RALEIGH, N.C. — Parishioners at St. Andrew the Apostle Parish are continuing to put their faith into action through a growing immigration support ministry rooted in Catholic teaching and solidarity.
Members of the parish’s NC Cabrini Collaborative have been engaging fellow parishioners in reflecting on the Church’s longstanding principles regarding migration and human dignity.
Inspired in part by the Faith over Fear message promoted by Bishop Luis Zarama and other U.S. bishops, the group has worked to raise awareness and foster unity with immigrant communities.
“Our immigrant brothers and sisters need to know that we stand with them in solidarity,” said parishioner and volunteer Bill Carey, a member of the collaborative. “The Church’s teaching on migration is both reasonable and deeply rooted in the Gospel.”
During Divine Mercy Sunday weekend in April, St. Andrew's parishioners were invited to sign a large poster expressing gratitude to the U.S. bishops for their advocacy on behalf of immigrants. The initiative served both as a visible sign of support and an opportunity for parishioners to engage more deeply with Catholic social teaching.
The event, supported by pastor Father John Durbin, reflects a broader commitment within the parish to accompany immigrants and promote a culture of encounter, in keeping with the Church’s mission.
Organizers say they hope to continue expanding outreach efforts, encouraging more parish communities across the Diocese of Raleigh to reflect on and live out the Church’s call to welcome the stranger.
