CSJ Border Ministry

A young, 32-year-old mother from El Salvador came to the center with three children.  She was carrying her handicapped son and her 8-year-old son was holding the hand of the 4-year-old. Her husband had gone to the market and was killed in a crossfire. 

She knew that if she was killed her children would be put on the street to beg and the handicapped child would be killed because he would have been considered useless. Her brother in New York said that he would help them if she could get herself to the border and get to the states.

Sister Patrice Coolick says, "She was beautiful inside and out and her tenderness with her children would bring tears to my eyes.  I said to the 8-year-old how lucky she was to have him help her. His response was 'Well,someone has to do it so I guess it’s me.' What a parent won’t do to save their children."

Helping Hands, Generous Hearts

This story is just one of many from our sisters, associates and partners who serve in our border ministry, making trips to the U.S./Mexico border to serve at migrant hospitality centers in Texas, Arizona and California.

These centers a provide migrants and asylum seekers who have been released from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention centers food, clothing and shelter for a short-term stay. There, they contact family members or sponsors in the states who provide them with transportation to the next step in their immigration journey.

Our volunteers perform a variety of tasks including food service, laundry duty, clothing room management, supply shopping, transportation escorting and more. But more importantly, they make a connection with the people, especially the children.

Sister Maureen Freeman, organizer of the border ministry, says, "One of the joys of our lives is the children. Their parents bring some of the saddest stories I have ever heard. The inhumanity and violence that has happened in their countries is absolutely mind boggling. However, to see the joy in the eyes of these children after they have had a shower and some food, to watch them play in the yard, brings a satisfaction and joy that I cannot describe in words."

The ministry is not limited to volunteering. Donations of supplies, clothing and funds come are much needed--and the community is responding. We also partner with other organizations who share our values, such as our Helping Hands initiative.

Dignity and Respect for All

We believe in dignity and respect for all, a core value in Catholic Social Teaching. It is also a core value of the Sisters of St. Joseph: the unifying love of God and neighbor without distinction. We defend the human rights of migrants, asylum seekers and refugees through advocacy and action. We commit to investing our energy and resources in response to today's greatest needs including immigration and forced migration.

Donate to the CSJ Border Ministry (write "Border Ministry in the comment field).