Immigrant Church

On Equal Terms

A Heritage of Peace

Justice, It's Our Job!



Immigrant Church


Since its beginning, the United States has received immigrants from around the world offering them opportunity and safe haven. These immigrants, through their labor, values, and beliefs have changed the United States from a group of colonies into one of the leading democracies in today's world. The United States remains a nation of immigrants grounded in the belief that newcomers contribute a new energy and hope through their diversity.

In Strangers No Longer, Together on the Journey of Hope, the US Bishops remind us that it is our faith in Jesus Christ that moves us to strive for solidarity. This faith transcends borders. It challenges us to overcome discrimination and violence in order to build just and loving relationships.

LITURGY AND CATECHESIS

Many of the immigrants arriving in the United States today are Catholics. This reality is having a profound effect on the composition of parish communities. While many are Hispanics, there are also Filipinos, Vietnamese, Russians, and Indians.

In order for parishes to benefit from the cultural gifts of newcomers, the newcomers must be welcomed into parish communities. As ministers of justice and peace, you have a major opportunity to guide parishioners into an attitude of welcome. Protecting one's "turf" or the status quo is detrimental thinking. Being open to sharing roles including liturgy preparation will offer growth opportunities. The end result will be a culturally rich parish–diverse but unified.

PLANNING AHEAD

As your parish complexion changes, seek out parishioners both long time and new willing to work together. Help them plan a cultural exchange of worship styles. This gathering could lead to planning for a parish-wide multicultural liturgy or programs to bring all parishioners together.

ADDITIONAL MATERIALS

Links

Family Time in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Vietnamese, and Polish

Migration and Catholic Social Teaching
Resources for catechists and teachers including lesson plans

Justice for Immigrants: A Journey of Hope
Resources from the US Conference of Catholic Bishops

Pontifical Council for Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People
Vatican resources relating to migrants

Many of the following resources are available to purchase online at www.sbgreligion.com/catalog/ or call Silver Burdett Ginn Religion at 1-800-552-2259. See order number provided for each.

Books

Guía para la Familia con el libro del niñlo en español e inglés
Gifts for a Lifetime Family Guides

These sacramental preparation guides for First Eucharist and First Reconciliation are designed specifically for the Hispanic community. The Child's Book is included in reduced size in each Family Guide with a complete translation in Spanish enabling Spanish speaking/reading parents to share with their child

Gift of Eucharist/ El Regalo de la Eucaristia

Guía para la familia con el libro del niñoen español e inglés

ORDER NUMBER: 0-382-36123-7

Gift of Reconciliation/ El Regalo de la Reconciliacion
Guía para la familia con el libro del niñoen español e inglés

ORDER NUMBER: 0-382-36128-8

Strangers No Longer, Together on the Journey of Hope
A Pastoral Letter Concerning Migration from the Catholic Bishops of Mexico and the United States.

Available from the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops at 1-800-235-8722 or www.usccb.org.

ORDER NUMBER: #5-529

Welcoming the Stranger Among Us–
A Resource for Parishes

Available from the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops at 1-800-235-8722 or www.usccb.org.

ORDER NUMBER: #5-407

Many Faces in God's House–
A Catholic Vision for the Third Millennium

Available from the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops at 1-800-235-8722 or www.usccb.org.

ORDER NUMBER: #5-421

A Catholic Call to Justice: An Activity Book for Raising Awareness of Social Justice Issues
Available from the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops at 1-800-235-8722 or www.usccb.org.

ORDER NUMBER: #5-239

Today's Immigrants and Refugees: A Christian Understanding
Available from the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops at 1-800-235-8722 or www.usccb.org.

ORDER NUMBER: #204-7

From Newcomers to Citizens: All Come Bearing Gifts
Available from the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops at 1-800-235-8722 or www.usccb.org.

ORDER NUMBER: #5-363

Music

"We Are One"
BLEST ARE WE music CD 3

ORDER NUMBER: 0-382-36654-9

"Song of the Body of Christ"
BLEST ARE WE music CD 4

ORDER NUMBER: 0-382-36655-7

BLEST ARE WE Song Book
Words and melody for students; contains music for grades 1--8

ORDER NUMBER: 0-382-36617-4

BLEST ARE WE Accompaniment Book
Contains accompaniment music for grades 1-8

ORDER NUMBER: 0-382-36618-2

"Muchos miembros hay"
BENDECIDOS Music 3

ORDER NUMBER: 1-57999-670-1

"Canción del Cuerpo de Cristo"
BENDECIDOS Music CD 4

ORDER NUMBER: 1-57999-671-X

BENDECIDOS Song Book
Words and melody for children; contains music for levels 1-4

ORDER NUMBER: 1-57999-665-5

BENDECIDOS Accompaniment Book
Contains accompaniment music for levels 1-4

ORDER NUMBER: 1-57999-666-3

"Pan de Vida," "Pueblo de Dios," "Somos el Cuerpo de Cristo/ We are the Body of Christ," "We Are Called," "With Open Hands"
Gifts for a Lifetime CD

ORDER NUMBER: 0-382-36340-X

Gifts for a Lifetime Song Book

ORDER NUMBER: 0-382-36103-2

Gifts for a Lifetime Accompaniment Book

ORDER NUMBER: 0-382-36104-0

Oramos Cantando/We Pray in Song
Bilingual hymnal contains hymns, bilingual psalms, and Donna Pe�a's bilingual Lenten Mass to supplement already existing hymnals in multicultural parishes.

ORDER NUMBER: 1-5999-542-X Hymnal
ORDER NUMBER: 1-5999-543-8 Accompaniment Book
ORDER NUMBER: 1-5999-552-7 3-CD Set