrusted children. These children are from poor
background, undernourished, beaten, sometimes assaulted, thrown out
from their families, and may have witnessed the tragic death of their
parents. It remains the only refuge for unwed mothers and their
children. The future in Bethlehem remains very difficult because of the
separation wall, unemployment and violence. However with the love
and comprehensive care given to every child, they are doing fine. The
sick children regain their strength and develop to their full potential.
Our financial help is greatly needed and is a security for
Sister and her Team. They find it reassuring to have friends
believing in their mission and help sustaining their work.
Our support in sharing their ups and downs is very important
to them.
“The children ask for no more than love!”
Sister then invited us to
meet some of the
children.
.
All of the gifts were gratefully received.
Bishop Terence presented Sister
Elisabeth with the cash gift so that
she could buy needy medicines and
other items for the children.
The children enjoyed
wearing the football kit and
demonstrating their skills
Some of the younger ones just
needed a nurse and cuddle.
They loved all the toys
They all appeared very happy and content demonstrating Sister Elisabeth’s success in providing a loving Family
Home. Sister Elisabeth was happy for us to take photographs and the staff kindly organised a photo call.
Sadly it was soon time to go and we had to say goodbye.
Sister Elisabeth thanked everyone for their gifts and
particularly asked for our prayers for the children and
the success of their work.
St Mary’s Cathedral Parish, Middlesbrough is linked to The
Holy Family Children’s Home in Bethlehem as their
selected Charity.
You can make a donation via the basket at the rear of the
church or to Canon Gerard.
Thank you for your generosity.