The Migrant Workers Ministry is supported by various parishes within the Archdiocese of Vancouver. This initiative began within the Office of Service and Justice and continues to expand. As Christians, we are called to reach out to and pray for all migrants to emphasize the unity of the human family and the values of acceptance, hospitality, and love of neighbour. Therefore, the purpose of Migrant ministry is to share our joy and hopes with our brothers and sisters in Christ and to focus our attention on assisting Migrant Workers to integrate into our parish family.
Farm workers have been coming to Canada under the federal Seasonal Agricultural Workers Program since 1966. While there are no official statistics published, this practice is a growing phenomenon. Farm workers are predominantly men who come to Canada to work for up to 8 months each year leaving their families behind so they can provide better futures for them. They miss births, baptisms, first communions and even funerals of their loved ones to provide for their families here in Canada.
We have intentionally focused on the farm worker community to ensure pastoral care is provided while they reside and work in the lower mainland.
In order to make them feel welcome and to meet their spiritual needs, in Chilliwack we have Mass in Spanish on the last Sunday of the month from February to November along with a meal and fellowship. This means that we provide a maximum of ten meals per year. We are hoping that with your help we will be able to continue to show them the hospitality and support that they need so far from home.
We have a dedicated group of volunteers here at St. Mary's who prepare the meal and share friendship with these men. More are always welcome. If you speak Spanish, want to practice or learn some Spanish or just want to meet some new friends, the farm workers would love to meet you.
We are totally sustained by the generosity of St. Mary's parishioners. If you can help us financially and / or as a volunteer and of course with your prayers and friendship, we and they would be most grateful.
Dios te bendiga.
