Old St. Pat's, ICSJ Parish, and the Coalition for Spiritual and Public Leadership Present

 City of Welcome

A Teach-in on Catholic Solidarity and the Journey of Migration
Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026

Old St. Pat's, ICSJ Parish, and the Coalition for Spiritual and Public Leadership, are hosting a day of education, advocacy, and communal prayer for migrant and refugee justice in Chicago. Join this teach-in and walk away with a newfound hope and responsibility to repair the fabric of the Chicagoland community, equipped with tools for activism and solidarity with your neighbors.

 

The Day Includes:

Featured Panelists • Practical Workshops • Community Organizing Resources • Volunteer Fair • Communal Prayer • Lunch
and an opening Mass celebrated by Cardinal Blase Cupich

 
 
Cardinal Blase Cupich Dr. Claudia Herrera-Montero Miguel Avíla Fr. David Inczauskis, SJ
 

See below for the complete schedule, speakers, workshops, and participating organizations.

Register Here

Registration is required and limited.

Schedule

Opening Mass

Cardinal Blase Cupich

9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Celebrated by Cardinal Blase Cupich
Old St. Pat's Church | 700 W Adams Street, Chicago (directions)

City of Welcome Teach-In

10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Fellowship Hall | 625 W Adams Street, Chicago (directions)

Featured Panelists

Dr. Claudia Herrer-Montero

Dr. Claudia Herrera-Montero is a Catholic practical theologian and associate professor of theology at Dominican University. Her scholarly work sits at the intersections of U.S. Latina/e theologies, practical theology, and the social sciences.

Miguel Avíla

Originally from Mexico, Miguel Avíla is an immigrant, Spanish-English interpreter and translator, poet, musician, and advocate for immigrant justice. Drawing from his own experience navigating the injustices of the immigration system, Miguel has woven together art and advocacy. His poetry gives voice to stories of resilience and hope, his music inspires courage and solidarity, and his advocacy reflects a deep commitment to protecting the dignity of immigrants and those most vulnerable.

Fr. David Inczauskis, SJ

As a Jesuit, David Inczauskis, SJ has been at universities since taking first vows in St. Paul, MN, in 2016. His current research as a doctoral student in philosophy at Loyola University Chicago focuses on critical phenomenology and Latin American liberation philosophy. Off campus, he works as a community organizer with the Coalition for Spiritual and Public Leadership. He seeks to follow Jesus Christ at the intersection of thought and action.

Workshops & Sessions

 

Who Are Refugees?

Exodus World Service

Come learn about those who enter our country as refugees, the journey they’ve gone through to get here, and how you can help welcome them into Chicago as their new neighbors. This workshop is hosted by Exodus World Service, a nonprofit focused on mobilizing christian communities to welcome and befriend refugees through education, advocacy and accompaniment.

Court Accompaniment Training

Sanctuary Working Group

Come learn how to observe immigration court hearings, accompany migrant sisters and brothers to ICE check-ins, document what you see, and provide moral support and a protective presence for those who are vulnerable in our community. This workshop will be led by the Sanctuary Working Group, a solidarity organization that supports and accompanies vulnerable migrants in their journey towards sustainable independence.

Catholic Organizing 101

Coalition for Spiritual and Public Leadership

How do ordinary Catholics and people of faith create extraordinary change? This workshop introduces the foundations of community organizing through the lens of our Catholic faith, theology, and traditions. Participants will explore how Scripture, Catholic Social Teaching, and the wisdom of grassroots movements call us to build relationships, develop leaders, and organize for the common good. Through stories, reflection, and practical tools, participants will leave with a basic understanding of community organizing and concrete ways to put their faith into action in their parish, neighborhood, or organization.

 

Volunteer Fair

 

Connect with representatives from local organizations such as Exodus World Service, Resurrection Project, Viator House of Hospitality, Coalition for Spiritual and Public Leadership, Sanctuary Working Group, and Refugee One to receive information on how to support their work and get involved!

 

Questions?

Please email Elly Rodriguez at erodriguez@icsjparish.org for questions about City of Welcome.

Thank you to Living La Fiesta Catering Co-Op for providing our lunch!