National Migration Week

National Migration Week is being observed in dioceses around the U.S. during this week, the week of 3-9 January. This year's theme is "A Stranger and You Welcomed Me."

The celebration of National Migration Week is designed to provide an opportunity to raise awareness about the hardships faced by migrants, including children, refugees, and victims of human trafficking.

"In the Gospel of Matthew (25:35) Jesus tells his disciples, "I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me." The call to welcome the stranger plays an important role in the lives of faithful Christians and has a particularly central place for those of us who work in the migration field. The migrant, who moves from one country to another is truly a stranger in the midst. Often unfamiliar with the local tongue of the new country, not to mention its customs, the migrant needs the support of local communities so that she can better adjust to her new surroundings. National Migration Week 2016 picks up on the theme of welcome and, in doing so, calls on each of us to welcome the stranger among us." - USCCB National Migration Week reflection

The observance of National Migration Week began over 25 years ago by the U.S. bishops to give Catholics an opportunity to take stock of the wide diversity of peoples in the Church and the ministries serving them. The week serves as both a time for prayer and action to try and ease the struggles of immigrants, migrants,  and vulnerable populations coming to America and a time for reflection on the Church's call to "welcome the stranger."
For educational materials and other resources for National Migration Week, please visit:

USCCB: National Migration Week