We can and must do better as a country in providing refuge for children and families fleeing violence, persecution, and acute poverty and ensuring they are treated with respect and dignity.
Following are ways to help:
Pray
Prayers for immigrants and refugees (USCCB)
A prayer for immigrant children (Justice for Immigrants)
Learn
Annual observation of National Migration Week and World Day of Migrants and Refugees
Act
- Contact your senator/representative. Sign up for Action Alerts from Justice for Immigrants, an organization of the USCCB.
- Volunteer at a local organization helping refugees and immigrants in our own community such as the Refugee Education Center.
- Bethany Christian Services partners with local churches to welcome and walk alongside refugee families as they learn our language and culture. Churches act as co-sponsors, but it’s often difficult to find church members willing to step up and lead the effort. If you feel called to this ministry of accompaniment, contact Megan Prybyl at 616-965-8157, or click here to learn more.
- Check with your parish about sponsoring a migrant or refugee family in your community.
- Contact the diocesan office of Hispanic Ministry about ways to support migrant families working seasonally in our diocese.
Give
- To Catholic Charities USA
Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA) is assisting southern border agencies such as Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley which is working to build a Humanitarian Respite Center to respond to families in crisis. 100% of your donation will help CC USA agencies along the border meet basic needs and ensure that children are being treated with care and kindness.
Learn about: Immigration and Refugee Services through CCUSA - To Catholic Relief Services (CRS)
CRS programs in Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador are working to address problems such as poverty, unemployment and violence which are driving people to leave their homelands. - Those who wish to send donations to migrant shelters are encouraged to visit the following websites for: Catholic Charities in Laredo, San Antonio, and McAllen.
Additional resources
Immigration Legal Services in the Diocese of Grand Rapids
World Day of Migrants and Refugees
Visit the Justice for Immigrants website
USCCB’s Migrant and Refugee Services
