The social ministry committee of St. Boniface Parish in Cold Spring will host a series of four sessions focusing on unity and solidarity in October.
“This event is one of the ways our parish community of Anglo and Hispanic cultures can continue to grow closer in unity and solidarity,” said Sherry Braegelmann, pastoral leader for discipleship formation at St. Boniface and one of the event’s organizers. “We also hope to define the difference of immigrant vs. refugee to inspire welcoming communities toward those who have taken risks to have a better life.”
Braegelmann hopes people from all over the diocese will attend this series. Participants are encouraged to attend all four sessions but may choose to attend any of the scheduled dates. Topics include:
- Sunday, Oct. 2: Education defining “immigration” and “refugee” with John Keller of the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota.
- Sunday, Oct. 9: Local stories and immigration testimonies from Guatemala, Nicaragua and El Salvador.
- Sunday, Oct. 16: Circles of understanding facilitated by Kathy Langer, director of social concerns for Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Cloud, and Mayuli Bales, director of the diocesan Office of Multicultural Ministries.
- Sunday, Oct. 23: Bilingual Mass with Bishop Donald Kettler at 1 p.m. followed by a potluck meal.
Events are held from 3 to 4 p.m. at the parish center, with the exception of the Mass on Oct. 23, which will be held in the church. All are welcome. For more information, contact Sherry Braegelmann at 320-685-3280, x604, or via email discipleship@stboniface.com.