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Updates & Resources:
2026 World Day of Migrants and Refugees/National Migration Week
Pope Leo XIV's Message for the World Day on Migrants and Refugees
On August 11, Pope Leo XIV issued his message in honor of the World Day of Migrants and Refugees, which focuses on the situation confronting child migrants in today’s world and challenges us to respond proactively to their needs. We hope that you will take a moment to reflect on the message and respond in action accordingly. The message is available on the Vatican website.
2026 WORLD DAY OF MIGRANTS AND REFUGEES TOOLKIT
This toolkit will help to inform you and your local community on issues related to the upcoming World Day of Migrants and Refugees (September 27), particularly as it pertains to the theme, “Even just one of these children.” Also included in the toolkit are sample intercessions, backgrounders on the intersection of Catholic teaching and migration, and a sample handout that can be used to highlight the celebration. Please use it and share it widely.
Please also visit the USCCB website for more information on this celebration.
UPCOMING WEBINAR - “Even just one of these children”: A Webinar for The World Day of Migrants and Refugees (Wednesday, September 23; 2:00 PM EST)
The USCCB’s Secretariat of Migration is happy to invite you to a webinar that will highlight some of the key implications of this year’s World Day of Migrants and Refugees as it pertains to child migration. and This event will feature experts who can shed light on the international and domestic dynamics related to this issue.
Register to attend this webinar.
PRESIDENTIAL ADVOCACY - USCCB President Sends Letter to President Trump Regarding Haitian Families
On September 8, 2026, Archbishop Paul Coakley, president of the USCCB, wrote to President Donald Trump about the current situation facing many Haitian families, both in the United States and in Haiti. In his letter, Archbishop Coakley urged the President to provide deferred enforced departure for Haitians peacefully residing in the United States.
View the Archbishop’s letter.
TAKE ACTION - Ask Your Representative to Support a Just Solution for TPS Holders and Dreamers
The USCCB has launched an action alert in support of the American Dream and Promise Act (H.R. 1589), which could soon be voted upon in the U.S. House of Representatives. This bipartisan bill would essentially provide a fair, just, and long-term legal solution for Dreamers and those who have been lawfully relying on temporary protected status or deferred enforced departure for several years.
Complete and share this action alert.
JUDICIAL ADVOCACY - USCCB Submits Amicus Brief in Supreme Court Case Related to Immigration Detention
Together with the Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. (CLINIC), the USCCB filed an amicus brief in Genalo v. Keisy G.M., a case currently before the Supreme Court of the United States. The question before the court primarily addressed by the USCCB’s brief is whether those subject to mandatory detention, if detained for an “unreasonably prolonged” period of time, are entitled to due process protections under the U.S. Constitution, such that they would be entitled to judicial review of their continued detention. In response to that question, the USCCB and CLINIC argue that history and legal precedent require constitutional due process protections be applied to noncitizens in detention.
View the amicus brief.
REMEMBERANCE - Marking September 11 Anniversary, Archbishop Coakley Offers Prayers and Encourages Continued Commitment to be Instruments of Peace
Archbishop Coakley released a statement ahead of the 25th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks that resulted in the tragic loss of life in New York City, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania. As conflicts intensify around the world, he invites us to “renew our commitment to be Christ’s instruments of peace in an increasingly fractured and divided world”, quoting our Holy Father, who says, “even in places where only rubble remains, and despair seems inevitable, we still find people who have not forgotten peace.”
Read the Archbishop’s full statement.
UPCOMING WEBINAR - Faithful Accompaniment: Supporting Those Working in Migration Ministry (Friday, October 9; 1:00 – 2:00 PM EST)
Join the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), Catholic Health Association (CHA), National Association of Catholic Chaplains (NACC), and Ascension for a one-hour webinar exploring how pastoral, healthcare, and social service professionals can faithfully accompany migrants and immigrant families while also caring for themselves and one another. For those serving in migration ministry, the need for supportive care for caregivers has never been greater. Grounded in Catholic social teaching and the Church's call to accompany migrants, this webinar will examine practical approaches to providing comprehensive care and fostering renewal while walking alongside migrants and their families. Please register to attend this event.
UPCOMING EVENT – CLINIC Interfaith Immigration Summit
Faith calls us to welcome. Law shapes how we respond. This fall, we're bringing those conversations together.
Registration is now open for the inaugural CLINIC Interfaith Immigration Summit, Oct. 29-30, 2026. This national virtual gathering will bring together faith leaders, legal practitioners, advocates and scholars from across traditions to explore immigration through shared values of human dignity, welcome, and justice. Over two half-days of live virtual programming, participants will engage in interfaith dialogue, practical discussions and timely conversations examining the intersection of faith, immigration law, and public policy — and what our diverse faith traditions call us to do in this moment.
Please be sure to learn more about the event and register for it.
ICYMI - USCCB Submits Comment on Proposed Changes to Sponsor Vetting Requirements for Unaccompanied Children, Encouraging Both Child Protection and Family Reunification
The USCCB submitted a public comment on proposed changes to the Office of Refugee Resettlement's regulations for evaluating prospective sponsors of unaccompanied noncitizen children. The comment expresses concern that new identity and income verification requirements, unless accompanied by adequate flexibility, could prevent family reunification and lead to children unnecessarily remaining in government custody for prolonged periods. At the same time, it emphasizes the Church’s commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of this highly vulnerable population. This applies even beyond the point of reunification with a safe sponsor, such as through post-release services, including meaningful access to legal counsel, and the robust enforcement of federal anti-trafficking and child labor laws generally.
Read the full comment here.
ICYMI - 2026 Catechetical Sunday material
Catechetical Sunday takes place on September 20 and is an opportunity to acknowledge the importance of the Church’s teaching ministry and to honor those who serve the Christian community as catechists. In the United States, Catechetical Sunday was first observed with national catechetical congresses held in conjunction with the Vatican celebration. The theme for this year’s Catechetical Sunday is “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me… to bring good news to the poor.” Resources for this celebration are available on their website. Of particular pertinence is the resource that focuses on migration and our call as Catholics to accompany migrants in this perilous time.
UPCOMING EVENT: Mass in Washington, DC on September 27th for the 2026 World Day of Migrants and Refugees (WDMR)
If you are in the Washington DC-metro area on Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026, you are welcome to attend the 5:30 PM Mass at St. Matthew’s Cathedral and celebrate the 112th World Day of Migrants and Refugees. Cardinal Robert McElroy, Archbishop of Washington, will officiate the Mass. You are also welcome to join a Rosary for migrants and refugees prior to the WDMR Mass outside of the Cathedral at 4:30 PM. Alternatively, you can watch a livestream of the WDMR Mass (5:30 PM Eastern/2:30 PM Pacific) wherever you are in the U.S. at this link: https://youtube.com/live/8mm2CVY12BQ?feature=share
Please share this link with your networks and other supporters of immigrants and refugees.
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