-
"Where our brothers and sisters suffer rejection
and abandonment we will lift our voice
on their behalf. We will welcome them and
receive them. They are Jesus and the Church
will not turn away from Him."
-US Bishops, January 30, 2017
Our lady of guadalupe immigrant minsitry
Embracing Christ’s mission, we engage our parishioners in encountering our immigrant brothers and sisters through education and community building. We always welcome new members as we strive to provide direct service to immigrants in need in our community as well as advocate for just policies. We are currently pursuing a formal support relationship with a recently-arrived Afghan refugee family and are also in the process of launching a new Multicultural Ministry to recognize and celebrate the many cultures present at OLG. If you are interested in joining us in these efforts, contact Kathleen at [email protected] Our next meeting is Friday, May 13th at 10:00am in the Pastoral Center.
welcome to our community
If you are new to our community, please know that you are welcome at Our Lady of Guadalupe. We are currently compiling resources that may be helpful as you adjust to life here. Check back soon and, in the meantime, check out the links below.
- OneAmerica’s WA New Americans Program for naturalization services and service programs as well as other resources.
- City’s Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affair
- List of Resources from City of Seattle
- Database of Immigration Attorneys who are members of the immigration bar and should be bound by certain ethical standards (note: these attorneys are not vetted by OLG)
-
ACTIONS YOU CAN TAKE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE"For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink,
a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me,
ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me." Matthew 25:35-36
There are a variety of ways for a person to advocate on behalf of immigrants and refugees. First and foremost, it is important to be informed of not only the teachings of our Catholic Faith, but also stay informed about events, developments, and testimonies from reliable sources related to these issues. Secondly, it is very important that we are people of prayer, grounded in the Holy Scriptures, so that our actions, our energy, our passion flows from the power of the Holy Spirit. And lastly, it is important that as people of faith we do not isolate ourselves. Rather, we gather with others in community, as Jesus did, to support, encourage and challenge each other to put our faith into action.
Click here to access our Refugee and Immigrant Solidarity Opportunities document, filled with simple ideas for prayer, education, action, and giving.
-
Prayer for Migrants and Refugees
Lord Jesus, when you multiplied the loaves and fishes, you provided more than food for the body, you offered us the gift of yourself, the gift which satisfies every hunger and quenches every thirst! Your disciples were filled with fear and doubt, but you poured out your love and compassion on the migrant crowd, welcoming them as brothers and sisters.Lord Jesus, today you call us to welcome the members of God's family who come to our land to escape oppression, poverty, persecution, violence, and war. Like your disciples, we too are filled with fear and doubt and even suspicion. We build barriers in our hearts and in our minds.
Lord Jesus, help us by your grace,
- To banish fear from our hearts, that we may embrace each of your children as our own brother and sister;
- To welcome migrants and refugees with joy and generosity, while responding to their many needs;
- To realize that you call all people to your holy mountain to learn the ways of peace and justice;
- To share of our abundance as you spread a banquet before us;
- To give witness to your love for all people, as we celebrate the many gifts they bring.
We praise you and give you thanks for the family you have called together from so many people. We see in this human family a reflection of the divine unity of the one Most Holy Trinity in whom we make our prayer: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.