-
Links
- Church Council of Greater Seattle Statement Supporting Immigrants and Refugees
- US Catholic Conference of Bishops-Justice for Immigrants
- US Bishops Respond to Executive Order Regarding Sanctuary Cities
- St. James Cathedral's Immigration Assistance Ministry
- Archdiocese of Seattle's Immigrant & Refugee Ministry
-
"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
-
September 7The OLG Immigrant Ministry is here to help. We’ve pulled together a list of things anyone can do to support our immigrant neighbors. You can learn, pray, act and give -- and connect with others who are working for justice and peace. Choose a step and start today! Click above to access our new "Refugee and Immigrant Solidarity Opportunities" document.
-
August 31In 2016, Fr. Jack and a delegation of OLG parishioners volunteered at the Humanitarian Respite Center in McAllen, TX. This Center, run by Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley, ministers to asylum seekers from Central America. They are currently 1 of 4 sites receiving immigrant refugee families that are being reunified after separation at the border. They have received hundreds of families and are in need of assistance for expenses to bring loving care to these children and parents. Visit www.gofundme.com/ccrgv-unites-children-and-parents to donate and/or learn more.
-
August 31Franco was born in the Congo and acted as the middleman for people selling gold. Franco's manager and others broke into his home and used a machete to cut his left hand and scrape the right side of his face. They told Franco to give them all his belongings and then burned his house to the ground. Franco and his family fled to a refugee camp in Uganda where he applied for refugee status. He now works at the Nashville Zoo to support his daughters. Visit Catholic Relief Services' website (https://www.sharejourney.org/real-refugee-stories/) to read and reflect on refugee stories.
-
August 31The Senate Foreign Relations Committee recently passed The Protecting Girls’ Access to Education in Vulnerable Settings Act out of committee and it needs your voice to pass in the Senate! Click above for more details and to take action.
-
-
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.