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 U.S. 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
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
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