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To: All Clergy and Religious, Music and Liturgy Directors, Bulletin Editors, Directors of Religious Education, Youth Ministers, Campus Ministers, Social Justice Ministries, Respect Life Leaders
From: Kat Doyle, Director of Justice and Peace Ministries; Office of Life, Dignity and Justice
“Our response to the challenges posed by contemporary migration can be summed up in four verbs: welcome, protect, promote and integrate.”
– Pope Francis
On Sunday, September 29, 2019, we observe the World Day of Migrants and Refugees, an observance stretching back for over a century. We invite you to include reference to the plight of migrants and refugees in your Masses, faith formation classes, and other communications that weekend.
Resources are available for you to draw upon.
• First and foremost is Pope Francis’ Message for the 105th World Day of Migrants and Refugees. This message has been published in nine different languages, all accessible through the above linked page.
• The USCCB’s Justice for Immigrants Campaign provides community engagement resources, prayers, and information on the issue areas associated with refugees and migrants.
• We Are Salt and Light, a project of the USCCB, offers resources in both English and Spanish to help your parish pray, learn, and act as a community in answering our biblical call to charity, justice and peace.
If you plan anything for the World Day of Migrants and Refugees, please let us know. You can contact Jayna Hoffacker, Justice and Peace Ministries program coordinator, at jhoffacker@archatl.com with the details. She can also help you with any further information or guidance you may need.