Diocese of Paterson Migrant Pastoral Ministry launches parish leadership training #Catholic – A three-session formation cycle aims to prepare ministers to accompany immigrant communities with faith, service, and justice The Migrant Pastoral Ministry of the Diocese of Paterson has launched a formation cycle for future Parish Migrant Ministry leaders, as a concrete effort to strengthen support for the region’s immigrant communities. The first gathering took place on Saturday, March 21, bringing together more than 80 parishioners from eight parishes, all united by the desire to be formed and to serve in this ministry. The event was supported by Father Javier Bareño, pastor of St. Anthony of Padua Parish in Passaic, N.J., and featured the participation of Father Duberney Villamizar, episcopal vicar for Hispanic Affairs of the Diocese of Paterson. Diocesan Coordinator Miguel Antonio presented the details of the initiative, which will unfold across three sessions. The second gathering is scheduled for Saturday, April 18, at Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Dover, N.J., and the formation cycle will conclude on May 16 at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Paterson, N.J. Comprehensive formation: Faith, justice, and accompaniment The first session included presentations addressing both the pastoral dimension and the practical aspects of accompanying migrants. Marilú González, representative of the national Migrant Pastoral Ministry office based in Chicago, Ill., emphasized the close relationship between this ministry and Christian commitment, stressing that this work demands long-term dedication, with the goal of channeling resources, accompanying processes, and promoting fair treatment for those facing the challenges of the current immigration climate. Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter. Immigration attorney Mayra Cano offered legal guidance, clarifying key issues and providing practical advice for situations involving contact with immigration authorities. In the same line,  Leslie Tejada, representing the office of Senator Cory A. Booker, along with Henrique Ferreira, director of Community Outreach, shared information about resources available at the state level. Father Alex Gaitán, director of Migrant Pastoral Ministry for the Archdiocese of Newark, and Damaris Nostrand presented a sobering account of conditions at the Delaney Hall immigration detention center in Newark, describing the circumstances faced by many individuals detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Building a Network of Support One of the primary goals of these sessions is the formation of parish teams that will serve as the foundation for a strong support network, built on three core pillars: service, accompaniment, and justice. The gathering also featured firsthand accounts from parishes already active in this field. Carmen Patricia Bautista, from the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark, N.J., presented a resource kit developed by her community to guide those seeking assistance. Teresa Prendergast, from Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Paterson, highlighted collaborative efforts among various organizations, including joint initiatives with Protestant churches in the area. Testimonies of hope and commitment Participant testimonies reflected the profound impact of the gathering. José E. Sánchez, from Sacred Heart and Holy Rosary Parish in Dover, N.J., highlighted the importance of close accompaniment for migrant families and the essential role of parish leaders. Nancy Ruiz, from St. Gerard Majella Parish in Paterson, N.J., described the experience as deeply edifying, emphasizing the need to be formed in order to guide the community and remind people that they are not alone. Evelyn Leiton, Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist at St. Paul in Prospect Park, N.J., spoke to the reality faced by many families dealing with separation, and expressed her desire to offer close support. Brenda Sánchez, from Our Lady Queen of Peace in Branchville, N.J., expressed gratitude for the opportunity to participate and her eagerness to serve the community. Deacon Luis Carlos Méndez, from St. Christopher in Parsippany, underscored the urgent need for accompaniment, affirming that migrants need to feel loved and welcomed by the Church in their new country. This formation cycle responds to a concrete reality: the growing need to accompany migrant brothers and sisters with dignity, faith, and commitment. The Migrant Pastoral Ministry of the Diocese of Paterson continues to invite the faithful to become involved, recognizing that service to the most vulnerable is a living expression of the Gospel. The upcoming sessions will continue to prepare leaders who can serve as bridges of hope, support, and justice within their parish communities. For more information about the Migrant Pastoral Ministry, please contact Miguel Rodríguez at MRodriguez@patersonDiocese.org [See image gallery at beaconnj.org]  

A three-session formation cycle aims to prepare ministers to accompany immigrant communities with faith, service, and justice

The Migrant Pastoral Ministry of the Diocese of Paterson has launched a formation cycle for future Parish Migrant Ministry leaders, as a concrete effort to strengthen support for the region’s immigrant communities.

