Scripture reminds us that Jesus, himself, was a refugee and urges us to “welcome the stranger.”
A Time to Pray & Act
Current Events Require Passionate Voices & Tangible Action
Catholic Sisters across Western Pennsylvania have been called to action by their faith to minister to and on behalf of immigrants and refugees, especially in our country’s current political climate.
God’s people — no matter their circumstances — are always in our prayers. Right now, we must pair prayer with urgent action and impress upon you to do the same. Christians cannot sit by idly as the poor and vulnerable are targeted. We must be a voice for migrants and advocate for merciful, common-sense immigration policies that align with our faith.
“As a Catholic, it becomes difficult to justify everything I see when my faith believes in the dignity of the human person,” writes a Catholic Sister serving at the Southern Border.
Scripture reminds us that Jesus, himself, was a refugee and urges us to “welcome the stranger.” These words cannot be ones we leave in the pews on Sundays. Our faith as Christians requires us – all of us – to live these words.
“As a Catholic, it becomes difficult to justify everything I see when my faith believes in the dignity of the human person.”
Driven by our vows to serve all of God’s people and our immense sense of mercy, we are impassioned in our efforts to preserve the well-being of all. Whether it be with our sleeves rolled up on the front lines or through the simple power of prayer, we are responding with compassion and care.
We staff and support ministries that provide housing and support services to migrants.
We engage with our local, state and national leaders to advocate for policies and actions that align with our faith and our basic morality.
We make our voices heard through statements like this one and other public reminders of what our faith teaches about human dignity.
We provide opportunities for spiritual growth among Spanish-speaking migrants, assist refugees from the war in Ukraine, and support the pastoral needs of both in times of great uncertainty.
We teach ESL classes, serve at the border, assist migrants through the legal process, and, in some cases, help even just one family at a time along their journey to citizenship.
We designate special days and hours of prayer for issues of serious concern in our Church and our world.
We listen to the stories and struggles of migrants and refugees so that we can help to dispel myths, stereotypes and misinformation about them.
We collect clothing and household goods for families in need and make financial donations, as we are able, to those doing God’s good work for all people.
Now that we have told you about some of the actions we are taking to meet the moment, we ask, “What are you doing?” We encourage you, too, to put idle hands to task and raise your voice on behalf of those who seek shelter and safety.
Listen & Learn
We live in a time when information — and misinformation — are delivered to us at the pace and pressure of a firehose. We urge you to turn off your television, log off from social media, and educate yourself on matters regarding immigration. You might be surprised to learn how much migrants contribute to the workforce and economy. Or that most are not criminals at all, but rather simply seeking the dignity, safety and opportunity that we take for granted. We recommend World Relief’s Equipped to Act guide as a good place to start. Terms, policies, myths and facts are presented in an easy-to-read format.
Volunteer & Donate
Regardless of your physical or financial limitations, there are ways you can act. If you are able, consider volunteering with local agencies that assist with resettlement efforts for migrants and refugees. If you cannot physically engage, please consider making a monetary donation to an organization that supports migrants. If you have no money to spare, perhaps you have unused clothing or extra housewares that such agencies can repurpose for families who arrive with nothing. For your consideration, we’ve compiled a list here of agencies and organizations that are doing this good and difficult work.
Use Your Voice
Please contact your local, state and national leaders by email or phone. Or sit down and write a good, old-fashioned letter to let them know where you stand on the issues and what you expect from them. They have been elected to represent you, and your voice matters. The MyReps website provides an easy tool for finding the names, phone numbers and addresses for your legislators.
Always Include Prayer
Do not abandon prayer. It is integral to each day for us as women religious. Do you talk to God, too? Join us by including migrants and refugees in your prayers. Remember to include prayers of guidance for the agencies and Good Samaritans who work on their behalf. Raise your voice in prayer, as well, for the political leaders who hold the fate of the less-fortunate in their hands. We have provided a few printable prayers here.
Now is not the time to simply shake our heads or wrench our hands at the goings-on in our world. We have a responsibility as Christians to speak what’s in our hearts and to act according to our collective consciousness. It is, indeed, time to practice what we preach.