Immigrant & Refugee Ministry
A ministry rooted in the example of Jesus Christ that welcomes the stranger and fulfills the commitment of the U.S. Catholic bishops to protect the life and dignity of the human person. We serve and advocate for immigrants, refugees, asylees, migrants, unaccompanied children and victims of human trafficking.
What we do:
Immigrant & Refugee Ministry (IRM) provides care and resources for immigrant families, and equips and empowers parishes to develop their own immigrant response programs. This ministry has launched parish Welcome Circles, hosted regional Know Your Rights trainings, immigration summits, walking pilgrimages, vigil Masses, fund collections, listening sessions and other special events in an attempt soften hearts and bring comfort to immigrant families while advocating for their needs. In addition, we continually offer weekly services and access to sacraments inside the Northwest Detention Center in Tacoma.
Immigrant & Refugee Resources
Immigrant & Refugee Ministry in Action
Ways You Can Welcome the Stranger
Accomplishments since IRM's inception (2016)
- Voter registration drives in immigrant parishes
- Regional listening sessions with immigrant communities
- Regional Know Your Rights and mental health workshops in parishes
- Immigrant Family Support Fund for border issues
- Simultaneous regional immigration vigils
- Events, retreats and pastoral listening for DACA recipients
- Events to increase awareness of human trafficking and garner resources for trafficking survivors
- Share the Journey events and communication
- Welcome Circles for refugees at parishes throughout the Archdiocese
- Coordination of efforts in response to migrant arrivals
- Co-sponsor of Annual Catholic Immigration Summits
- Co-Sponsor of Walking and Witnessing Pilgrimage (1000+ participants, 4,300+ miles walked, 70+ parishes involved and 27 immigration formation events)
- Co-Sponsor of Cultures United Community Festival
- Sponsorship of immigrant and refugee youth soccer team
- Consolidation of online resources for immigrants and allies on IRM website
- Creation of visible Catholic solidarity via statements, e-mail networks, social media campaigns and advocacy alerts
- Chaplaincy at Northwest Detention Center (ICE)
- Solidarity events such as Ukrainian Family Fun Day and Congolese Family Fun Day
Contact:
Chris Koehler
Director of Missions & Immigrant Affairs
206-274-3194 | chris.koehler@seattlearch.org
710 9th Ave, Seattle, WA 98104-2017
Amy Nash
Welcome Circle Coordinator
206-550-1204 | amy.nash@seattlearch.org