Celebration welcomes migrant workers

The spirit of hospitality is finding expression through the creative work of the Nativity Youth group as they make piñatas for the children attending this year's Bienvenida, the welcoming celebration for migrant farmworkers. The group, under the direction of Nativity Youth Coordinator Sherri Bryant, constructed and painted two papier-mache figures. The project has provided a hands-on opportunity for the youth group to learn something about Mexican culture, as well as providing a special treat for the children at the party.

The breaking of the piñatas will take place at the start of the dance segment of the Bienvenida, Sunday, June 23. The event, sponsored by the Brockport Ecumenical Outreach Committee (BEOC), starts with a 1:30 p.m. Mass at Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church, 152 Main Street, followed by a procession to First Baptist Church, 124 Main Street, where a dinner will be served at 3 p.m. The dance will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. at Tower Fine Arts Center, Holley Street, on the SUNY College at Brockport campus.

Bienvenida "is a day for building bridges and relationships," said Sr. Beverly Baker of the Brockport Migrant Education Project at SUNY and member of BEOC. The migrant workers provide the labor force for the farms, helping to make agriculture the number one industry in western New York. Rosario Rangel, another BEOC member and Director of Outreach at Oak Orchard Community Health Center adds, "Without them, we wouldn't have fresh fruits and vegetables on our tables."

Donations of time and talents with preparing the meal, decorating the dining hall, and joining in the fun of set-up and clean-up are still needed, said Barbara Deming, BEOC chair. All area residents are invited to attend any or all of these free events. For additional information or to volunteer, call 637-7504.

Nine churches, five agencies, and several farms are members of the Brockport Ecumenical Outreach Committee, founded in 1989. The Bienvenida first began over 20 years ago. Dozens of people from area churches contribute primary to the dinner segment of the day's events, with a sharing of cultures and hospitality being the two themes. Several hundred people attend the festivities.