Saint Kateri Migrant Ministry
Migrant Worker Ministry Mission Statement - To help create Communities of Faith, Welcome, and Services adapted to the particular needs of sisters and brothers from other countries temporarily working and living in the Diocese of Patterson
Vision Statement - We the Parish community of Saint Kateri come together through the recognition of the health needs of the migrant community of Sussex County in order to promote wellness and healthcare. By providing needs based health resources the migrant community will acknowledge that the services are accessible and safe.
Ministry Overview:
The Migrant Ministry is a volunteer outreach ministry to the Hispanic immigrant population of the Sparta-Andover-Newton area. It is operated in conjunction with a diocesan effort to provide a spiritual base with Masses in Spanish and fellowship dinners as well as advocacy and support in the areas of non-emergency, acute medical and dental care and English as a second language education. You do not need to speak Spanish to volunteer in this ministry.
There is a vibrant community of immigrant workers in the Patterson diocese that has been recognized by Bishop Rodimer and Bishop Serratelli as the Community of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of the Americas. A pastoral plan for the diocese has been developed and is being implemented. Currently, Father Alex Londono has been appointed as acting director of The Migrant Ministry of the Diocese of Patterson. Saint Kateri has been named as the host parish for Sussex County and provides leadership and support as part of this plan in the activities described below:
Migrant Ministry Volunteer Needs:
Liturgy and Spiritual Outreach
A Mass in Spanish is held the1st, and 4th Monday of each month at Saint Kateri. A meal and fellowship is shared among the community following the Mass on the 4th Monday of the month. Mass is also celebrated on Sunday at 2:30 at St Joseph Parish in Newton.
Volunteers Needed: Musicians at mass, food Preparation, serving and clean-up at the fellowship dinner– you do not need to speak Spanish
Bilingual Helpline - Linea de Ayuda en Espanol de Saint Kateri –1-877-724-5112
The Helpline is an assistance line answered by a bilingual volunteer. Anyone needing assistance can call the above telephone number and leave a message and someone will contact the caller during the same day. It is not an emergency line. The telephone service has been established to provide assistance for the Hispanic community not yet comfortable with the English language to inquire about services - primarily Medical and Dental care. However, the hotline volunteer will attempt to direct each caller's message to the appropriate coordinator of services no matter what the question may be.
Volunteers Needed: Bilingual volunteers to answer the phone messages
Health Care
Several area doctors and dentists volunteer their time and talent by providing medical services at their office locations for acute care to the migrant workers and their families. Community clinics are available to provide longer-term care. St Kateri ministry volunteers act as patient Advocates and system Navigators; assisting people receive the health care they need. By providing needs based health resources the Migrant community will acknowledge that the services are accessible and safe. St Kateri also acts as a representative of the Hispanic community as an active member of the North Jersey Health coalition.
Volunteers Needed: advocates, translators
Language Skills
Free English classes are available through Literacy Volunteer and the Sussex County Community College
St Kateri offers assistance in enrolling in these programs.
Spanish reading and writing classes are also available for the Hispanic immigrant who needs knowledge in reading and writing Spanish - their first language.
Volunteers Needed: Bilingual Spanish teachers
Education Support
Tutoring – St Kateri Migrant Ministry in collaboration with Blair Academy offer tutoring for Hispanic children enrolled in the Elementary and Secondary level. We communicate directly with the child’s teacher for recommendations of extra study needed. Tutoring take place on Wednesdays, from 4:00-5:00, at the Merriam Ave. School in Newton.
Contact information:
Pam or Ed Madzy 973-726-0789 or stiles33@embarqmail.com
Linea de Ayuda en Espanol de Saint Kateri –1-877-724-5112