welcome protect promote integrate

It is no just about migrants…

Catechesis Reflection Questions

Grades 7-12, Parish Leaders/Committees, Faith Sharing/Parishioners/Bible Study

1. In the first video Pope Francis says that there are four action verbs to express our responsibility to migrants and refugees. We are to Welcome, Protect,  Promote, and Integrate migrants and refugees into our communities. Which of these do you feel your community has done well? Which do you feel your community could do better?
2. What is the difference between integration and assimilation? Why does the Church support integration rather than assimilation?
3. Pope Francis speaks of fear as a driving influence on people’s rejection of migrants and refugees. How can we overcome this fear and how can we help others overcome this fear?

Witness Video Reflection Questions

Grades 7-12

1. Sr. Norma lives her vocation serving the marginalized with ministry to migrants and refugees. How is she living out the 4 Action Verbs Pope Francis spoke about in the videos above?
2. In the second video Sr. Norma compares the journey of migrants to the USA with the story of Moses. If we consider migrants coming to our country through the eyes of scripture, how can be help others see the importance of welcoming those from other countries?
3. How can the story of Moses help us better understand why migrants make the dangerous journey to the United States?

Parish Leadership/Committees

1. Sr. Norma lives her vocation serving the marginalized with ministry to migrants and refugees. How is she living out the 4 Action Verbs Pope Francis spoke about in the videos above?
2. In the second video Sr. Norma compares the journey of migrants to the USA with the story of Moses. If we consider migrants coming to our country through the eyes of scripture, how can be help others see the importance of welcoming those from other countries?
3. How can the story of Moses help us better understand why migrants make the dangerous journey to the United States?

Faithsharing/Parishioner/College Students

1. Sr. Norma lives her vocation serving the marginalized with ministry to migrants and refugees. How is she living out the 4 Action Verbs Pope Francis spoke about in the videos above?
2. In the second video Sr. Norma compares the journey of migrants to the USA with the story of Moses. If we consider migrants coming to our country through the eyes of scripture, how can be help others see the importance of welcoming those from other countries?
3. How can the story of Moses help us better understand why migrants make the dangerous journey to the United States?

Action Steps

Grades 7-12

1. Read St. John Paul II’s message for World Day of Migrants and Refugees from 1996.
2. Read Pope Francis’ message for World Day of Migrants and Refugees from 2019
3. Share memes from the Migrants and Refugees Resource Page
4. Stay informed about legislation and other policies by signing up for updates from justiceforimmigrants.org
5. Organize an event at your school like an immigration simulation, all-day workshop, or presentation on the Catholic principles and positions on immigration. The Office of Respect Life and Social Justice can offer such a presentation locally or regionally.

Parish Leadership/Committees

1. Read St. John Paul II’s message for World Day of Migrants and Refugees from 1996.
2. Read Pope Francis’ message for World Day of Migrants and Refugees from 2019
3. Stay informed about legislation and other policies by signing up for updates from justiceforimmigrants.org 
4. Organize an event at your parish like an immigration simulation, all-day workshop, or presentation on the Catholic principles and positions on immigration. The Office of Respect Life and Social Justice can offer such a presentation locally or regionally.

Faithsharing/Parishioners/College Students

1. Read St. John Paul II’s message for World Day of Migrants and Refugees from 1996.
2. Read Pope Francis’ message for World Day of Migrants and Refugees from 2019
3. Stay informed about legislation and other policies by signing up for updates from justiceforimmigrants.org 
4. Organize an event at your parish like an immigration simulation, all-day workshop, or presentation on the Catholic principles and positions on immigration. The Office of Respect Life and Social Justice can offer such a presentation locally or regionally.

Closing Prayer

Loving Father,
Protect, we pray, all those forced from their
homes
by violence and persecution, guide them to
places of shelter and safety,
and grant that people migrate always by choice
and not necessity.
Watch over children who migrate alone,
protect them from the risks they face all by
themselves,
help them reach their destination safely,
and reunite them with those from whom they
have been separated.
Guide all migrants who seek a better life,
to new opportunities,
and grant them a new beginning.
We beseech you to give each of us the strength
and generosity
to welcome the stranger and to open our
homes to the newcomer,
and in doing so to comfort those who are
suffering.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ,
your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of
the Holy Spirit,
one God, forever and ever. Amen.

(Justice for Immigrants, National Migration Week 2019 Toolkit)