SAGINAW, Mich. — The Diocese of Saginaw's Office of Multicultural Ministry is partnering with Strangers No Longer, a statewide organization that provides immigration education, advocacy and health-related outreach to Latino communities, to host a workshop aimed at helping parishes better support immigrants and their families.
The workshop, titled "Catholic Responses to Immigration," will take place Monday, Nov. 16, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Diocesan Center for Ministry, 5802 Weiss St., Saginaw. All are welcome to attend.
Deacon Larry Gayton, director of the Office of Multicultural Ministry, said the workshop is intended to help parishes respond to the challenges facing immigrant families, including those separated for years while navigating the legal immigration process.
"Every nation has a right to protect its borders, but we also need to recognize the difficulties families face under our current immigration system," Gayton said. "Unlike in the past, waiting lists for legal immigration can now stretch beyond a decade in some cases. This means one family member may have been admitted legally while a spouse or another loved one must wait many years to join them. As Catholics, we want to help our parishes understand these situations and find practical ways to support these individuals and families."
The workshop will focus on helping parishes establish support groups, provide prayer, sacraments, food, shelter and support for families affected by immigration issues, and develop practical responses rooted in Catholic teaching on human dignity and care for others.
A box lunch will be provided following the Nov. 16 workshop.
For more information, contact Strangers No Longer at 313-549-0421 or the Diocese of Saginaw at 989-797-6604.