The Diocesan Commission for Integral Human Development has long been concerned about the situation and pastoral needs of foreign domestic workers and migrant workers in Hong Kong. To better understand how parishes provide rest spaces for migrant Catholics on Sundays and public holidays, the Commission conducted a survey in May entitled “Rest Spaces for Foreign Domestic Workers in Catholic Churches across Hong Kong”.
A total of 64 questionnaires were sent to parishes, and 42 responses were received, representing a response rate of 65%. We sincerely thank the parish priests, assistant parish priests, parish secretaries, parish office staff and parish-in-charge who completed the questionnaire and shared their experiences and views.
A brief introduction of the survey report was published in the Chinese Catholic newspaper, Kung Koa Po, on Sunday, 27 September. For the full report, please refer to the survey findings enclosed with this letter.
The survey findings show that many responding parishes welcome migrant workers and provide them with support. Among the responding parishes, 76.2% offer English or foreign-language Masses on Sundays, and 73.8% indicated that foreign domestic workers remain in the parish area after Sunday Mass for gatherings, fellowship or rest. Some parishes also provide spaces such as parish halls, activity rooms, playgrounds and kitchens, as well as facilities such as drinking water, microwave ovens, toilets and storage cabinets.
The Commission believes that these spaces and facilities provide not only practical support, but also a concrete witness of the Church’s care for those in need. Many of them live away from their families and reside in their employers’ homes on weekdays. On their rest days, they may not have a suitable place to rest. When parishes open their spaces, welcome and listen to them, and encourage them to take part in liturgical and community life, the church can become a safe place for them. In times of need or difficulty, the parish can also offer support, accompaniment and comfort.
The survey findings also have wider social significance. The experience of parishes can serve as a reference for society and the Government in considering related policies. The practices of parishes can offer an example of how rest-space planning, public facilities and community support may be made more humane and inclusive.
Through this survey, the Commission hopes to encourage parishes, where possible, to continue providing rest spaces and basic facilities for Catholic foreign domestic worker. Parishes may also consider developing pastoral and social support, such as health talks, legal consultation, emotional support, faith sharing and referral services, according to their own circumstances and resources.
Once again, the Commission thanks all parishes for their support of this survey. Whether or not your parish currently provides such services, your responses and experiences are valuable for future pastoral planning. May we continue to work together in Christ to provide a safer and more dignified rest environment for foreign domestic worker Catholics in Hong Kong.
Diocesan Commission for Integral Human Development
27 September 2026 （World Day of Migrants and Refugees）
