Migrant Farmworker Ministry

The diocese is launching a new, creative effort to minister to migrant farm workers and their families, people who move into and live in our community for part or all of the year. Rural poverty is a reality in our diocese. Working in cooperation with valley farmers, the small diocesan ministry team will find and train leaders within the migrant worker community. But these diocesan workers will not be able to meet the challenges of this ministry alone. Others will be needed to be teachers and advocates, to locate needed materials and resources, and to provide a variety of other services that will become obvious. The Social Ministry Committee must become the link for this activity at the parish level. There are, in addition, many other newcomers to our diocesan community from all parts of the world. Parishes can become centers of welcome, orientation and support for these new strangers in our midst. It would be an opportunity to connect with Catholic Charities' Immigration and Refugee Program (CCIRP), which provides information, support and case management for legal residency and citizenship applications, and supplying new citizens with voter registration assistance.

Last Update April 27, 2007