Our parish church is a refuge, a safe port in the stormy seas of life, a place of rest for the weary. The Church is the People of God and we must be a refuge for each other, just as Christ is a refuge for us.

     Throughout history people have gone to churches for spiritual, pastoral, and material assistance. Communities of faith have attempted to live out the Gospel of Matthew 25:31-46: “Whatever you did for the least of my brothers and sisters, you did for me…”

Here at our parish the homeless men and women sometimes find comfort through a food sale on a Saturday and/or Sunday. Some of you buy them a meal, or the parish group which is selling food offers them a meal. Then the women and men from the streets get to meet some of our parishioners as they eat with them in the Parish Hall.

When a hungry person comes to our door, we feed them. We have a food pantry on Tuesdays, and almost every day our parish offers a sandwich and a beverage to whomever asks. At Christmas we organize The Giving Tree and offer food, supplies, and gifts to families in need. This is what WE do as a parish community.

Furthermore, I want you to know that if a person or family came to the parish to ask for refuge in order to avoid arrest or deportation, our parish will do what is necessary. Even if the person is without all the proper documents to live in the United States, we will help them. The Diocese of Green Bay has offered to assist with the procedures and legal questions that may arise. We are not promoting breaking the law. We are emphasizing what the People of God do for one another: offer refuge and sanctuary.

We would do what is necessary to give the family time to determine their next steps. Just as slaves and those seeking political asylum have sought refuge in faith communities throughout history, we must consider the needs of refugees today. Individuals and families from other countries have sought asylum in the United States from government, gang, and domestic violence in their native countries. Others have escaped hopeless economic conditions. Faith communities have responded. While churches do not have an absolute, legal right to protect fugitives, the tradition of respecting such “sensitive areas” continues.

What would you do if a person fleeing violence and seeking safety arrived at your door? What do you do if a parent with hungry children arrives at your door asking for something to eat? Are you prepared for such a scenario? Let us be prepared!

Peace, Fr. Andy