Support Annunciation House in El Paso

Annunciation House

Linda Swindle, Glenn Rosendale and other volunteers from Casa de las Comunidades Catholic Worker House in Albuquerque make frequent trips to El Paso to bring food, clothing and other items to Annunciation House and other organizations in that border community that support refugees. Here is a note from Linda about a recent trip as well as information on how we can help.

February 16, 2019
Dear Friends,

Yesterday, Glenn and I made our 9th trip to El Paso. The shelter/motel which has become our main contact was expecting 120 refugees that day, and expected to need space at a Budget Motel next door to accommodate the group.

A flustered volunteer showed us all the underwear they had to distribute, folded and stacked on a double bed, clearly inadequate to the onslaught of needs she was facing. For a panoramic view, consider that 500 refugees total were expected that day for all Annunciation House shelters.

Glenn will make an extra trip next Friday, February 22, and we both will go again on Friday March 1. We decided to concentrate our donation request on the following:

• UNDERWEAR! children’s and small adults; (don’t forget men’s underwear, both briefs and boxers, colored if possible). Remember that these refugees are small. Youth 14-16 fits most men
• MEDICINES: cold/cough/ decongestants, cough drops, pain medicines in the following categories: infant, under age 12, and adult
• INDIVIDUAL SNACKS for traveling: cases of nutrition bars, fruit bars, Rice Krispy Treats (kids love them); small packets of nuts, cracker/peanut butter kits (eg. “Jif To-Go” at Sam’s Club/Costco, Austin’s Toasty peanut butter crackers)
• INDIVIDUAL SHELF-LIFE MILK BOXES
• SMALL BACKPACKS; also tote bags for adults
• CASH as always, checks ok to “Annunciation House”

If you prefer to contribute by mail, go to annunciationhouse.org where you can donate by PayPal, or mail your check to Annunciation House, 815 Myrtle Ave, El Paso, TX 79901

With exception of Annunciation House, most shelters have no kitchens and rely on local families to supply 3 meals a day (!), we don’t have room for bulk ingredients such as pancake mix.

To arrange contact, text or call Glenn (505-489-8100) who lives in SE Albuquerque and Linda (505-515-6241) who lives in Taylor Ranch.

We are so grateful to have your support and prayers! As 6-month volunteer “Sue” said to us, it’s unimaginable to think of these refugees as criminals. Look at them. They are so hopeful, so thankful for anything, so eager to help.

Bless you all!

Linda and Glenn
Casa de las Comunidades Catholic Worker

Remer-Thaemert Receives Justice Award at Global Interfaith Gathering

Parliament of the World's Religions Justice Award - to an individual or organization whose commitment to interfaith cooperation has demonstrably advanced justice in the world.

The interfaith community of New Mexico is beaming with pride because one of our own received a special recognition at the 2018 Parliament of the World's Religions gathering in Toronto on Nov. 1-7. Justin Remer-Thaemert, executive director of the New Mexico Faith Coalition for Immigrant Justice, received the Justice Award. This was one of seven awards that were presented this year.

Congratulations Justin, for doing us proud!

Here is photograph, courtesy of Donna Kangeter

An Invitation to the 11th Annual International Village Feast

The Immigrant and Refugee Resource Village of Albuquerque cordially invites the public to the 11th International Village Feast on Sunday, October 28, at La Mesa Presbyterian Church (Social Hall), 7401 Copper NE, 4:00 p.m. Enjoy music, drumming, dance and cultural foods, and meet people from several countries. A minimum donation of $20 is requested for adults and $5 for children 5 to 12.

Celebrate World Refugee Day in #ABQ

Sample A Pint of St. Brigid's Brew,,,and Help Catholic Charities

St. Brigid's Brew is a local New Mexican dark chocolate style craft beer formulated by Abbey Brewing and distributed by Admiral Beverage to benefit Catholic Charities' programs. It will be available at Monks' Corner Taproom, 205 Silver Ave. SW, beginning June 10. Join in a special celebration (including food trucks and music) to introduce St. Brigid's Brew at Monks' Corner Taproom, 205 Silver SW G (map), 1:00-4:00 p.m.. For every $5 pint sold, $1 will be donated to Catholic Charities.