The first gathering took place on Saturday, March 21, bringing together more than 80 parishioners from eight parishes, all united by the desire to be formed and to serve in this ministry. The event was supported by Father Javier Bareño, pastor of St. Anthony of Padua Parish in Passaic, N.J., and featured the participation of Father Duberney Villamizar, episcopal vicar for Hispanic Affairs of the Diocese of Paterson.

Diocesan Coordinator Miguel Antonio presented the details of the initiative, which will unfold across three sessions. The second gathering is scheduled for Saturday, April 18, at Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Dover, N.J., and the formation cycle will conclude on May 16 at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Paterson, N.J.

Comprehensive formation: Faith, justice, and accompaniment

The first session included presentations addressing both the pastoral dimension and the practical aspects of accompanying migrants.

Marilú González, representative of the national Migrant Pastoral Ministry office based in Chicago, Ill., emphasized the close relationship between this ministry and Christian commitment, stressing that this work demands long-term dedication, with the goal of channeling resources, accompanying processes, and promoting fair treatment for those facing the challenges of the current immigration climate.

Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.

Immigration attorney Mayra Cano offered legal guidance, clarifying key issues and providing practical advice for situations involving contact with immigration authorities. In the same line,  Leslie Tejada, representing the office of Senator Cory A. Booker, along with Henrique Ferreira, director of Community Outreach, shared information about resources available at the state level.

Father Alex Gaitán, director of Migrant Pastoral Ministry for the Archdiocese of Newark, and Damaris Nostrand presented a sobering account of conditions at the Delaney Hall immigration detention center in Newark, describing the circumstances faced by many individuals detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Building a Network of Support

One of the primary goals of these sessions is the formation of parish teams that will serve as the foundation for a strong support network, built on three core pillars: service, accompaniment, and justice.

The gathering also featured firsthand accounts from parishes already active in this field. Carmen Patricia Bautista, from the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark, N.J., presented a resource kit developed by her community to guide those seeking assistance. Teresa Prendergast, from Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Paterson, highlighted collaborative efforts among various organizations, including joint initiatives with Protestant churches in the area.

Testimonies of hope and commitment

Participant testimonies reflected the profound impact of the gathering.

José E. Sánchez, from Sacred Heart and Holy Rosary Parish in Dover, N.J., highlighted the importance of close accompaniment for migrant families and the essential role of parish leaders. Nancy Ruiz, from St. Gerard Majella Parish in Paterson, N.J., described the experience as deeply edifying, emphasizing the need to be formed in order to guide the community and remind people that they are not alone.

Evelyn Leiton, Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist at St. Paul in Prospect Park, N.J., spoke to the reality faced by many families dealing with separation, and expressed her desire to offer close support. Brenda Sánchez, from Our Lady Queen of Peace in Branchville, N.J., expressed gratitude for the opportunity to participate and her eagerness to serve the community.

Deacon Luis Carlos Méndez, from St. Christopher in Parsippany, underscored the urgent need for accompaniment, affirming that migrants need to feel loved and welcomed by the Church in their new country.

This formation cycle responds to a concrete reality: the growing need to accompany migrant brothers and sisters with dignity, faith, and commitment. The Migrant Pastoral Ministry of the Diocese of Paterson continues to invite the faithful to become involved, recognizing that service to the most vulnerable is a living expression of the Gospel.

The upcoming sessions will continue to prepare leaders who can serve as bridges of hope, support, and justice within their parish communities.

