-
Links
- Archdiocese of Seattle's Immigrant & Refugee Ministry
- Church Council of Greater Seattle Statement Supporting Immigrants and Refugees
- Interactive Map of OLG Parishioners' Heritage
- St. James Cathedral's Immigration Assistance Ministry
- US Catholic Conference of Bishops-Justice for Immigrants
- US Bishops Respond to Executive Order Regarding Sanctuary Cities
-
"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 -
News
-
July 11Are you interested in ministering to detained individuals at the Northwest Detention Center? There will be a training on July 20 from 8am-12pm for new volunteers who wish to help with prayer services and/or bible studies. New volunteers must be cleared by GEO Group in advance of the training so please be sure to contact Chaplain Keith Henderson well in advance if you wish to register. Click above for more details.Read More
-
July 11
The humanitarian crisis in Venezuela is escalating as political and economic instability has left hundreds of thousands of families without access to food, medical care and critical life and social services. With the average monthly income now as low as $3, more than 82 percent of the population lives in poverty. The crisis has led to the largest displacement of people in Latin American history. CRS is supporting Venezuelans in their country and across the region through our local Catholic partners. Click above to learn more.Read More -
June 28
Consider sponsoring a detained asylum-seeker to support their chance of getting out of detention on bond. A sponsor provides a letter of support to the immigration judge stating that you (and your family/community) will offer the person: a place to stay while they await their hearing, meals, transportation as needed, connections to other community resources as needed. Some judges may want to see income level & tax records for further proof of your ability to host the person. Click above for more details.Read More -
June 17
In 2017, Pope Francis launched the "Share the Journey" campaign to amplify the voice of welcome for migrants and refugees in our neighborhoods and communities. The “Be Unafraid” photo campaign provides stunning visuals and narratives that encapsulate this attitude. A group of migrants and refugees met with a group of U.S. citizens to reveal their fears as well as their hopes and dreams. Portions of these conversations were captured by photographer Jeremey Cowart as brief “frames of reference” for their points of view.Click above to learn more.Read More -
June 10
The U.S. Catholic Bishops recently published a new pastoral letter against racism entitled “Open Wide Our Hearts: The Enduring Call to Love”. Click above to access the letter and to learn more.Read More
-
-
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. Continue to check back for updates on.
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.