National Pastoral Migratoria invites pastoral teams from U.S. dioceses to participate in the National Institute Pastoral Migratoria (NIPM) from July 23 – 26, 2026 at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, Illinois. Pastoral Migratoria (PM) is a parish-based immigrant social ministry that started in the Archdiocese of Chicago (2008) and is currently active in more than 30 parishes within the Archdiocese of Chicago, as well as in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles (CA), Dioceses of Orange (CA), Stockton (CA), Archdiocese of New York (NY), Archdioceses of Newark (NJ), Diocese of Paterson (NJ), and Diocese of Joliet (IL).

INPM 2026 will bring together diocesan and pastoral leaders to:

1. Share the PM formation program, best practices, and an immersion experience (new dioceses).

2. Provide continuous civic and pastoral formation, essential training, and practical tools on issues pertinent to the immigrant community (dioceses with PM).

3. Cultivate a faith-rooted response that brings peace and resilience to immigrant communities experiencing fear due to raids, detention, and deportation by empowering leaders to be prophetic witnesses of God’s protection and accompaniment.

4. Share an in-depth view of plans and infrastructure for developing PM (new dioceses)

Through National Pastoral Migratoria and the NIPM, we hope to continue building a vibrant network of parish ministries in dioceses and expanding the scope of service, accompaniment, and justice actions in the Catholic Church to respond to the needs of immigrant communities.

The NIPM will be intensive, engaging and immersive! Participants will awake to the rising sun over the shores of nearby Lake Michigan in the Hyde Park neighborhood on Chicago’s South Side, in lodging provided by religious orders (e.g. Augustinians, Claretian Missionaries, Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers, Missionary Servants of the Most Holy Trinity). Each day will include prayer and Mass.

Sessions will include:

• Theology of migration and Catholic social teaching.

• The development of PM in other dioceses.

• PM formation and leadership training program.

• An immersion experience to PM parishes and meetings with collaborators.

• Networking with PM leaders and representatives from multiple dioceses.

• Engaging presentations by experts in the fields of Theology, Migration, Social Justice and others.

• Opportunities to help shape new formation materials for 2026.

• Sunday Mass and Commissioning.

Please note: All sessions will be conducted primarily in Spanish.

The NIPM is committed to assisting participants by:

• Sharing the PM formation program, best practices, and an immersion experience (new dioceses).

• Providing continuous civic and pastoral formation on issues pertinent to the immigrant community and a space for collaboration and visioning to revitalize the ministry (dioceses with PM).

• Increasing confidence and spiritual grounding in responding to community fear, offering calm, hope, and practical accompaniment to immigrant families affected by raids, detention, and deportation.

  • Empower ministers to embody God’s sheltering care, compassionate accompaniment, and courageous prophetic witness within their communities.

The NIPM will begin at 2 p.m. Central on Thursday, July 23, 2026, and run until noon Central on Sunday, July 26, 2026. The Sunday schedule includes Sunday morning Mass.

A detailed program will be available to participants after June 15, 2026.

The total cost of the program is $550 per participant, which includes: tuition, lodging, and meals. Lodging includes a single bedroom with private bath (in some cases), for three (3) nights (July 23, 24, 25).

Transportation to and from Chicago, as well as Catholic Theological Union, is not included.

If flying, participants are strongly recommended to arrive at Midway Airport since it is closer than O’Hare.

Full payment for registration is due by June 30, 2026 (detailed payment information will be provided with the acceptance letter).

For any questions, please contact Elena Segura at esegura@archchicago.org

Due to space considerations, we can accept teams of 2-3 people per diocese. The following criteria are recommended in choosing your participants:

New dioceses (without Pastoral Migratoria): Diocesan office representative (e.g. Justice and Peace Director, Hispanic/Multicultural Office representatives) and/or Priest/Deacon of a parish interested in piloting PM ministry, lay leader with vision and commitment to initiate PM.

Dioceses with Pastoral Migratoria: Diocesan Pastoral Companion, active lay leader of a parish with PM, Priest/Deacon/Religious of a parish with PM.

New dioceses in restrictive states: We are opening opportunities for 1-2 participants from dioceses in states with restrictive immigration policies. Diocesan staff and/or religious are encouraged to participate.

Submittal of applications:

• Applications must be received no later than June 15, 2026 (details on payment information will be provided with the acceptance letter).

• To apply online, complete the form below.

• If you do not have access to the online application, you may email Elena Segura at esegura@archchicago.org for more information

Applicants who are accepted will be notified by June 22, 2026.