Connections
An Invitation to Cross-Cultural Workers for Service in the U.S.A.
"Our faith calls us to a different road - a path of global responsibility and solidarity."
Called to Global Solidarity, p. 3
Each year thousands of immigrants and refugees come to the United States seeking to make a new life for themselves. They come with their own hopes and dreams, as well as their own languages and cultural backgrounds. Upon arrival in the United States, many of them are intimidated by the complexity of settling in to a foreign country.
Newcomers face not only the difficulty of learning a new language, but they also must confront the differences in culture. Consequently, there is a great need for people with the skills and knowledge necessary to facilitate the integration of newcomers into American society. Many times this is done through Church based organizations and initiatives.
People who have served cross-culturally are a significant resource to dioceses and organizations in integrating newcomers. Their language skills and knowledge of various cultures and ethnic communities can be invaluable. In fact it is common for many cross-cultural workers to seek opportunities which allow them to integrate and use their skills and experiences in their own country.
Therefore, Migration and Refugee Services (MRS) seeks to connect former cross-cultural workers and other interested volunteers with the various networks and ethnic communities that could benefit from their language skills and cultural knowledge.
They seek to make these connections to address both the pastoral and social needs of newcomers in the spirit of global solidarity.
These needs include:
Liturgical aids and materials
Catechesis and catechetical materials
Leadership development
Translation
Cultural orientation and transitioning
ESL training
Advocacy work
Employment counseling
Job training
Housing searches
Social interaction
If you are a former cross-cultural worker (religious or lay) or a potential volunteer interested in exploring possibilities for service in the U.S. with newly-arriving immigrant and refugee groups, please contact:
Migration and Refugee Services / APD
Attn: Cross-Cultural Work Application
3211 4th Street, Northeast
Washington, DC 20017-1194
Email:
pcmr@nccbuscc.org Phone: (202) 541-3341
Upon receiving your email, we will connect you with the appropriate local contact person.
"Beyond differences of language, race, ethnicity, gender, culture, and nation, we are one human family." (Called to Global Solidarity, p.3)
