Meeting of the migrant pastoral coordination team


On June 7, 2011, at the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, the commission for the coordination of priests and pastoral workers involved with migrant workers and asylum seekers convened to continue their discussions.

Over twenty priests, sisters and laypeople directly concerned with ministry to migrant workers and asylum seekers met for a second meeting, directed by the coordinator of the commission, Father David Neuhaus, Patriarchal Vicar for Hebrew speaking Catholics. Present were those working among the Filipino, Eritrean, Sudanese, Africans, Indians, Rumanians, Lebanese and South American populations, the foreigners in prisons, as well as the priests from the urban parishes in Israel: Jaffa, Tiberius and Eilat (where there are large foreign worker and asylum seeker populations).

After a word of welcome from Father David, the newcomers to the commission introduced themselves and their work. Father David then gave a report back on a meeting he had conducted with NGOs in Jaffa to find out more about the reality and rights of migrants in Israel.

At this meeting, visiting Eritrean priest, Father Mussie Zerai, based in Rome and working in refugee advocacy, was able to address the commission and make some helpful suggestions about structuring the pastoral outreach.

During the meeting, the commission welcomed Bishop William Shomali who assured the commission of full support from the Church authorities.

The agenda for discussion included:

- Assistance in obtaining visas for those coming to serve the migrant communities
- The pastoral among the children of migrants who fast become Hebrew speakers and acculturated to the secular, Jewish Israeli environment, particular through the school system
- The necessity of close liaison with the Local Church, the bishops and the parish priests in administering sacraments, preparing for sacraments and registering them
- Finding locations for community prayer outside the existing churches and particularly in areas where the Church has no traditional presence.

The following meeting was set for September.

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