Sisters of St. Benedict launch Latino outreach program

The Sisters of St. Benedict of Ferdinand have opened a new chapter in their 31-year history of service to Latinos in the area.

The sisters’ Spirituality Ministry Latino Outreach has held two well-attended Latino faith formation days recently, and has opened an office at Monastery Immaculate Conception in Ferdinand to help provide low cost immigration services.

“Our Benedictine community welcomes the Latino presence in our area and is excited to share with them our Benedictine spirituality and hospitality through new programs for their families, as well as provide a needed immigration service,” Sister Barbara Lynn Schmitz, prioress, said.

The first Latino faith formation day at the monastery, celebrating the Epiphany, drew 90 people from 34 families. Another recent formation day focusing on Lent was attended by 65 people from 20 families.

The Sisters of St. Benedict have also been recognized by the U.S. Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) to serve legal needs of immigrants in matters of family immigration law.

Sister Joan Scheller has received BIA accreditation to consult with immigrants to determine their eligibility for certain immigration benefits. If they are eligible, she can then assist in applying for the benefits, which include: citizenship application and preparation for the citizenship civics test and interview; applications to provide temporary protected status and work permission; application for permanent residency; renewal of permanent residency card; renewal of temporary work permits; and travel permission applications. She also provides Spanish-to-English written translations of personal identification documents.

Interested immigrants should call Sister Joan for an appointment at 812-367-1411, ext. 2102, or at 812-639-1711. The service is called the Sisters of St. Benedict Immigration Outreach, and is part of their Spirituality Ministry department.

The service also operates as a member of the Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. (CLINIC), the immigration arm of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). As members of CLINIC, the sisters are networked with similar immigration offices throughout the U.S. They receive technical support, access to immigration lawyers and on-going updates and training in immigration law.

“Through the new Latino programming, we heard of the need to develop a small office to provide accessible, affordable, credible immigration services,” Sister Traci Stutz, director of Spirituality Ministry, said.

Upcoming Latino faith formation events at the monastery are a one-day retreat for mothers and daughters on September 11 at Kordes Center, and a family formation day on November 7 to celebrate All Souls Day.

“Our Benedictine tradition of hospitality is to receive guests as Christ and to reach out to those on the margins socially, culturally and spiritually,” Sister Joan said. “The new programs and immigration service gives us more ways to help those in need.”