House Candidates Discuss Immigration, Poverty at Forum in #ABQ

Davis, Arnold-Jones, Princeton (standing), Lara, Haaland, Sedillo Lopez, Moya, Martinez (off frame)

On Wednesday, May 16, the eight individuals seeking to fill the soon-to-be vacant New Mexico Congressional District 1 seat in the House of Representatives participated in a discussion on immigration and other issues at First Presbyterian Church in Albuquerque. The race has drawn six Democrats (Pat Davis, Debra Haaland, Damian Lara, Damon Martinez, Paul Moya, Antoinette Sedillo Lopez), one Republican (Janice Arnold-Jones) and one Libertarian (Lloyd Princeton). The seat is currently held by Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham, who is leaving to run for governor of New Mexico.

The forum was organized by the New Mexico Faith Coalition for Immigrant Justice, Among the immigration issues that were discussed were the role of local police in enforcing immigration policy, the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program and locations within the city where immigration enforcement personnel should not be allowed to seek undocumented immigrants.

Poverty and Economic Development
One of the "other" issues that were discussed was child poverty and poverty in New Mexico in general.  As one who works on addressing hunger and poverty in our state, our country and overseas, this was an area of particular interest. The candidates addressed this issue in a somewhat superficial manner. To be fair, they couldn't go in depth because they were given 90 seconds to make a statement.

Here are some comments that stood out for me that were directly or indirectly relevant to the Bread for the World Offering of Letters, entitled For Such a Time as This. In New Mexico, the focus of our letters is on protecting the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which affect so many individuals and families in our state. Haaland addressed this issue directly. "Kids cannot learn when they're hungry," she said.  However, Martinez spoke of protecting safety net programs, and Sedillo Lopez spoke of the need to "radically expand" the earned-income tax credit (EITC), which is a position that Bread has supported.

Sedillo Lopez and Davis both spoke of the need to increase the minimum wage, although the former mentioned a specific figure: $15 per hour and then link any increases to inflation.

Another area that was discussed was education--specifically early childhood education, which the  candidates agreed could use more support. "The surest way out of poverty is to fix education," said Moya.  This was also a point of emphasis for Martinez, Sedillo-Lopez and Davis.  Lara mentioned the need to expand Headstart.

Arnold Jones addressed the need to reduce overregulation to promote economic growth in the state, while Princeton suggested that more effort should go to programs like vocational training in the state to help boost employment.

Letters to Candidates
While the forum did not lend itself to a broad discussion on hunger and poverty in New Mexico, we are hoping to raise the issue to the candidates between now and the November election.

After June 5, only one of the six Democrats will remain in the race, along with Arnold-Jones and Princeton. We hope to promote letters to the three candidates as part of our ongoing Offering of Letters efforts in New Mexico (along with continuing letters to our current House and Senate members).  The Congressional seat in the 2nd district is also open, so we may address letters to the eventual nominees seeking to replace Rep. Steve Pearce, who is also running for governor.  Stay tuned for more details.

As of May 15, four churches had written more than 500 letters to Reps. Lujan Grisham, Pearce, and Ben Ray Lujan and Sens. Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich (who is also running for re-election this year).

I was pleased to learn that the location of the congressional debate, First Presbyterian Church, is planning an Offering of Letters on May 20, a fact that Rev. Matthew Miller, pastor of the church, proudly pointed out to me. The letters written on May 20 will be dedicated on  May 27. Special thanks to Kirsten Marr for organizing this effort at First Presbyterian Church.

Refugee Choir to Perform on Saturday, April 21

South African Orion Duet and Matunda Ya Yesu African Childrens Choir.

South African Orion Duet Ministries, the Immigrant and Refugee Resource Village of Albuquerque (IIRVA) and New Mexico Women's Global Pathways (NMWGP) cordially invite the public to a concert featuring traditional African inspiring and uplifting songs, drumming and movement. The performers from Congo, Burundi, Mozambique, South Africa, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda range in age from 12 to 68.  

Saturday, April 21
Rio Rancho Seventh Day Adventist Church, 
1351 Westside Blvd. in Rio Rancho (map).   
Suggested Donation $20

Proceeds will benefit Matunda Ya Yesu African Choir, the IRRVA, and its flagship program, NMGWP. 

