Migrant Ministry
Human Concerns
The Ministry with and for Migrants is an opportunity to deepen our understanding of immigration and the impact on individuals and their families.
Join us as we discern our steps to deepen our understanding, connect with families and build relationships with others who may have experienced a different journey than ourselves! We seek to act and respond with and in support of migrant and refugee communities. All are welcome!
This Lent, we featured stories and reflections from members of our Migrant Ministry. Seton’s 2025 CRS Rice Bowl Collection will be designated to services that directly impact the dignity and safety of all who are affected by immigration. Now, you are invited to reflect on what you have read and experienced and decide for yourself your response.
To assist your discernment, consider this examination of conscience, meant for personal contemplation.
Do I try to see the face of Christ in all, including immigrants and refugees recognizing their human dignity? (Based on Catholic Social Teaching's emphasis on the dignity of the human person and Matthew 25)
Have I allowed stereotypes or fear to shape my view of immigrants rather than facts and Church teaching? Do I seek out non-biased sources to prayerfully discern my response to this issue?
Do I pray for immigrants and those facing deportation? Prayer is an act of solidarity and an expression of our commitment to justice. Archbishop Grob reminds us that, "to remain silent would not be church." Silence can enable injustice.
Have I dismissed the plight of immigrant children who are vulnerable to exploitation and human trafficking? Catholic Social Teaching calls us to protect the most vulnerable, including unaccompanied minors.
Do I recognize that migration is often caused by conditions such as violence, persecution, and poverty? Understanding the root causes aligns with our duty to act justly and love our neighbor. (Micah 6:8)
Have I judged immigrants based on their legal status rather than their inherent worth as children of God? Pope Francis warns against conflating legal status with morality, urging compassion over condemnation.
Have I supported efforts that welcome and assist immigrants in the wider community? “When an alien resides with you in your land, do not mistreat them” (Leviticus 19:33-34).
Have I challenged misinformation or prejudice about immigrants when I encounter it? Defending truth is an obligation of faith, as stated in the Eighth Commandment (Exodus 20:16).
Do I reflect on how Jesus himself was a refugee, fleeing violence as an infant? The Holy Family’s flight to Egypt (Matthew 2:13-15) reminds us of the plight of modern refugees.
Am I willing to advocate for policies that reflect Gospel values, including love (love for God and love for others), forgiveness, compassion, faith, justice, and repentance, even when they are unpopular? Following Christ means standing for justice, even when it is difficult (Luke 6:22).
May we all continually be transformed into loving all of our brothers and sisters as we care for one another.
God's Peace
Sue Switalski, Mary Kay Balchunas, Linda Senger, Joanna Boey
Volunteer Time Commitment
We meet once a month. Our ministry is very flexible with individuals participating as much as they are desire and are able.
Date: Second Wednesday of the month at Seton
Time: 6:30 pm
Location: Reflection Room
Where does this ministry serve: at Seton, from home and out in the community
Contact: Joanna Boey, send us a message
Volunteer Opportunities
In collaboration with other community organizations, we assist families from the refugee & migrant communities. This may include:
providing welcome groceries
assistance with medical appointments to ensure continuity of care
getting registered and established with school
supporting pregnant mothers with Baby Bundles & needed items
providing scholarships for camps, community activities
hosting events to promote greater interaction & understanding between communities
responding as the need and opportunity arises
Follow Jesus - Serve Others
Our ministry strives to see and be Jesus to others by approaching each person as another human being regardless of nationality, race, socio-economic class, lifestyle, sexual orientation or immigration status.
Towards An Ever Wider WE! ~ Pope Francis.
With a focus on refugees and migrants, our ministry follows Jesus by seeing EVERY family as a "holy family" and responding in a loving, compassionate and supportive way. One humanity that knows no borders.
Reflecting on this Ministry
*As Pope Francis says, "We need to know in order to understand.... We need to be close in order to serve.... In order to be reconciled, we need to listen.... In order to grow, it is necessary to share....We need to be involved in order to promote. It is necessary to cooperate in order to build... Leaving no one excluded." - World Day of Migrants & Refugees, 2020
In the summer of 2022, through a grant from Our City of Nations (OCON), we hosted Building Bridges - Outdoor Fun for eight families from the Latino, Rohingya and Afghan communities. This was a tremendous opportunity for all of us to get to know each other, have some fun, laugh and enjoy the outdoors together! We became friends and our sense of community grew!
Tarjimly
Tarjimly is a 501(c)(3) non-profit founded in 2017 in response to the Syrian refugee crisis and Muslim Ban where hundreds of people in need of interpreters were stranded at airports across America. The company connects people in need with a translator for 120+ languages using a global translator community and AI-enabled mobile app. 'Tarjimly' means "translate for me" in Arabic. The word embodies the communities they strive to support.