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.

Upcoming Events

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Immigrant Ministry Grants

 

Immigrant Ministry Grants are not currently available.  Please check back later for updates.

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. 

Local Burmese refugees participate in a Share the Journey event.

Become a Welcomer thru our Welcome Circles for Refugees

Learn about welcome circles and how you can support immigrants and refugees in your area.

Immigrant & Refugee Resources

Immigrant & Refugee Ministry in Action

Ways You Can Welcome the Stranger

Accomplishments since IRM's inception (2016)

  • 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