Social Justice Series: The Catholic Church and Migration Services

In a powerful Zoom talk with Canterbury students, David Spicer, J.D., shared insights on the Catholic Church’s commitment to supporting migrants and refugees in the United States and beyond. The presentation, held in the D’Amour Center for Faith, Service & Justice, was the final session of the School’s 2025 Social Justice Series.

David serves as Assistant Director for Policy in the Department of Migration and Refugee Services at the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), where he works to provide guidance on migration-related policies and programs. He spoke about the Church’s guiding principles on migration, emphasizing the inherent dignity of every person and the importance of compassion, respect, and thoughtful solutions in addressing the needs of migrants and refugees.

“When discussing migration, I like to start with a quote from Bishop Mark Seitz, who serves as the chairman of the committee that I work under,” David said. “He emphasizes that the issue of immigration is fundamentally about the movement of people—human persons created in the image and likeness of God. The approach of the Church is to see the people who are involved—not only in this issue but in all policy areas we engage in. ”

An experienced attorney who earned his Juris Doctor in Global Law from Notre Dame University, David works with bishops, dioceses, and organizations across the country to offer policy analysis and counsel on current issues related to migration. During his presentation, he outlined key principles of Catholic social teaching on migration, which include the importance of ensuring opportunity and security for migrants while fostering mutual understanding and respect within communities that receive them.

David also highlighted the role of the USCCB in offering direct support to those in need through humanitarian aid programs, refugee resettlement efforts, assistance for survivors of human trafficking, legal services, and pastoral outreach. He explained how these initiatives are focused on providing resources and care for individuals and families while also working in collaboration with communities and organizations dedicated to supporting newcomers.

David’s message resonated with Joshua Leeuw, Director of the D’Amour Center and Theology Teacher, who reflected on the importance of bringing discussions like this to Canterbury. “David is incredibly knowledgeable and a man of great faith,” Josh said. “His deep understanding of migration and the Church’s role in supporting people through difficult transitions was inspiring. He helped students see how service and faith intersect in real-world situations and why it is important to approach these topics with awareness, empathy, and a sense of responsibility.”

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