Immigrants and Refugees: A Faith Journey
April 25, 2021
“I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. These also I must lead, and they will hear my voice, and there will be one flock, one shepherd.”
– John 10:16
The pandemic has certainly made it clear we are one flock, no matter who “belongs to this fold”. When one suffers, we all feel it. Who in our world suffers today? Who needs to be welcomed into God’s fold? Spend some time listening for the voice of the one shepherd. Pray for all who suffer. Pray that our words and actions echo God’s. Learn about ways to advocate for justice: Action Center - Catholic Charities USA
April 25, 2021
“I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. These also I must lead, and they will hear my voice, and there will be one flock, one shepherd.”
– John 10:16
The pandemic has certainly made it clear we are one flock, no matter who “belongs to this fold”. When one suffers, we all feel it. Who in our world suffers today? Who needs to be welcomed into God’s fold? Spend some time listening for the voice of the one shepherd. Pray for all who suffer. Pray that our words and actions echo God’s. Learn about ways to advocate for justice: Action Center - Catholic Charities USA
Immigrants and Refugees: A Faith Journey
April 18, 2021
“But whoever keeps his word, the love of God is truly perfected in him.” 1 John 2:5a
If we’ve celebrated the Resurrection then we should be Hope and Resurrection to those around us. How are immigrants and refugees ‘crucified’ today? By conquering such ‘deaths’ through charity, justice and accompaniment, God’s love is perfected in them and in us!
One way to be Hope is through Centro de Trabajadores Unidos (CTU), a recipient of the Bishop program: Catholic Campaign for Human Development. CTU does amazing work in immigrant communities and also works with Midwest Immigration Bond Fund Coalition, a fund which posts bond for people held by ICE. Learn more and be God’s Love in the world: Mission & Vision of MIBFC — Midwest Immigration Bond Fund Coalition
April 18, 2021
“But whoever keeps his word, the love of God is truly perfected in him.” 1 John 2:5a
If we’ve celebrated the Resurrection then we should be Hope and Resurrection to those around us. How are immigrants and refugees ‘crucified’ today? By conquering such ‘deaths’ through charity, justice and accompaniment, God’s love is perfected in them and in us!
One way to be Hope is through Centro de Trabajadores Unidos (CTU), a recipient of the Bishop program: Catholic Campaign for Human Development. CTU does amazing work in immigrant communities and also works with Midwest Immigration Bond Fund Coalition, a fund which posts bond for people held by ICE. Learn more and be God’s Love in the world: Mission & Vision of MIBFC — Midwest Immigration Bond Fund Coalition
Immigrants and Refugees: A Faith Journey
April 11, 2021
“In this way we know that we love the children of God when we love God and obey his
commandments.” – 1 John 5:2
Today is the Sunday of Divine Mercy. God’s Mercy was given even when we crucified Jesus! There is no greater Mercy than God’s. Do we believe in that Mercy? Can we forgive ourselves if God does? Do we share that Mercy? Immigrants and refugees need our Mercy. Some are suffering egregious medical neglect and terrible conditions like rotten food, crowding during a pandemic, cold temperatures, and no hot water. Learn more and urge the Office of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties to investigate their complaint and call on ICE to free these individuals immediately: visit bit.ly/3cWdtG0
April 11, 2021
“In this way we know that we love the children of God when we love God and obey his
commandments.” – 1 John 5:2
Today is the Sunday of Divine Mercy. God’s Mercy was given even when we crucified Jesus! There is no greater Mercy than God’s. Do we believe in that Mercy? Can we forgive ourselves if God does? Do we share that Mercy? Immigrants and refugees need our Mercy. Some are suffering egregious medical neglect and terrible conditions like rotten food, crowding during a pandemic, cold temperatures, and no hot water. Learn more and urge the Office of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties to investigate their complaint and call on ICE to free these individuals immediately: visit bit.ly/3cWdtG0
Immigrants and Refugees: A Faith Journey
Scripture connections for February 7, 2020
“He cured many who were sick with various diseases, and he drove out many demons, not permitting them to speak because they knew him.” – Mark 1:34
We don’t talk very much about demons in our day-to-day lives, which sometimes make scripture readings like Mark’s Gospel today hard to grasp and relate to. What are our demons? They are those fearful thoughts in our minds that terrorize and paralyze, untruths that flood our subconscious; they can include fear of the unknown, fear of the “other,” fear that if we open our doors or hearts to strangers, harm will come to us, or fear that we might lose what we have. Our demons can keep us rooted in fear which makes it difficult, if not impossible to take steps forward in love and compassion, as Jesus did time and time again. Lord Jesus, drive out our demons that stop us from loving as you do. Help us to welcome and aid immigrants and refugees, reaching out to them in love, solidarity, and compassion. Amen.
