Scripture Reading – Responsorial Psalm, Epiphany of the Lord PS 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-11, 12-13

Catechesis Video

Grades K-6 & Domestic Church

1. Mister Q talks about Ellis Island; what was Ellis Island and what happened there?
2. Mister Q introduces his grandpa “Papa” to talk about his family’s immigration story. How does Papa describe how immigrants were treated when his family came to the United States?
3. Does your family have an immigration story? If so, do you know what it is?

Witness Video 

Witness Video Reflection Questions

Grades K-6 and Domestic Church

1. Have you ever been new to some place: a new school, group, city? What did it feel like?
2. How can we welcome new people to our school, community, or country?
3. What do we all have in common with people who are new to our community or school?

Action Steps

Grades K-6

1. Learn about our country’s immigrant past and present.
2. Make a sign that shows your support for immigrants, welcoming your neighbors that live in your community.
3. Give up your favorite toy or video game for a week and think about how hard it is for those who have to give up everything they have in order to migrate to another country.

Domestic Church

1. Learn the story of migrants today  – Many of us are connected in some way to the life of an immigrant whether in our own family, a friend, coworker, or fellow parishioner.
2. Participate in advocacy for the rights of migrants and refugees by speaking out or contacting government officials to encourage them to support laws and policies that promote the dignity of migrants and refugees. Learn more at: justiceforimmigrants.org
3. Give up your favorite toy or video game for a week and think about how hard it is for those who have to give up everything they have in order to migrate to another country.

Closing Prayer

Lord Jesus, when you multiplied the loaves and fishes, you provided more than food for the body, you offered us the gift of yourself, the gift which satisfies every hunger and quenches every thirst! Your disciples were filled with fear and doubt, but you poured out your love and compassion on the migrant crowd, welcoming them as brothers and sisters.

Lord Jesus, today you call us to welcome the members of God’s family who come to our land to escape oppression, poverty, persecution, violence, and war. Like your disciples, we too are filled with fear and doubt and even suspicion. We build barriers in our hearts and in our minds.

Lord Jesus, help us by your grace,

• To banish fear from our hearts, that we may embrace each of your children as our own brother and sister;
• To welcome migrants and refugees with joy and generosity, while responding to their many needs;
• To realize that you call all people to your holy mountain to learn the ways of peace and justice;
• To share of our abundance as you spread a banquet before us;
• To give witness to your love for all people, as we celebrate the many gifts they bring.

We praise you and give you thanks for the family you have called together from so many people. We see in this human family a reflection of the divine unity of the one Most Holy Trinity in whom we make our prayer: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.