V Encuentro Proceedings and Conclusions

128 | Proceedings and Conclusions of the V National Encuentro of Hispanic/Latino Ministry 20. MIGRANT MINISTRY I. Vision The V National Encuentro is a pivotal moment in the history of the Church in the United States, in which God has created a truly transformative opportunity to welcome, protect, promote, and integrate migrant communities in Church and society. Some aspects of this ministry are well established, such as providing spiritual formation, accompaniment, and sacramental preparation for migrant children, youth, and young adults, as well as collaborating with social, legal, and health service agencies to provide information and referrals to migrants and support to their families. It is also a moment to consider new initiatives and strategies such as forming parish groups for migrant ministry, and recruiting and forming leaders with a vocation to accompany the migrants. II. Social and Religious Context in Hispanic Ministry • The social and political climate against immigrants and immigration laws is a great challenge, with a lack of appreciation for the vital services they provide under difficult circumstances. The Church should raise its prophetic voice in favor of the poor and migrants, whether or not they are Catholic. • Latino migrants in the United States are on the move for various reasons: » » Industries related to food production (i.e. farmworkers) » » Transportation industry (i.e. long-haul truck drivers) » » Traveling shows (i.e. circus, concert tours, fairs and carnivals, auto racing, rodeos, etc.) » » Maritime industry (i.e. seafarers and merchant marines) » » Civil aviation industry (i.e. travelers and airport staff) » » Forced migration (i.e. victims of human trafficking or natural disaster, internally displaced persons, and asylum seekers) • Immigration status varies (H2-A, H2-B, citizen, undocumented, permanent resident, etc.). • The primary pastoral needs currently being addressed in migrant ministries are related to providing sacraments, faith formation, leadership development, support for work environment issues, and cultural traditions—usually without resources, support, or legal help, and against the prevailing social, political, and economic forces. • The basic needs of migrant workers can be overwhelming: clothing, personal items, and food. It is difficult to receive the Gospel when hungry or without anything to call one’s own. • Migrant workers tend to be underserved or even neglected by parishes and dioceses, showing a high degree of isolation and a lack of sensitivity or even awareness. • Main themes addressed for all migrants: unfair recruitment processes, retaliation, wage and hour abuse, health and safety risks, lack of workers’ compensation, isolated or substandard living conditions, and limited access to justice. • In the agricultural economic sectors: » » More than 3.2 million people in the United States work in food production-related industries from farming to fishing to crop production, with nearly half involved in crop production, followed by raising livestock on land and in water (about 20%), and animal slaughter (about 7%). » » There are seven dioceses where more than one in ten workers are involved in food production industries: Dodge City, Grand Island, New Ulm, Yakima, Fresno, Sioux City, and Monterey. Ministerial Area Sessions