We discovered models whereby members, parishes and institutions of our province can begin a ministry of receiving, integrating and resettling people in need, in non-border communities.  

The Hope Border Institute describes the promotion of a “seamless highway” approach that begins in the border communities of Texas and the Southwest.  At present, the organizations and volunteers in El Paso can handle the need for welcoming and protecting those entering the country but help will be needed when Title 42 is no longer in effect.  This involves temporary (generally 1-2 days) housing, feeding, clothing, and transportation to the bus and the airport where relatives and friends will house them until their legal hearings.

Spiritans and other religious communities in the United States are needed on the receiving end to organize families in parishes and to network with Catholic Charities, with religious congregations, and other organizations to help to integrate and resettle those who are applying for legal residence.  We have discovered models of how this can be done successfully.

To prepare leaders in our parishes and institutions, we will invite interested folks to participate next year in an already established “Encuentro” program in El Paso.  The focus here is a border refugee immersion experience where participants learn first-hand about the situation on the border from the perspective of the asylum seeker, the border patrol authorities, the shelter worker, the immigration lawyer, etc.  

We are going to put together “mini-Encuentros” in Houston inviting young people from Duquesne, Holy Ghost Prep, and parish groups.  We hope people who participate will discover the freshness and vitality of being connected to Spiritans and will help refugees and asylum seekers in their communities.  In both experiences, participants will encounter “the faces of the refugees” in their need.