This week the Catholic Church in the United States is recognizing those seeking safety and a better life by celebrating National Migration Week from January 5-11. This year’s theme, “Promoting a Church and a World for All,” brings attention to the need for the inclusivity and welcoming to all of our brothers and sisters around the world. The theme is a call to stand in solidarity with and care for those who are forced to flee their homes.

Fr. Tony O’Riordan, South Sudan Country Director, shaking the hands of local children in Maban, South Sudan. (Jesuit Refugee Service)

During this week, take time to reflect on how you can show welcome and solidarity with refugees, migrants, and displaced people.

JRS has many ways you can get involved and accompany, serve, and advocate for displaced people throughout 2020. Here are some ways you can get involved:

• Use JRS/USA’s Walk a Mile in My Shoes Refugee Simulation and provide your community with an opportunity to pause and learn about the experience, the frustrations, disappointments and hopes that refugees around the world face.
• Send a message of hope and solidarity by writing a postcard to refugees. Visit anyrefugee.org to learn more about how.
• Send a letter to your elected officials and remind them of the importance of U.S. leadership on refugee issues.
• Pray for protection for refugees as well as for personal transformation as we face the needs of refugees everywhere. Click here for a prayer for refugees.
• Find the local refugee resettlement agency offices near you (click here) and help a refugee in need of assistance learning a new language, meeting friends, or even finding employment and housing.