The Migrant Farmworkers Mission

As missioners we walk with our migrant sisters and brothers and learn to become “migrants with the migrants”, not only to fulfill and invigorate our own vocation as missioners, but indeed the Church’s mission on behalf of all migrants. Our ministry is expressed through our spirituality, our gestures of hospitality and our willingness to respond to the needs of our migrant workers.

We offer a variety of opportunities for connection. For those focused on faith we offer spiritual gatherings and eucharist on a regular basis and faith formation for those interested in deepening their Christian spirituality.

Offer hospitality and fellowship at our local hubs (St. Alban in Beamsville and Lincoln Public Library in Fenwick) each week where we also offer access to primary care, including support for mental health.

Our hubs provide central location for the distribution of used bicycles, clothing and safety footwear for work in the fields.

We offer information and counseling regarding special social services like pension and parental benefit and access to ESL classes.

We offer a support group for migrant women, ALMA — Amigas Latinas Migrantes and visit individual farms to connect with those who are unable to access resources at our local hubs.

We serve the migrant farmworkers in the Niagara region. Over 4,000 migrant farmworkers arrive yearly for 5 to 8 months to support local wineries, greenhouses and farms. They represent one of the highest concentration of agricultural labour in Ontario, with over half from Mexico and others from the Caribbean.