By Audrey Mendenhall
Over the past summer, Dominican found itself at the periphery of the migrant crisis.
John DeCostanza, vice president of Mission Ministry, stated that the university wants to take tangible steps to engage with the migrants beyond mere donations.
He noted that the support extends not only to Venezuelans, but also to migrants from Ecuador and other South American countries.
Dominican reached out to its faculty and staff by encouraging those proficient in Spanish to volunteer as translators.
Any students who need volunteer hours or are interested in helping these migrants should learn more about what they can do to help.
Student volunteers may be asked to translate for the migrants. Some responsibilities could include assisting with cooking breakfast and playing with the children.
DeCostanza emphasized the importance of acknowledging responsibilities toward neighbors.
“As a person of faith, welcoming strangers is a key tenet of the scriptures. It is a thousand-year-old commandment,” DeCostanza said. “As a Catholic-Hispanic serving college, our call is even stronger in the community. The values of our institution call for us to care for those in need.”
Matt Brophy, the Director of Parish Operations at St. Catherine-St. Lucy & St. Giles, stated that smaller sizes are in higher demand when donating.
“Finding ways to humanize these folks whose conditions are less than humane [is the priority],” DeCostanza noted.
The water bill for the rectory is increasing every billing cycle due to the number of migrants utilizing their services. The next bill is projected to be between $10,000 to $14,000.
“There are many issues calling for our attention right now,” said DeCostanza. “The issue of sharing time is not viewing it as zero support. We have many tools at our disposal, but there are plenty of opportunities to give.”
Donation boxes are located outside the Ministry office, but students can bring their donations directly to St. Catherine-St. Lucy & St. Giles.
This story is currently developing throughout the winter season as more migrants arrive.