For more information contact Nkazi Sinandile, womensglobalpathways@gmail. com or (505) 435-5741

Catholic Charities to Hold Crafty Garage Sale in #ABQ on Saturday

Over the past few months, Catholic Charities of  Central New Mexico has received boxes and boxes of new crafting materials and holiday decorations. The agency is putting the surplus items to good use by offering the public a  one-time-only opportunity to obtain bargain crafting supplies and support our families that continue to struggle with poverty.  The items will be available for purchase at its In-Kind Donation Center, located at the Osuna Business Center, 3600 Osuna Blvd. NE #622 (map), on Saturday, February 3, 8:30 a.m. until Noon.

This flyer has more information.

Maryknoll Advent Reflection (Week 4): The Light Shines in Darkness

The culture of well-being, that makes us think of ourselves, that makes us insensitive to the cries of others, that makes us live in soap bubbles, that are beautiful but are nothing, are illusions of futility, of the transient, that brings indifference to others, that brings even the globalization of indifference. -Pope Francis (after a visit to visit the tiny island of Lampedusa off the coast of Sicily to pray for refugees and migrants lost at sea).  

Response: The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it.

The Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns reflection for the fourth Sunday of Advent reflection on the mystery of the Incarnation – how it is that the Messiah came to be with us (Luke 1:26-38) Mary, already full of God’s grace, cooperate d with God’s plan to bring salvation to all humanity through Jesus, who was fully human and also fully divine. In the model of Mary, we pray that we will be people of faith who recognize God’s saving plan for us all and are able respond with obedience.

On the first pastoral visit of his papacy, Pope Francis chose to visit the tiny island of Lampedusa off the coast of Sicily to pray for refugees and migrants lost at sea. Just days earlier, more than 300 Eritrean and Somali asylum seekers drowned within sight of the island. When their boat caught fire and sank, they had already traveled nearly 3,000 miles from their home countries in Africa.

Pope Francis used his visit to Lampedusa to expose the dark side of globalization that flows from the effects new communication technologies and the growing consumer culture have on our humanity

Questions for Reflection
In what ways are you living in a bubble?
How can you regain your bearings and become more attentive to the world in which you live?

See full Advent Guide

Sharing the Journey with a Villancico, Posole and a Piñata

Los Peregrinos: En el nombre del cielo, yo os pido posada, pues no puede andar, mi esposa amada...Los Hosteleros: Aquí no es mesón, sigan adelante, no les puedo abrir, no vaya a ser un tunante...Los Peregrinos: No sean inhumanos Dennos caridad Que el dios de los cielos Se lo premiará...Los Hosteleros: Ya se pueden ir, y no molestar Porque si me enfado Los voy a apalear...  See Full Text of Song in Spanish and in English (scroll down to pages 5-9 for words and sheet music).

A posada, a Mexican tradition of holding a novena to reenact a search for shelter by Joseph and Mary, was the perfect way to commemorate the closing of the art exhibit featuring works by immigrants, refugees as well as anyone who is on some form of spiritual search in Albuquerque.  The closing event was held on Dec. 16, the same day that posadas traditionally begin. A tradition for many neighborhoods in Mexico is for families to take turns hosting the posada on each of the nights through Christmas eve.

Artistic Expressions at the Abbey
The posada at Santa Maria de la Vid Norbertine Abbey in the South Valley of Albuquerque provided a last opportunity for local residents to view the expressions on canvass and on cloth from more than 40 local artists.

The evening began with traditional vespers for the Norbertine community, followed by the singing of Villancico para Pedir Posada (Searching for an Inn Carol) where Joseph and Mary are requesting lodging at an inn. The singing was led by a group from Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Catholic Community (see video below)  The first couple of stanzas are at the top of this blog post and the final stanzas are below the video.

The villancico was followed by a Mass, presided by Norbertine Father Graham Golden, who was one of the main curators of the exhibit. The art show opened with a big reception on November 3. There was also a radio show to promote the exhibit as well as the Vatican's global Share the Journey campaign to support immigrants and refugees everywhere.  Archbishop John Wester and the Archdiocese of Santa Fe launched the campaign locally with a Mass at Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis  in Santa Fe on Sept. 27.

New Mexico-style posole
After Mass, the public was invited to partake in posole cooked the New Mexican style (with red chile). The ladies who made the posole probably had their own recipe to make the delicious stew. Here is a recipe from Bueno Foods in Albuquerque. The use of red chile is what gives gives this dish its New Mexico flavor. There are many different types of pozole in Mexico (where the word is spelled with a z instead of an s)  In Mexico, other foods are served at the post-posada party (and yes, a posada is a great opportunity to celebrate the season with your neighbors and friends).  What I remember from my days in Mexico City was that our hosts often served a corn-meal based beverage called atole and/or Mexican hot chocolate.

