National Migration Week 2020 Toolkit

I. Opening Prayer
O God, who gave one origin to all peoples
and willed to gatehr from them one family for yourself,
fill all hearts, we pray, with the fire of you love
and kindle in them a desire
fort he just advancement of their neighbor,
that, through the good things which you richly bestow upon all,
each human person may be brought to perfection,
every division may be removed,
and equity and justice may be established in human society.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you int he unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
Amen

(from the collect of prayers For the Progress of Peoples ; Excerpts from the English translation of The Roman Missal © 2010, ICEL. All rights reserved.)

II. Scripture Reading – Responsorial Psalm, Epiphany of the Lord PS 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-11, 12-13

III. Catechesis Video reflection questions

Grades K-6

1. What is the parable of the Good Samaritan?
2. Who is your neighbor?
3. What lesson can we learn from the Samaritan about how we treat immigrants and refugees?

Domestic Church

1. What is the parable of the Good Samaritan?
2. Who is your neighbor?
3. What lesson can we learn from the Samaritan about how we treat immigrants and refugees?

Witness Video (this video is longer than most others but is engaging and a teacher/sessions leader can read the subtitles for children who are unable to read)

IV. Witness Video Reflection Questions

Grades K-6

1. How is Caracol like you?
2. What scares her about her trip to America?
3. Why does Caracol’s father bring her to America?
4. There are signs in Caracol’s neighborhood that read “Sloth Vacation Homes Coming Soon!” Caracol’s family is being kicked out of their home and have nowhere to go.  Could this be the reason why the family immigrates to the USA?

Domestic Church

1. How is your family similar to Caracol’s family?
2. Why would Caracol’s father risk crossing the border with Caracol?
3. There are signs in Caracol’s neighborhood that read “Sloth Vacation Homes Coming Soon!” Caracol’s family is being kicked out of their home and have nowhere to go. This is called a “push factor” for immigration when violence, political unrest or economic factors destroy people’s ability to live safely and securely in their country of origin. How might we be able to help remove these push factors so people don’t feel forced to immigrate?

V. Action Steps

Grades K-6

1. Learn about country’s immigrant past and present. Learn more about your own family migration story. When did your family immigrate/migrate to where you live now?
2. Make a sign that shows your support for immigrants, welcoming your neighbors that live in your community.
3. Give up your favorite toy or video game for a week and think about how hard it is for those who have to give up everything they have in order to migrate to another country.

Domestic Church

1. Learn about your own family’s immigrant past. When did your family immigrate/migrate to where you live now?
2. Learn the story of migrants today  – Many of us are connected in some way to the life of an immigrant whether in our own family, a friend, coworker, or fellow parishioner.
3. Participate in advocacy for the rights of migrants and refugees by speaking out or contacting government officials to encourage them to support laws and policies that promote the dignity of migrants and refugees. Learn more at: justiceforimmigrants.org
4. Give up your favorite toy or video game for a week and think about how hard it is for those who have to give up everything they have in order to migrate to another country.

VI. Closing Prayer
Lord Jesus, when you multiplied the loaves and fishes, you provided more than food for the body, you offered us the gift of yourself, the gift which satisfies every hunger and quenches every thirst! Your disciples were filled with fear and doubt, but you poured out your love and compassion on the migrant crowd, welcoming them as brothers and sisters.

Lord Jesus, today you call us to welcome the members of God’s family who come to our land to escape oppression, poverty, persecution, violence, and war. Like your disciples, we too are filled with fear and doubt and even suspicion. We build barriers in our hearts and in our minds.

Lord Jesus, help us by your grace,

• To banish fear from our hearts, that we may embrace each of your children as our own brother and sister;
• To welcome migrants and refugees with joy and generosity, while responding to their many needs;
• To realize that you call all people to your holy mountain to learn the ways of peace and justice;
• To share of our abundance as you spread a banquet before us;
• To give witness to your love for all people, as we celebrate the many gifts they bring.

We praise you and give you thanks for the family you have called together from so many people. We see in this human family a reflection of the divine unity of the one Most Holy Trinity in whom we make our prayer: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.

Additional resources:

Catechism 1928-1949; 2433; 2241;

Compendium 297-298; 505; 152-159; 365

Universal destination of goods 171-184

Refugees: A Challenge to Solidarity

USCCB, National Migration Week 2019 Toolkit

No Longer Slaves But Brothers and Sisters

Messages of World Day for Migrants and Refugees

Pope Francis Messages

Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI

Pope St. John Paul II

Pacem en Terris 25; 103-108

Caritas in Veritate 62

The Love of Christ Towards Migrants 

Quotes On Migration from Catholic Charities of Twin Cities