Migrant farmworkers cross the United States following the growing season.
They are the invisible hands of labor that provide food for our tables and restaurants.
Catholic Migrant Farmworker Network (CMFN) is dedicated to engendering pastoral care for the spiritual needs of these people on the move.
Catholic Migrant Farmworker Network (CMFN) is a national organization founded in 1986 that is dedicated to pastoral ministry and leadership development with migrant farmworkers and rural immigrants in the U.S. Since 1996 CMFN has provided faith formation and leadership development through Pastoral Courses and other workshops. The themes of these weekend programs include spirituality and leadership development. CMFN also coordinates Episcopal Visits to different states throughout the country as well as immersion experiences for college students and other interested groups.
We number over 600 Members including individual pastoral outreach workers, diocesan personnel, rural immigrant workers and community leaders, as well as groups such as communities of women religious, migrant service agencies and advocacy organizations. Services to our members include bilingual newsletters, discounted published resources, connecting with other members of CMFN, our bilingual website and Facebook page. Network Members have gathered for two National Consultations in 1995 and 2007 to hear voices of the migrant population and to establish avenues for collaboration.
Our Board of Directors is comprised of leaders in Migrant Ministry and Hispanic Ministry, and they represent various regions of the U.S. as well as Hispanic Leadership Institutes such as RECOSS and SEPI.
CMFN is recognized as a national Catholic organization by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). We collaborate with the Bishops through the Subcommittee on the Pastoral Care of Migrants, Refugees and Travelers (PCMRT) under the Secretariat of Cultural Diversity in the Church. CMFN’s Director serves as a National Advisor to PCMRT, and Bishop John Manz serves as the Episcopal Liaison to CMFN. CMFN has 501(c)3 status under the USCCB Group Ruling and is listed in the Official Catholic Directory under the Diocese of Youngstown, Ohio, where our office is located.
Mission Statement
Catholic Migrant Farmworker Network promotes the formation of welcoming church communities by advocating social justice, dignity, and respect for all, in order that we may be a missionary church.
Our Goals
- To provide formation and resources for pastoral leaders who are working with rural migrants.
- To promote pastoral leadership among rural immigrants.
- To facilitate communication and collaboration among groups working with farmworkers.
- To awaken the conscience of the Church and parishes about issues that affect migrants and their families in order to reach out in solidarity and action.
History
Please use the arrow buttons to view the slideshow below for a bilingual timeline of key events in the history of Catholic Migrant Farmworker Network.