Immigrants and Refugees: A Faith Journey
Scripture connections for January 31, 2020
We were called to listen to God as servants, and then change our ways to act for justice. Today we are reminded to trust in the authority of God’s word. Anxiety and judgement by the world may accompany your actions, but trust in God. Ask our new administration to: Rescind all Muslim/refugee/asylum bans and policies; resettle 100,000 refugees in FY21 with increases to follow; ensure sufficient appropriations to rebuild infrastructure. Loving God, help us to bring your compassion, fairness and morality to immigration and refugee policies in our country. Learn more at bit.ly/IICTransitionSummary.
“A new teaching with authority...” – Mark 1:27
Immigrants and Refugees: A Faith Journey
Scripture connections for January 24, 2020
Last week’s readings called us to listen to God as servants. Today we are reminded to change our ways and act, guided by God, bringing justice to the oppressed. As we start with a new administration, use this time to contact them and ask that they remove barriers to Family-Based Immigration and prioritize family unity. We are one family, under God, and we should speak out for those who are denied dignity. “Your ways, O LORD, make known to me; teach me your paths, guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my savior.” Psalm 25:4-6 Learn more at bit.ly/IICTransitionSummary.
“When God saw by their actions how they turned from their evil way...” Jon 3:10
Immigrants and Refugees: A Faith Journey
Scripture connections for January 17, 2020
Now is the time to act. This week the democratic process of the transfer of power will happen. It’s been surrounded by violence and untruths. Listen to God who has been speaking to you. Over the next several weeks we will give suggestions on how to act on behalf of immigrants and refugees. Your actions are to speak God’s words to the powers that be, much like God’s servant Martin Luther King, Jr. did across our nation. Do not harden your heart by thinking there is nothing you can do but use God’s words to move into action. Call this new administration asking them to prioritize immigrants and asylum seekers of color by addressing racism in the immigration system and to restore Temporary Protected Status for immigrants from African and Caribbean countries. Learn more at bit.ly/IICTransitionSummary.
“Speak for your servant is listening.” – 1 Sam 3:10
Immigrants and Refugees: A Faith Journey
Scripture connections for January 10, 2020
Earlier in today’s 1st Reading from Isaiah is the phrase “...until he (the Lord’s servant) establishes justice on the earth…” How we long for justice in our world! We see the lack of justice in news headlines every day, but we have a choice in how we respond. We can sit in the despair and be overwhelmed by injustice, or we can heed the Lord’s call to work for justice in our world. We can start by welcoming immigrants and refugees who arrive at our shores and borders, those who leave behind everything they know because they are confined by this injustice, this fear, this hopelessness in their home countries. May we not turn a blind eye to the suffering of our brothers and sisters born in a different land, under different circumstances. Let us be a light for the nations.
"I, the Lord, have called you for the victory of justice….a light for the nations, to open the eyes of the blind, to bring out prisoners from confinement, and from the dungeon, those who live in darkness.” – Isaiah 42:6-7
Immigrants and Refugees: A Faith Journey
Scripture connections for November 22, 2020
“‘Lord...When did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? When did we see you ill or in prison, and visit you?’ And the king will say to them in reply, ‘Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of the least brothers of mine, you did for me.’” – Matthew 25:38-40
What ideas do the Works of Mercy conjure in our minds? For most, it’s giving food, water, or clothing to those in need, which is a noble act, no doubt. But how often do we pay attention to the other instructions? The way we welcome the stranger is as important as clothing the naked. Support Old St. Pat’s Immigrant & Refugee Ministry in their work of welcoming the stranger in our midst. We invite you to learn more about the refugee families we support as a parish, as well as actions you can take to make this country a more just place for all.
