National Migration Week: January 5 through January 11, 2020
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.
Take action during this week of prayer, awareness and advocacy:
- Pray for, learn about migrants, refugees, and all other strangers in our midst, that they may find strength in our concern for justice and feel the warmth of our love
- Visit the USCCB’s Justice for Immigrants website
- Learn about the work of the USCCB’s migration and refugee services
Read & Listen:
USCCB News Release for 2020 National Migration Week
Pope Francis’ Message for World Day of Migrants & Refugees, 2019 (English | Spanish)
Pope Francis’ Message for World Day of Peace: Migrants and Refugees: Men and Women in Search of Peace, 2018 (English | Spanish)
Spirit FM 90.5 interviews staff of Catholic Charities, Diocese of St. Petersburg’s Immigration Services about the assistance they provide to our immigrant and migrant brothers and sisters in the area who are seeking asylum or citizenship. Hear how one recipient of those services has been positively impacted in the interview below.
Reflect:
Holy Family, Refugee Family Digital Retreat (via Catholic Relief Services)
Resources:
10 Things You Can Do to Accompany Undocumented Immigrants
For more information about how you can make a difference in the lives of our immigrant and refugee brothers and sisters, please contact Sabrina Burton Schultz, the Director of the Office of Life, Justice and Advocacy at sab@dosp.org or at 727-344-1611.