Praying in Solidarity with Migrants & Refugees
Thank you for joining the ministry of prayer for the immigrants in our community who are living under the uncertainty of potential deportation. As people of faith, we believe in the power of prayer to sustain those who are suffering and to change hearts and minds.
There is no particular form of prayer that we recommend. You may offer spontaneous prayers, read poetry from sacred texts, engage in silent prayer, or any other form from your tradition that you feel called to offer. (See below for prayer resources. If you find another one that’s working well, please submit it to us and we will add it to the site. You can also reach out if you’re looking for something different.)
Because of the delicacy of the situation for those who are engaged in the system or who have been detained, we want to make sure that our actions in no way create added stress for them. With that in mind, we have created this list of protocols for those who pray at the ICE office in Blue Ash or at the Butler County Jail.
Guidelines
- Please do not stand on the property of the facility.
- There is a public sidewalk in front of and across the street from the jail.
- At the ICE office, please stand on the berm between Redhill Dr. and the grass, being careful not to block driveways. Because Malsbary Rd. is a through street, it is safer to stand on Redhill. Those coming for check-ins will see you as they walk from the parking lot to the front door.
- While prayer could be considered a form of nonviolent protest, our primary purpose is not to directly challenge the staff or to draw attention to our presence. Therefore, we ask that you not carry signs.
- If officials from the facility engage you with questions, be polite and clear in explaining that you are simply there to pray.
- You are welcome to pray whenever your group wishes.
Prayer Resources
Catholic
The Sorrowful Mysteries with the Stories of Immigrants | Rosary for Vulnerable Migrant Populations_ArchMKE | The Romero Rosary Mysteries of Compassion and Mercy
Universal / Other Faith traditions
Christian: Prayers from CRS | Immigrant & Refugee Prayers (XU)
Sign Up & Information Collection
We will keep in touch with all of the groups participating as a way to demonstrate the breadth of this movement.
- To sign up as a group (or individual) interested in participating, please complete the registration form.
- Either after each prayer or at some regular interval (perhaps monthly), please complete the feedback form so we know when prayer is happening, who is praying, and how things are going.
Action Center
Catholic Social Teaching calls us to not only understand and deepen our faith but also to live our faith. Whether through advocacy, education, faith sharing, or public action, we all must practice our faith in our every word and deed. As James 2:17 says, “Faith without works is dead.” Please check back often to our Action Center for various ways that you and your community can speak out with compassion and solidarity for justice and peace.
