Faith & Action for New New Yorkers
A Catholic perspective on standing up for migrants from Rev. James Francis Sheehan, volunteer opportunities, and supporting the New York for All Act.
Faith in Action
The frightened faces of migrants on the evening news should wake us up from our slumber. For me, they stir up the iconic presence of Miriam and Jose, as well as memories of my own Irish Catholic grandparents who arrived on the docks of New York with no security except their worn rosaries from yet another dominated land. Our churches have failed in the past to stand up to authoritarian leaders; we must learn from history and speak out on behalf of our vulnerable neighbors today.
The Bible is born out of such tensions—whether it be Exodus or Matthew 25. Our own eternal judgment is based not so much in following sexual precepts from another age, but in a real attempt to place the face of Jesus on the marginalized—no matter what their past may be.
Catholics always return to the Pope.
When the expensive wall was being built between Mexico and the U.S. came Pope Francis’ urgent teaching: “No more walls; build bridges.”
—Reverend James Francis Sheehan, Jr. is the campus minister and chaplain at Hostos Community College.
Resources
Here are the resources you need to see this week.
Looking for ways to take action and support your community? The Interfaith Center of New York’s ‘Volunteer Opportunities’ page connects people of all backgrounds with meaningful ways to support vulnerable New Yorkers.
Opportunities include assisting with resource referrals, language lessons, and legal aid through programs like the ROCC initiative by Artists Athletes Activists and Rauschenbusch Metro Ministries, and the Ark Legal Clinic at CBST. Additionally, there are programs that provide food, clothing, and career assistance. These programs depend on volunteers, making them a great way to create a positive impact.Discover a volunteer opportunity on ICNY’s website: https://interfaithcenter.org/volunteer-opportunities/
Advocacy is a powerful tool in ensuring that asylum seekers receive the protection and care they need—Support the New York for All Act!
The New York for All Act is a vital piece of legislation that supports the rights of immigrants and asylum seekers by limiting local law enforcement's involvement in federal immigration enforcement, particularly with ICE. This act helps ensure that all New Yorkers, regardless of their immigration status, can access essential services without fear of deportation.Take action today—use the email tool on the New York Immigration Coalition website to reach out to your representatives and urge them to support this crucial legislation.
We hope these resources help you meet this moment. You're encouraged to share this substack with others in your network who are committed to serving the most vulnerable amongst us.