 'Dale, dale, dale...No pierdas el tino'
Additionally, as is the custom in many Mexican households, children were given the opportunity to break open a piñata filled with candy and other goodies.  And yes, there is a song (more of an a capella chant) that accompanies the breaking of the piñata. This is basically a song that encourages the youngsters to hit their mark (the piñata). Otherwise, they lose their way.  Dale, dale, dale...No pierdas el tino...Porque si lo pierdes...Pierdes el camino

In Mexico, the youngsters are blinfolded. (There was no blindfold for the local kids in Albuquerque)

Here is the video of most of the villancico.  I apologize for the grainy nature of the video.  My recording equipment is not very sophisticated, particularly during recordings with little light.  The sound is very good.  The words of the last stanzas (after the video) indicate a happy resolution in the search for shelter by the Holy Family.




Los Hosteleros: Eres tú José Tu esposa es María Entren peregrinos.. No los conocía Los Peregrinos: Dios pague señores Nuestra caridad Y os colme el cielo De felicidad TODOS… Dichosa la casa Que abriga este día A la virgen pura La hermosa María. Entren Santos Peregrinos, Reciban este rincón, que aunque es pobre la morada, os la doy de corazón.

Maryknoll Advent Reflection (Week 3) Light of the World

The birthing of a new consciousness reveals we are persons with an enormous capacity for goodness, creativity, generosity. We can forge a better society, one that shines with beauty, radiates truth and encourages us toward a sustainable future. -Barbara M. Hubbard

Ring the bell that still can ring. There is a crack in everything. That's how the light gets in! Every heart, every heart to love will come like a refugee!  Leonard Cohen from the song Anthem

The Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns reflection for the Third Sunday of Advent reminds us that the words in Latin are Gaudete in Domino semper, Rejoice in the Lord always, a theme reflected in the rose color of this Sunday.

This antiphon and the subsequent readings remind us that as we go about the work of Advent – to remain watchful for the Messiah’s return and prepar e our hearts to live holy lives – we have a joy in the journey : our salvation is already at hand, thanks to the grace and goodness of God.

In the Gospel reading this Sunday  (John 1:19-28) we hear that John the Baptist was a witness who testified to the light. The light is Jesus , who came to remove darkness from the world. We are like John the Baptist; we are chosen to witness to Jesus, the light of the world.

The salvation we await will liberate both the individual and the community, and its special focus will be the afflicted and marginalized . Maryknoll missioners often meet ordinary people who live extraordinary lives, shining God’s light in out- of-the-way places. See full text in the Advent Guide, which offers reflections, questions, prayers, and actions base d on each week’s Gospel reading and the experience of Maryknoll missioners who have lived and worked with communities affected by forced migration in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

Maryknoll Advent Reflection (Week 2): The Message of John the Baptist

Our history as human beings, and even before, has been a history of life on the move. As your sons and daughters, we continue to search for a place to sleep, food to eat, and families and communities to support us.

We are a people on a journey.

We are grateful for the earth that sustains us, but we do not always take time to thank you. Also, we too often lack compassion for our brothers and sisters who have been uprooted by violence, natural disasters and poverty. Help us to remember that we are always on a journey with them and with You, to a new way of life in abundance.

Amen.  -*Father Paul Masson, M.M. 

The Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns reflection for the Second Sunday of Advent points to the scripture verse in Mark 1 where John the Baptist is “crying out in the wilderness” with the urgent message to repent and reform of our lives and prepare for the Messiah whose time is at hand. We are called to make John’s message our own message, to change the direction of our hearts and bring good news and comfort to those who are oppressed.   

Response: The number of refugees, asylum-seekers and internally displaced people around the world is at a record high. Learn what is causing people to flee their homes, from where refugees are coming, the top hosting countries, and much more at the UN High Commission for Refugees website.  Learn about the hundreds of thousands U.S. immigrants from El Salvador, Honduras, and Haiti who may lose Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and be come vulnerable to deportation in 2018.

