Here at Saint Thomas More we acknowledge the feelings of sorrow, anger, and helplessness many of us are feeling at the increased presence of ICE in our community. We grieve the loss of Renee Good, we grieve the loved ones who have been unjustly ripped from their families, and we grieve as a community that has been wounded. As St. Paul reminds us, “there should be no division in the body, its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part of the body suffers, all suffer together with it; if one part of the body is honored, all rejoice together with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.” (1 Corinthians 12:25-27). In this moment, we suffer together, united as one. Our parish community is deeply committed to the plight of immigrants and refugees, and we feel the increased presence of ICE in Minnesota and the climate of hostility more acutely. We promised you we would gather local resources for accompaniment, support, and education; you'll see all of that and more represented below. It’s crucial that our response comes from a place rooted in the gospels, and that we continue to love our neighbors as ourselves and choose compassion over indifference. Take a look and see where God is calling you to act in love.FR. R.J.'S STATEMENTFR. R.J.'S 01-11-26 HOMILY TRANSCRIPTJOINT SCHOOL AND PARISH STATEMENTSTM STAFF FAVE SMALL BUSINESS BITES
This fund provides education, action, and advocacy opportunities around the needs of migrants and refugees. We are involved in a refugee mentor program (LSS), coordinate and support the STM sanctuary and asylum program, and work with city-wide immigration coalitions to share information, resources, and identify needs. DONATE NOW
Our Twin Cities Archdiocese provides several resources for schools, parishes, and families including what to do when ICE approaches you/your place of work, and helpful videos and downloads.VISIT IMMIGRATION PAGE
Based in Minneapolis, ICOM works in tandem with immigrant rights and legal organizations, offers emotional, material, and financial support to immigrants and their families, and gathers every second Tuesday morning at the Whipple Building to pray for those unjustly detained by ICE.VISIT WEBSITE
Based in Ohio, the Ignatian Solidarity Network educates and forms advocates for social justice animated by the spirituality of St. Ignatius of Loyola and the witness of the Jesuit martyrs of El Salvador and their companions. Visit their website to learn how you can educate, pray, and advocate for justice year-round.VISIT WEBSITE
The Immigrant Defense Network (IDN) is a network of over 90 immigrant, labor, legal, faith, and community organizations dedicated to protecting and advancing the constitutional rights of immigrants across Minnesota. IDN delivers trusted information, referrals to legal support, and coordinated educational activities and resources. VISIT WEBSITE
The Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota (ILCM) is a nonprofit organization that provides free immigration legal representation to low-income immigrants and refugees in Minnesota and North Dakota. Help and resources are also available.VISIT WEBSITE
Monarca, based in the Twin Cities, is a rapid response network that sends trained responders to witness federal activity in our communities. They provide trainings all around the Twin Cities, and additional resources. Call their hotline anytime you see ICE. (612-441-2881) VISIT WEBSITE
Neighborhood House has supported immigrants and refugees on St. Paul’s West Side for over 128 years. Their work encompasses education (partnering with St. Paul Public Schools), food support, housing stability, language learning, etc.
VISIT WEBSITE
United Way provides free and confidential health and human services information across the state of Minnesota. They connect refugees and immigrants with essential social services like housing, food, jobs, English classes, and legal help, including referrals to resettlement services. Call 2-1-1
Since 1988, Arrive Ministries has resettled more than 12,000 refugees in Minnesota. In partnership with local churches, volunteers extend love and friendship to our new neighbors to help them thrive in a new homeland. There are several ways to get involved and classes to attend, see their website below.
Conversations with Friends connects people as pen-pals with immigrants in detention and provides support for migrants being deported and their families. We hosted a "Dignity Backpack" event with CWF last spring!
CLINIC provides training and support to a dedicated network of more than 400 Catholic and community-based immigration law providers in 49 states. CLINIC's program areas are Advocacy, Field Engagement, Training and Technical Assistance, and Religious Immigration Services.
These local schools are asking community members to stand outside during morning drop-off and afternoon dismissal to observe and keep kids safe. Please bring a whistle to alert staff and neighbors to the presence of ICE. Saint Thomas More Catholic School: 8:00 AM and 3:00 PMCristo Rey Jesuit High School: 7:45 AM and 3:00 PMCentral High School: 8:00 AM and 3:00 PM
Even though it's not listed in each short bio, every resource is accepting donations that are crucial to their operations and outreach. If you have questions about any of these opportunities, please contact the parish office: 651-227-7669