For more information about the Migrant Pastoral Ministry, please contact Miguel Rodríguez at MRodriguez@patersonDiocese.org

[See image gallery at beaconnj.org]

Diocese of Paterson Migrant Pastoral Ministry launches parish leadership training #Catholic –

A three-session formation cycle aims to prepare ministers to accompany immigrant communities with faith, service, and justice

The Migrant Pastoral Ministry of the Diocese of Paterson has launched a formation cycle for future Parish Migrant Ministry leaders, as a concrete effort to strengthen support for the region’s immigrant communities.

The first gathering took place on Saturday, March 21, bringing together more than 80 parishioners from eight parishes, all united by the desire to be formed and to serve in this ministry. The event was supported by Father Javier Bareño, pastor of St. Anthony of Padua Parish in Passaic, N.J., and featured the participation of Father Duberney Villamizar, episcopal vicar for Hispanic Affairs of the Diocese of Paterson.

Diocesan Coordinator Miguel Antonio presented the details of the initiative, which will unfold across three sessions. The second gathering is scheduled for Saturday, April 18, at Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Dover, N.J., and the formation cycle will conclude on May 16 at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Paterson, N.J.

Comprehensive formation: Faith, justice, and accompaniment

The first session included presentations addressing both the pastoral dimension and the practical aspects of accompanying migrants.

Marilú González, representative of the national Migrant Pastoral Ministry office based in Chicago, Ill., emphasized the close relationship between this ministry and Christian commitment, stressing that this work demands long-term dedication, with the goal of channeling resources, accompanying processes, and promoting fair treatment for those facing the challenges of the current immigration climate.

Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.

Immigration attorney Mayra Cano offered legal guidance, clarifying key issues and providing practical advice for situations involving contact with immigration authorities. In the same line,  Leslie Tejada, representing the office of Senator Cory A. Booker, along with Henrique Ferreira, director of Community Outreach, shared information about resources available at the state level.

Father Alex Gaitán, director of Migrant Pastoral Ministry for the Archdiocese of Newark, and Damaris Nostrand presented a sobering account of conditions at the Delaney Hall immigration detention center in Newark, describing the circumstances faced by many individuals detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Building a Network of Support

One of the primary goals of these sessions is the formation of parish teams that will serve as the foundation for a strong support network, built on three core pillars: service, accompaniment, and justice.

The gathering also featured firsthand accounts from parishes already active in this field. Carmen Patricia Bautista, from the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark, N.J., presented a resource kit developed by her community to guide those seeking assistance. Teresa Prendergast, from Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Paterson, highlighted collaborative efforts among various organizations, including joint initiatives with Protestant churches in the area.

Testimonies of hope and commitment

Participant testimonies reflected the profound impact of the gathering.

José E. Sánchez, from Sacred Heart and Holy Rosary Parish in Dover, N.J., highlighted the importance of close accompaniment for migrant families and the essential role of parish leaders. Nancy Ruiz, from St. Gerard Majella Parish in Paterson, N.J., described the experience as deeply edifying, emphasizing the need to be formed in order to guide the community and remind people that they are not alone.

Evelyn Leiton, Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist at St. Paul in Prospect Park, N.J., spoke to the reality faced by many families dealing with separation, and expressed her desire to offer close support. Brenda Sánchez, from Our Lady Queen of Peace in Branchville, N.J., expressed gratitude for the opportunity to participate and her eagerness to serve the community.

Deacon Luis Carlos Méndez, from St. Christopher in Parsippany, underscored the urgent need for accompaniment, affirming that migrants need to feel loved and welcomed by the Church in their new country.

This formation cycle responds to a concrete reality: the growing need to accompany migrant brothers and sisters with dignity, faith, and commitment. The Migrant Pastoral Ministry of the Diocese of Paterson continues to invite the faithful to become involved, recognizing that service to the most vulnerable is a living expression of the Gospel.

The upcoming sessions will continue to prepare leaders who can serve as bridges of hope, support, and justice within their parish communities.

For more information about the Migrant Pastoral Ministry, please contact Miguel Rodríguez at MRodriguez@patersonDiocese.org

[See image gallery at beaconnj.org]