The Advent Guide offers reflections, questions, prayers, and actions base d on each week’s Gospel reading and the experience of Maryknoll missioners who have lived and worked with communities affected by forced migration in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. 

* Father Masson served in Ciudad Juárez and Cochabamba, Bolivia, wrote this prayer for JustFaith Ministries’ “Exploring Migration” module in 2017

Closing Out the Share the Journey Exhibit with a Posada

Tiffany Window, St. Saviour, Bar Harbor, Me.

Join the Norbertine Community at Santa Maria de la Vid Abbey, 5825 Coors Blvd. SW (map) on Saturday, December 16 from 6:30-9:00 pm for the “Share the Journey” Art Exhibit Closing with Las Posadas and posole! 

The art exhibit was put together in conjunction with The Share the Journey campaign, launched by Pope Francis in in September to support our brothers and sisters who have fled their homes seeking a decent and safe life for their families. The Archbishop's Hour radio show broadcast a special program on the campaign in November.

All are invited to evening prayer with the Norbertine Community at 6:00 pm; Posadas will begin at 6:45 pm, followed by Mass.

Share in the journey of the Holy Family and in the journeys of people within and around our community through artworks displayed across the Abbey campus before they are taken down.

Maryknoll Advent Reflection (Week 1): All are WE, None are Strangers

(The Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns put together a powerful reflection guide for Advent. We will post reflections for each of the four Sundays of Advent.  Here are the excerpts for Week 1. Check out the full guide, entitled A Season to Welcome the Stranger  in PDF format)

 The Hope of Advent
 We begin the Season of Advent with a simple message from the gospel of Mark : “ Stay awake for the Lord! ” Jesus urges an attitude of attentiveness and hope that God will come to set right a world gone awry .

The four watches of night named by Jesus symbolize moving deeper into despair , until an all - consuming fear induce s a "sleep," a loss of one’s sense of purpose .

Not only do we not know when the Messiah will return to judge the living and the dead we also do not know where to expect it. The Advent scriptures focus our attention on these stark realities and remind us that we are called to wait and watch, not passively, but with a hope that comes from faith rooted in a God of love and in the goodness of humanity. For the 11 million undocumented people living the shadows in the United States, and especially fo r the nearly 800,000 young immigrants who lost their protection from deportation when the Trump administration rescinded the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, it may be difficult to feel hopeful this Advent. The long night of the watch may resonate more easily.

Questions for Reflection
When have you felt like Emmanuel, vulnerable and powerless ?
In what ways can we be “community” for each other and offer hope?

Prayers for Encounters with Strangers
 “I was a stranger and you welcomed me. ” (MT 25:35)

In earlier times, perhaps we found it easier. The brokenness of our modern world has released an unending tide of humans in migration. By land and by sea they come, from Sudan, Syria, through treacherous waters to Lampedusa, across parched deserts to the Mexican border.

From the rubble of Aleppo a seven-year-old girl tweets, “Can we build a country called Republic of Refugees? It will be the most peaceful country in the world.”

Our brother Francis implores us to open our hearts wide to God and says:

RESPONSE: “Every stranger who knocks on our door brings an opportunity for encounter with Jesus. ”

How to understand? How to welcome, when this migration touches our own exile? We the receivers ; they the strangers. Their lives disrupted and now ours disrupted. But you, O God, call us to be a Eucharistic community in which all are WE and none are strangers.

Help us to remember, O God, that you call us to welcome, protect, promote and integrate. “Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” (Hebrews 13:2) Touch our hearts with courage as you have provided our br others and sisters in Turkey, Pakistan, Lebanon, Iran, Ethiopia and Uganda who have opened their doors widely to your searching and migrating people.

See the Full Reflection in A Season to Welcome the Stranger

A Season to Welcome the Stranger: Maryknoll Advent Reflctions

The 2017 Advent Reflection Guide: A Season to Welcome the Stranger from the Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns contains reflections, questions, prayers, and actions based on each week’s Gospel reading and the experience of Maryknoll missioners who have lived and worked with communities affected by forced migration in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

As the number of people fleeing wars, violent conflict, and political persecution reaches new heights, countries around the world are struggling to meet the demands of receiving these vulnerable people. Maryknoll missioners have the unique perspective of having been the stranger who has been welcomed, often by marginalized communities in some of the most isolated parts of the world. What a transformative experience it is! This lived experience of welcome has deepened our faith in the strength of God’s compassion and mercy and challenges us to create a culture of welcome for all migrants and refugees. We believe, as Pope Francis says, “Welcoming others means welcoming God in person!”

