National Migration Week

from Justice for Immigrants Campaign:

For nearly a half century, the Catholic Church in the United States has celebrated National Migration Week, which is an opportunity for the Church to reflect on the circumstances confronting migrants, including immigrants, refugees, children, and victims and survivors of human trafficking. The theme for National Migration Week 2020, “Promoting a Church and a World for All” draws attention to the fact that each of our families have a migration story, some recent and others in the distant past. Regardless of where we are and where we came from, we remain part of the human family and are called to live in solidarity with one another.

Unfortunately, in our contemporary culture we often fail to encounter migrants as persons, and instead look at them as unknown others, if we even notice them at all. We do not take the time to engage migrants in a meaningful way, as fellow children of God, but remain aloof to their presence and suspicious or fearful of them.

During this National Migration Week, let us all take the opportunity to engage migrants as community members, neighbors, and friends. To do so, we will look at the important role that foster care plays in the lives of unaccompanied immigrants and refugees, highlight MRS’ Parishes Organized to Welcome Refugees, and examine local initiatives that are making important contributions in this regard.

#NMW2020 Toolkit (Download the Toolkit here)

Events in the United States:

  • National Migration Week Mass – January 4, 2020 at 11 AM in the Diocese of Owensboro, KY – Join Bishop William F. Medley at St. Stephen Cathedral for Mass as we kick off National Migration Week across our diocese and the nation on Saturday, Jan. 4th. More information is on the diocese’s website.
  • National Migration Week Mass – January 5, 2020 at 5:15 PM in the Archdiocese of Chicago – The Archdiocese’s annual National Migration Week Mass will take place at Holy Name Cathedral, 735 North State St., Chicago 60611. Learn more on the website.
  • Fences, Cages, and a Wall: Experiences of St. Louis Teens at the Border – January 6, 2020 at 6:30 PM in the Archdiocese of St. Louis -Join a group of high school students at St. Margaret of Scotland Church (3854 Flad Avenue, 63110) who will talk about their recent experience at the U.S./Mexico Border, what they learned, and how it impacted their lives.
     
  • Centering Immigrants’ Stories Workshop – January 7, 2020 at 6:30 PM in the Archdiocese of Seattle – Come to St. James Cathedral, 804 Ninth Ave., Seattle 98104, during National Migration Week to celebrate migrants. This 90-minute workshop is focused on holding space, being present, and centering the stories of immigrants. Call Chris Koehler, 206-382-4511, to RSVP.
  • Diocesan Mass Celebrating Migrant Peoples- January 12, 2020 at 3 PM in San Bernardino, CA – Come worship with Bishop Gerald Barnes who will officiate Mass in honor and celebration of migrant peoples on Sunday, Jan. 12th at Our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral, 2525 N Arrowhead Ave., San Bernardino, CA 92405. Email for more information.