National Migration Week
National Migration Week is celebrated annually during the first full week of January. It is a time designated by the U.S. Catholic Bishops to remember the journey of the Holy Family as they had to live in the shadows and cross the border into Egypt to escape death at the hands of King Herod. The Church calls parishes, Catholic schools and religious communities to a heightened awareness of the difficult journey of today’s immigrants and to work as a community so migrants can “step out of the darkness”.
In 2015, National Migration Week will be celebrated January 4-10.
Also every January, the Catholic Church observes World Day of Migrants and Refugees, which was instituted by St. Pius X. On January 19, 2014 the Church recognized the 100th World Day of Migrants and Refugees. In his commemorative address, Pope Francis drew attention toward working to create a better world and seeking to address the unjust reasons migrants are forced to leave their native countries.
Resources from National Migration Week and World Day of Migrants and Refugees follow below.
Pope Francis' Message for the World Day of Migrants and Refugees [English]
USCCB's News Release for National Migration Week [English, Español]
National Migration Week 2015 Resources for Parishes [Here]
Send a Justice for Immigrants E-Postcard to your Senators and Representative [Click Here]
National Migration Week Information Sheet [English]
Parish Bulletin Insert [English]
Prayer Card [Bi-Lingual]
National Migration Week Home Page [Click Here]
"Dear migrants and refugees! Never lose the hope that you too are facing a more secure future, that on your journey you will encounter an outstretched hand, and that you can experience fraternal solidarity and the warmth of friendship! To all of you, and to those who have devoted their lives and their efforts to helping you, I give the assurance of my prayers and I cordially impart my Apostolic Blessing." ~Pope Francis, 2014 World Day of Migrants and Refugees