We will post excerpts from each of the four weeks of Advent in this space, starting with Week 1 this coming Sunday. 

Small Business Saturday #ABQ: Local & Socially Conscious Gift Ideas

On Small Business Saturday (and ahead of #GivingTuesday), we would like to highlight  a handful of local organizations that serve the community by creating jobs for low-income people or providing space for artistic expressions. You can support some of these organizations with a donation during the holiday season. In some instances, you can make a purchase. We also list a couple of small businesses that offer unique gifts that are produced almost entirely here in Albuquerque.

Supporting Community Arts

from Artful Life website

You can make a donation during the holidays to one of these three organizations. Art Street (a project of Albuquerque Health Care for the Homeless) and OffCenter Community Arts Project each offer an open studio, a space for anyone and everyone to create various forms of art. Artful Life is a New Mexico-based community organization dedicated to transforming communities through the beauty and power of collaborative art.

• Donate to OffCenter: Our mission is to promote positive self-identity and resilience through art-making by providing a safe environment for creative social interaction with an emphasis to enhance the lives of those most marginalized in our community, "
• Donate to Art Street (via AHCH): Our community-based project and collective open studio space where art is used as the connection for community-building for those without and those with homes. Art therapists also facilitate closed group sessions weekly for sub-sections of AHCH clients.
• Donate to Artful Life. Together, artists and residents of underserved communities work together over months and years to co-envision, co-design and co-create significant works of art. In doing so, they find each other in new ways, discover the power of working in teams, and create.  Their creative work tells the public who they are, where they live, and what they dream. 

Textiles, Creativity and Job Opportunities

from Southwest Creations website

A handful of organizations and businesses in Albuquerque offer low-income women the opportunity to learn about the textile and confection business. Southwest Creations Collaborative was organized as a sewing and handwork poverty alleviation project 13 years ago with a single goal: to provide dignified, living wage employment to women from low-income communities. Tenderlove Community Center teaches skills to women that allow them to enter or re-enter the job market after traumatic circumstances, including survival of domestic violence or incarceration.

• Donate to Southwest Creations Collaborative. Since we opened our doors in 1994 we have provided dignified employment while improving access to education for youth and adults. We have also developed and implemented proven strategies in college readiness, family engagement, early childhood development, employability and leadership.
• Donate to Tenderlove Community Center. Our sewing curriculum gives women a sense of accomplishment while learning marketable skills. Skills learned in sewing classes are transferable to other jobs and situations, making our students employable across the job market. Sewing allows caregivers to adapt their work schedules to accommodate family needs while continuing to help support themselves and their family.
• Kei & Molly Textiles, founded in 2010, opened its retail space in the International District of Albuquerque in April 2017. One of the missions of the company is to help and employ immigrants in the community. "We are committed to creating good jobs in this area, and work with refugee resettlement programs to find many of our employees. We provide on-the-job training, health and education benefits, flexible hours, and, we hope, a great place to work," said the company website. Textiles designed by Kei Tsuzuki and Molly Luethi are sold around the county, and the new retail space (located at 4400 Silver Ave. SE) makes the items more accessible locally.  Shop for products online.  See list of other retail locations nationwide that carry items from Kei & Molly Textiles.
• Common Good Thrift and Consigment (2902 Eubank NE) is an upscale thrift store that raises funds to support the  community programs of East Central Ministries while also providing volunteers with vocational development, in the form of skills and experience in retail and customer service. The store accepts donations of clothing and furniture during regular business hours, Tues - Fri 10 am to 5 pm, and Saturdays 10 am - 4 pm. 
• Immigrant and Refugee Village of Albuquerque serves low or no income, vulnerable kids and families who are refugees, immigrants, and locals, without discrimination, including the homeless and almost homeless populations. A principal objective of the organization is to prevent homelessness by creating a sustainable program to train and hire 75 people annually through the manufacture of traditionally inspired garments and accessories for eventual sale online in New Mexico and globally. The organization also promotes education and gardening (including nutrition). Donate to the IRVA (via paypal)

Food and Agriculture
Here are three totally different ways to support local programs or purchase local products.

