Immigration + Refugee Ministries: Past, Present, and Future

Flor Saldivar
Director of Latino + Immigration Ministries

Immigration + Refugee Ministries has taken on many forms throughout the years. From serving as an online prayer community and emergency housing task force to providing education to churches and operating a migrant respite center, change has been a constant, and the ministry has learned to adapt to and embrace it. However, as we look to the future, one message is clear: to remain effective, we must empower our churches to respond to the recurring patterns of our history with readiness and purpose.  

Recently, I came across a 1989 article in the diocesan Church News archives about the plight of thousands of Central American refugees to Brownsville that year. Changes in government policy forced the refugees to remain in the city without access to shelter, fueling a humanitarian crisis. But rather than standing idly by, Advent, Brownsville, San Pablo, Brownsville, St. Andrew’s, Port Isabel, and others rallied together to respond.

The churches delivered water, clothing, and meals. They assisted with transportation, medical care, and restroom access, and joined with refugees to celebrate the Eucharist. Their work and commitment to supporting their neighbors served as a powerful example of a church-led response and immigration ministry. But it was not the only example. As I continued to browse through the archives, I found more and more stories of churches across the diocese leading their own immigration and refugee ministry efforts and realized that we hadn’t started a new ministry in 2020 after all. Our churches have led immigration and refugee ministries locally all along and continue to do so, as evidenced by the first seven months of 2025.

As changes in government policies have started to mirror events from the past such as the event in 1989, our congregations are seeking support to meet their current realities: education on policy changes, Know Your Rights guidance, preparedness planning, and other educational tools. And this time, rather than leading the way as a diocesan ministry, we’re returning to our historic model and following your lead, serving as connectors and educators as you respond and prepare for the changes ahead.

To reflect this shift, Immigration and Refugee Ministries will become Latino + Immigration Ministries. We will update our logos, newsletter, and webpage to reflect the new ministry, and you will gain access to numerous resources for each ministry area. The monthly Migrant Cycle of Prayer community will return. An Advent study produced in partnership with the Christian Formation and Small Churches Ministry departments will be released, and much, much more. Get involved—sign up here to receive our latest updates and ensure your congregation benefits from these resources. And as always, we look forward to walking with you in this exciting new chapter of ministry.

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