Because of our life of faith, through our baptismal call and our confirmation of beliefs (and acceptance of Catholicism) we must move past the basic emotional response and see the human dignity in the broader world of our international brothers and sisters.

The question of Comprehensive Immigration Reform is about more than politics – it is about people.  People who have lived in deplorable conditions with no means to make changes, people who left the ones they love to make an (often lethal) journey into the unknown to possibly make a little money that they may send back to support their families.  For the most part, these people didn’t want to make that decision.  They wanted to stay in their home country, to work, to live, to raise their family.  Breaking up their family and risking their life was not their ideal future.

We, living here in the “Land of Opportunity” easily forgot (most likely have never known) what it means to be oppressed, to be starved, to be hopeless with no government agencies or parish support available.  Sure, we have tough times – especially in the past 2 years, but we have our families, our government, our parish and community support.  We have places to turn to.  We will be treated with dignity.  Others in the world deserve that same dignity!  That is what Christ told us, what the Bishops tell us and what our own heart tells us.

Take the step to move past the emotional and media response.  Take a look inside your faith, you can get plenty of information at the USCCB established website JusticeforImmigrants.org .

If your spirit speaks to you, please join in the postcard campaign to our elected officials.  You can sign the postcards after mass on March 7^th in Vincention Hall, obtain one from the church office, or print one off from the website here.

Direct Resource Links:

Immigration Q&A

Catholic Bishops Call for Comprehensive Immigration Reform

Immigration and Catholic Social Teaching

Immigration and the Ecomony