Three Sisters Kitchen opened in 2017 to fulfill a need and to complement existing food and health programming in Albuquerque. This is a place for people to come together to eat, cook, learn, and build. As a discovery-based test kitchen, community classroom and local foods shop we support the incubation of new ideas and work towards our vision of a food-secure community with a vibrant culture of health and a deep commitment to food and economic justice Donate

 La Cosecha, a community supported agriculture project of Agri‑Cultura Network, feeds more than 300 families every week in Albuquerque. Agri-Cultura Network is comprised of nine local farms committed to using sustainable practices to grown food for our community. "We work to create a healthier food system, build self-sufficiency among local farmers and families, and improve community health by increasing access to healthy, affordable, locally-grown food and community-based nutrition education," said La Cosecha CSA" We offer members the opportunity to invest in local farms and receive weekly bags of locally grown, sustainably produced, fresh fruits & vegetables as the return on your investment." La Cosecha CSA provides subsidized and sponsored produce for qualified low-income families.  Learn More about Joining the Project

Los Poblanos Farm Shop. Located on the historic Los Poblanos Ranch in Albuquerque's North Valley, the shop features artisan lavender products and a broad selection of farm foods, books, seeds, kitchen tools, linens, household items and much more. "We take pride in hand-crafting quality, meaningful products for you and your family."  Shop for Gifts

(Note: This is Part 2 of our ethical trade series for this year.  Part 1 listed organizations that offer Fair Trade products in Albuquerque and Santa Fe)

A Radio Show on Three Ways to Share the Journey

[Pope Francis] has brought it to our attention and asked us to literally Share in the Journey, Now, we have to find out what that means, and all the ways we are called to do it...  Each of you is in a position to very vividly show us, explain and illustrate how all the people listening, all the people of the Catholic faith, of  any faith, can participate in this. -Mary Woods, host of the Archbishop's Hour on Catholic Radio

The theme of the Archbishop's Hour on Catholic Radio (Archdiocese of Santa Fe) on Tuesday, November 14, was the Share the Journey campaign, a global effort launched by Pope Francis to bring attention to the plight of immigrants and refugees everywhere. "War, exploitation, poverty, natural disasters or the desire for a fairer, better life, are causing people to leave their homes," says Caritas, the global counterpart to Catholic Charities and Catholic Relief Services. "It’s one of the greatest challenges of our time."

"As a result, our world faces not a migration crisis, but a crisis  of global solidarity," Caritas said in a statement on its own Share the Journey site urging the faithful in every country to take part in the campaign. "Be part of a worldwide campaign to reach out to migrants, change perceptions, open hearts and minds."

In the Archdiocese of Santa Fe, the campaign is moving forward on many fronts with the strong support of Archbishop John Wester. Three special guests spoke about their roles in the campaign on the Archbishop's Hour on Catholic Radio on November 14.

Kathy Freeze, Fr. Rafael Garcia, S.J.

Encounter
Kathy Freeze, faith community outreach coordinator at Catholic Charities of Central New Mexico, spoke about her agency's work with refugees and immigrants and the outreach efforts of Catholic Charities to engage the community in the campaign.

"I like the idea of encounter," she said, describing the efforts to encourage people of different parishes to take to engage with immigrants and refugees in our community. "We can tear up the walls of indifference that we have built up," she noted. 

Advocacy
Anne Avellone, director of the Office of Social Justice and Respect Life at the Archdiocese of Santa Fe, spoke about advocacy. She and Rocio Gonzales, director of Hispanic Ministry at the Archdiocese, traveled to Washington with counterparts from around the country to meet with Congress on two crucial issues related to the Share the Journey campaign.

One issue addressed the need to preserve funding for foreign aid in the upcoming federal budget, which is essential for the U.S. do its part to respond to the global refugee and immigrant crisis. "It is crucial to respond to the needs of people on the move, many of whom are desperately poor and displaced."

On the domestic front, Avellone and Gonzales met with staff from Sen. Tom Udall and Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham  about promoting the rights of immigrants in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. "We know our immigrants in our community. We know these men and women.  They might be cowoerkers, they might be parishioners, they're certainly neighbors," said Avellone.  "They make a huge contribution to our community."

