Renewing Hope, Seeking Justice is the theme of the 2010 National Migration Week, held January 3 – 9. The observance began over 25 years ago by the bishops to be a moment for Catholics to take stock of the wide diversity of the Church and the ministries serving them. As the face of the local churches continue to change, these materials are becoming more and more necessary. The materials created for National Migration Week also provide an important educational resource that can be used by individuals, families, schools, and parishes to learn about the complex issues surrounding migration phenomena.

Following the lead of Pope Benedict, who is focusing on “Minor Migrants and Refugees” for the 2010 World Day of Migrants and Refugees, we are focusing on migrant children as a sub-theme this year. Included in this year’s new material is a poster, a prayer card, and a bulletin insert that focuses on children’s issues. Additionally, we are launching a National Migration Week Small Grants Program that will provide funding for small projects related to migrant or refugee children, which are launched by parishes, schools and local Catholic organizations. In coordination with The Catholic University of America, a new educational website will focus on the important role that the Catholic Church has played in the immigration debate throughout Twentieth Century America. Finally, we are highlighting a fantastic new curriculum that and which was created by Jesuit Refugee Services. We hope that both educational sites will be a great resource for teachers, directors of religious education and others interested in this issue.

We hope that you will use the materials developed for National Migration Week as a resource for further reflection on these very important issues.  A wide variety of resources is available through USCCB publishing to assist you in this endeavor.  Contact them at 800-235-8722 or visit their website at www.usccbpublishing.org to browse Migration and Refugee Services material

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