Building Communities of Welcome in Chicagoland

Spiritual Retreats are central to many immigrant faith traditions and Cabrini Retreat Center is privileged to welcome many immigrant groups. But, even with subsidized fees, the demands of daily life as an immigrant prevent many others from a traditional retreat experience.

Introducing Sr. Cathy Fedewa, CSFN

The desire to respond more widely to the needs of the immigrant community, led to Sr. Catherine Fedewa, CSFN, joining the staff at the Retreat Center as Coordinator of Immigrant Outreach and Advocacy.

Sr. Cathy takes the spirit of Cabrini beyond the door and into the community and brings back valuable insights.

A Sister of the Holy Family of Nazareth, Sr. Cathy comes to Cabrini with a wealth of experience. She serves on the Board of Bethany House of Hospitality for Women, is a member of Sisters and Brothers of Immigrants, and Interfaith Community for Detained Immigrants. Tutoring a Chinese student through Aquinas Literacy Center and making regular visits to detained immigrants are now part of the outreach the Retreat Center provides through Sister Cathy’s passion for the immigrant community.

Increasing Our Cabrinian Responsiveness

Using the methodology of Asset Based Community Development, Cabrini Retreat Center is now in the process of identifying unrecognized assets that can assist us in responding to challenges immigrants face in new and creative ways through partnerships.

An early impact of this approach was the Chicagoland Share the Journey Walk in October of 2018. Sr. Cathy took the lead on this project and was able to partner with the Archdiocese of Chicago, Catholic Charities USA, Catholic Relief Services, The National Shrine of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, the Mother Cabrini League, St. Anthony Hospital and Maryville Academy.

*Illinois ranks 5th in the nation for immigrant (non-native born) residents with an estimated 1,800,000 out of a total population of 12,800,000.