Debbie Golden, Fr. Graham Golden

Art 
Rev. Graham Golden, O Praem, director of the Office of Christian Discipleship and Religious Vocation for the Norbertine Community at Santa Maria de la Vid Abbey in Albuquerque, discussed the art exhibition that the Norbertine Community is hosting at the Abbey. The exhibit, which features works from 46 artists, was launched with a gallery opening on November 3, that was attended by more than 300 people. The exhibit will close on Dec. 16, with a traditional posada (a reenactment of Mary and Joseph's difficult journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem in search of a warm place to stay the night).

Father Golden, who played a key role in curating the exhibit, noted that the art on display includes both works of immigrants and refugees and pieces from any person in the community who is on some sort of journey. "We felt that the arts were a  good opening to be able to allow for people to safely take risks to step into the world of someone else, to try find where there was some point of intersection between their own lives and their own journey and the very literal journey of immigrants and refugees," he said.

These are only snippets of the very insightful comments from the three guests.  For a more in-depth account of their discussions and comments, listen to the show via This Link  (Fast forward past the preliminary information to Minute 23 to hear the interviews. My thanks to host Mary Woods for supplying the link to the audio).    

Faithfulness to the Matthew 25 Pledge

Then the king will say to those at his right hand, “Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.” Then the righteous will answer him, “Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?” And the king will answer them, “Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.” -Matthew 25 34-40

Here are a couple of updates and a video about the Matthew 25 Pledge, a coalition-driven movement that Sojourners helped create late last year and which was launched this spring.

In the past six months, through our action alert systems and media platforms, Sojourners has rallied constituents in resistance to the repeal of the DACA program, callous immigration raids and deportation. Matthew 25 activists in Southern California organized their communities and were instrumental in securing the release of Pastor Noe Carias, who had been detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement.



To counter rising Islamophobia galvanized by political rhetoric and a Muslim Ban coded as a Travel Ban, Sojourners has signed an amicus brief to the Supreme Court opposing the Trump Administration’s policies, protested in front of the White House, and is working closely with the interfaith Shoulder to Shoulder campaign.

In addition, we have provided solidarity and on-the-ground reporting on the uprising in St. Louis to an unchecked system of racialized policing and militarized suppression of protest. We are urging clergy to meet with their sheriffs and chiefs of police to discuss the reforms suggested in President Obama’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing’s final report. And we are hearing stories of “trust conversations” set up by clergy with police and local community leaders.

Archdiocese of Santa Fe to Launch 'Share the Journey' on Wednesday

Our neighbors include many of the world’s most vulnerable people: migrants and refugees fleeing war, poverty and persecution, people who seek nothing more than basic needs and a path forward. Just like us, they are children of God, deserving of dignity and love. We as a church are answering the Pope’s call to encounter and walk with these migrants and refugees in support and solidarity.

Share the Journey
Bishops around the world are joining Pope Francis in launching Share the Journey (Comparte el Camino), a global campaign to support our brothers and sisters who have fled their homes seeking a decent and safe life for their families.

Locally, the Archdiocese of Santa Fe will launch the campaign with a Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis  in Santa Fe on Wednesday, September 27, at 7:00 p.m. You are invited to join in this visible demonstration of support for immigrants and refugees. The Very Rev. John C. Wester, Archbishop of Santa Fe, will celebrate the Mass.

This ongoing campaign is sponsored in the U.S. by the The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Catholic Charities USA and Catholic Relief Services Counterpart organizations are sponsoring the campaign in other countries.

Become Involved
Share the Journey provides opportunities to act and pray by providing a host of resources, including Prayers, information about the Church Teachings on Migrants and Refugees, Videos, Activities and Reflections, and Recursos En Español.

Receive updates by following #sharethejourney on Twitter and on Facebook.

World Refugee Day Events in Albuquerque

Volunteers Needed on June 17
at Highland High School in Albuquerque in the courtyard.

• Set up teams at 4:00 pm
• Greeters and parking help 4:30 to 6:30 pm
• Trash duty (2 teams 5:00 to 7:00 and 7:00 to close)
• Clean up teams 8:00 – 9:00 pm
• Food and drink stations people (4:30 – 6:30 or 6:30 – 8:30)
• Art room assistance (4:30 – 6:30 or 6:30 – 8:30)
• Donations of Polaroid Film are also needed (for a Dress up Box and picture station).

If you cannot join us that night, consider donating film.
Please email Kathy Freeze  (freezek@ccasfnm.org) if you can help.