Migrant Worker Ministry

On September 25^th, the Migrant Worker Ministry hosted a Spanish mass and dinner for our migrant parishioners at St. Christopher Church in Forest.  Thankfully, Rev. Jason Kuntz presided on very short notice.  It was another beautiful celebration thanks to all the migrant workers who attended and the music team from London, Yaneth and Olando Arila.  This was our Mexican Independence Day celebration dinner, which was served to 83 migrant workers and at least a dozen volunteers.  Everyone was treated to Tamales, rice and beans and all the fixings, and traditional Mexican desserts.  The final Spanish mass and dinner for this year will be on October 30^th.  The theme will be “Thanksgiving”.

The Sarnia Deanery Migrant Worker Ministry would like to express a huge Thank You to every parish, every Catholic Women's League Council, every Knights of Colombus Council and every other organization and individual who supported the Migrant Worker Ministry Welcome and Thank You Gifts Project.  A total of 5 counties in our diocese (Sarnia Lambton, West Middlesex, West Elgin, Chatham Kent and Huron) participated in this special welcome project during Covid, bringing the total number of gift bags to over 500! 

Your donations supported migrant workers on farms and greenhouses in the Sarnia Lambton Deanery.  We shopped for and prepared 245 gift bags with deliveries to be completed by July 5th.  It was a huge undertaking but worth every effort.  As you will see in these photos, the workers were overwhelmed by our show of support, love and solidarity. 

During Covid many of us realize more than ever how dependent we all are upon each other, in particular the people who support our food and health systems.  Our migrant guest workers who live and labour in our neighbourhoods are some of the essential workers we have learned to appreciate and thank every day. 
We owe a huge debt of gratitude to all our migrant worker parishioners.  Each  year they make a great sacrifice when they leave their families and country to work on our farms and greenhouses growing our food and plants.  Often they are away from their families up to 8 months at a time.  There are some workers who have been temporary workers in Canada for over 20 years.  The following is taken from the welcome message delivered to the workers with this project.

"Agricultural employers, and the rural population have always known how much guest workers do for us, but over the past year, the Canadian population in general has come to understand the crucial role that all of you play in our economy, particularly with regard to growing and processing food.  Also  we recognize the great sacrifice that you make for the sake of your loved ones back home.  For your sacrifice and your hard work, we are truly very grateful."

Please hold your gratitude, love and prayers and solidarity for our migrant workers, our guest parishioners, in your hearts every day as we enjoy the fruits of their labour. 

For more information contact:
Azuani Cano, Migrant Worker Ministry Specialist
[email protected]