National Migration Week make a world of difference: provide hope

by Father Tony Stubeda

Throughout the spring migrant workers from Texas and Mexico will be arriving in the parishes of the diocese to begin their work of caring for the land and harvesting the riches of the earth. Samuel Perez from Guatemala will be ordained as the first Hispanic priest of the Diocese of New Ulm, and four priests from India begin their service in the diocese in mid-June. These people remind us that we are a nation of immigrants. Except for Native Americans, each of us could tell a story of how our families left their home-countries to begin a new life in the United States. Our history is the story of people seeking a new home and renewed hope in a strange land.

Each year the National Conference of Catholic Bishops encourages parishes throughout the country to celebrate our heritage as a people of faith on the move in National Migration Week. The Office of Hispanic Ministry and the diocesan Hispanic Ministry Group are asking parishes to celebrate National Migration week from May 27 through June 2. The theme of our observance is, "Make a World of Difference ... Provide Hope."

In announcing this year’s theme Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio of Camden wrote, "It is our belief - one grounded in years of witnessing faith, hope and good works - that individuals, families, and communities can and do make a difference in the lives of those in need." Our celebration of the immigrant church is a reminder of Jesus’ call to, "Love one another as I have loved you." It is a reminder that we are bound together by God’s love, by a common faith in God’s goodness, and a need to be respected, welcomed and included in the life of our parishes and communities. Our celebration can remind us that our parishes are called to be the home for all peoples regardless of their language, color, culture or need. We are called to bring the Good News of Jesus’ love to all people. We are all invited to share in the ministry of the church. The price of admission to our parishes is baptism, and people are not and should not be required to renounce their heritage, language or culture to celebrate their faith and participate in the life and mission of Jesus as it is lived in their parishes. Our unity comes through a shared faith, and is expressed in diverse and various ways. We have built a church on the traditions, customs and character of our European ancestors adapted to our new homes, and now we are called to welcome and celebrate the faith, heritage and culture of people from Mexico, Latin America, India, the Philippine Islands and other parts of the world less familiar to our history. We are called to bring the Gospel message to all the ends of the earth.

The call to provide hope can seem overwhelming, but there are simple ways for each person and each parish to celebrate National Migration Week. During our observance parishes could include petitions for migrants and refugees in the prayers of the faithful of weekend liturgies. If your parish has a Mass in Spanish join the community for Mass. If there are migrant workers in your area, talk to them when you meet them on the street or in the store. Invite a migrant family to a neighborhood picnic. All of these are small ways that we share our hope and faith with our newest neighbors.

National Migration Week is a reminder to us that we are called to celebrate our unity of faith in a diversity of cultures. Our varied and amazing histories are the story of God’s goodness among us. We each reveal a part of the vast wonder of our God, not only in this one week a year, but every day of our lives.

Each of your parishes received a packet of suggestions, prayers and ways of celebrating National Migrant Week.

If you want more information talk to your priest or pastoral leader, or you can call Father Tony Stubeda at the Catholic Pastoral Center, (507) 359-2966.