Catholic Charities

Our Interfaith Center recently hosted a discussion called, “When I was a stranger…” A Discussion of Refugee Resettlement in Louisville. In a time when such a conversation seemed timely and necessary, I learned a lot from the talk. As far as people who come into the country go, refugees are the most intensely screened. After numerous checks, they are finally allowed to enter the US, but often they know little English and need an advocate to help them find places that accommodate their bare necessities. Catholic Charities works with the refugees to find them housing and employment. I didn’t realize that they work with private landlords to find refugees housing since most refugees have no credit score or Social Security number.

This discussion reminded me of the US Conference of Catholic Bishop’s document on Campus Ministry,Empowered by the Spirit. In the section, “Educating for Justice,” the Bishops state, “Campus ministry is called to make the struggle for social justice an integral part of its mission.” This is important to remember, that as much as our faith is for our own development and experience, we should be learning about social justice issues and advocating for those who are in need. Closed mindedness leads to fear, anger, and an unwillingness to help. Especially in the case of Syrian refugees and the political discourse surrounding the issue, we must remember to open our minds and hearts to these people who have come from a country ravaged by war. “For I was a stranger and you welcomed me” (Matthew 25:35).

Ben Vivona, University of Louisville, Catholic Campus Ministry Leadership Team