Holy Cross
Catholic Parish
Mesa Arizona
Justice & Peace Ministry
Justice & Peace Ministry
The Ministry for Justice and Peace for Refugees, Immigrants, and Migrants at Holy Cross helps Diocesan-approved institutions by providing humanitarian aid and information on volunteer opportunities, and by raising awareness through education programs. The goal is to protect the human dignity and God-given rights of each person.
Many ask, “Who are we helping?”
Refugees
who are granted refugee status by the United Nations due to a well-founded case of persecution, and who are cleared for entrance to America by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. These families have fled violence and persecution in their homelands—countries like, Burma, Congo, Sudan, Syria, and Ukraine. Some come from Afghanistan and from Iraq, where helping our military efforts put their lives in danger. Others are from countries where ethnic discrimination has deprived them of their homes and livelihoods. Still others escape from war-torn countries. Many have spent more than 10 years in refugee camps. We help them through the REFUGEE RESETTLEMENT & REUNIFICATION PROGRAMS of Catholic Charities Community Services of Phoenix (602 997-6105).
Unaccompanied Minors
who are foreign-born children in the United States without parents or legal guardians. This includes refugee children who have lost or become separated from their parents and relatives due primarily to war or persecution. When they arrive, they are processed by the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services, and some enter the UNACCOMPANIED MINOR PROGRAM of Catholic Charities Community Services of Phoenix (602 944-1819). They are immediately enrolled in school and loving foster homes are found where they feel safe and are well cared for. At the same time, any clues to finding their families are explored thoroughly. In a few cases, adoptive parents are needed. Over 700 of these children have been served in the Phoenix area.
"I am so glad to hear it."
–that Holy Cross in Mesa has a Ministry for Justice and Peace for Refugees, Immigrants and Migrants that is five years old.
Bishop Dolan
September 18, 2022
Afghan Refugees in Phoenix,
some of whom are coming through the refugee resettlement process as Special Immigrant Visa Holders; and a large group who, under emergency conditions, were evacuated and are being “paroled” (meaning “admitted”) into the United States for urgent humanitarian protection. More than 150 families are being assisted by the AFGHAN RESETTLEMENT PROGRAM of Catholic Charities Community Services of Phoenix (602 944-1819).
Migrants deported or expelled to Nogales, Mexico; and migrants fleeing their home countries because of violence and persecution
who find their way to the MIGRANT OUTREACH CENTER of the Kino Border Initiative (520 287-2370) that is within walking distance of the Nogales ports. Most arrive disoriented with little more than the clothes on their backs. The center continues each year to provide accompaniment and collective care to the thousands who are deported after having worked in the United States for an average of 15 years, as well as to those who wait for months to apply for entry into the United States. Ninety percent of those served are from Mexico, and eighty-four percent indicate they are separated from their families. Last year, 199,400 meals were served.
Asylum Seekers
dropped off in the Phoenix area by agencies of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security are those who arrived in the United States seeking protection from persecution or serious human rights violations in their countries, have not yet been legally recognized as refugees, and are waiting to appear in immigration court and ultimately to receive a decision on their asylum claims. They are served by amazing networks of non-governmental organizations, faith-based groups, and individual volunteers who welcome them, and provide humanitarian needs and assist with travel arrangements for reaching their sponsoring families.