“For all of you are children of the light and children of the day. We are not of the night or of darkness.” – 1 Thess 5:5
Today’s readings refer to fear of the Lord, but it’s important to understand that phrase also means awe of the Lord. Those in fear cower and hide. The faithful are in awe… of God’s power, of the Lord’s love, of the Kingdom of Heaven. That awe moves us to act rather than wander in darkness, it prepares us to be ready for God, not to waste our time. It is also an awe that compels migrants to search for that which God has endowed them – dignity of life. Read their stories and be awed: justiceforimmigrants.org/faces-of-migration/stories-of-migration
Today’s readings refer to fear of the Lord, but it’s important to understand that phrase also means awe of the Lord. Those in fear cower and hide. The faithful are in awe… of God’s power, of the Lord’s love, of the Kingdom of Heaven. That awe moves us to act rather than wander in darkness, it prepares us to be ready for God, not to waste our time. It is also an awe that compels migrants to search for that which God has endowed them – dignity of life. Read their stories and be awed: justiceforimmigrants.org/faces-of-migration/stories-of-migration
Immigrants and Refugees: A Faith Journey
Scripture connections for November 15, 2020
Immigrants and Refugees: A Faith Journey
Scripture connections for November 8, 2020
“‘Lord, Lord, open the door for us!’ But he said in reply, ‘Amen, I say to you, I do not know you.’ Therefore, stay awake, for you know neither the day nor the hour.” – Matthew 25:11-13
Lord,
Help us to stay alert and awake to hear the call of refugees, asylum seekers, and immigrants who are constantly faced with injustice in our country and in our world. May we always hear and act on your call to love, even when we tire in the fight. Set our hearts ablaze with a passion for justice, and may we always have enough oil to keep this fire burning.
Amen!
Help us to stay alert and awake to hear the call of refugees, asylum seekers, and immigrants who are constantly faced with injustice in our country and in our world. May we always hear and act on your call to love, even when we tire in the fight. Set our hearts ablaze with a passion for justice, and may we always have enough oil to keep this fire burning.
Amen!
Immigrants and Refugees: A Faith Journey
Scripture connections for November 1, 2020
“Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land. Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.” Mt 5:4-6
“Thus says the Lord: ‘You shall not molest or oppress an alien, for you were once aliens yourselves in the land of Egypt. You shall not wrong any widow or orphan. If ever you wrong them and they cry out to me, I will surely hear their cry.'” – Exodus 22:20-21
“...one of them, a scholar of the law, tested him by asking, ‘Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?’ He said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and the first commandment. The second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'” – Matthew 22:35-39
“...one of them, a scholar of the law, tested him by asking, ‘Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?’ He said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and the first commandment. The second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'” – Matthew 22:35-39
Immigrants and Refugees: A Faith Journey
Scripture connections for October 25, 2020
Too often in our world, throughout history to the present moment, humankind becomes entangled in the letter of the law. Those “letters,” that wording, become ways for us to rationalize withholding human rights from groups of people, especially immigrants, asylum seekers, and refugees: aliens in a foreign land. But God’s law is clear. Jesus’ message is clear. They are our neighbors, and God surely hears their cries. May we truly adopt hearts of love, so that our laws might build the Kingdom of God on earth.
Immigrants and Refugees: A Faith Journey
Scripture connections for October 18, 2020
“We give thanks to God always for all of you, remembering you in our prayers, unceasingly calling to mind your work of faith and labor of love and endurance in hope of our Lord Jesus Christ” – 1 Thes 1:2
One of the groups that work tirelessly in support of the immigrants and refugees is the Immigration Ministry Office of the Archdiocese. They are also a resource for our OSP Immigration and Refugee Ministry (IRM). Please consider supporting them through their “Keep Hope Alive 2020” Virtual Benefit this October 29, when they will recognize Old St. Pat’s with their Emmaus award. Visit bit.ly/keephopealive-2020. We give thanks to God for them and for all of you who keep the immigrants and refugees in your prayers.
Are you interested in joining our OSP IRM? Contact Kayla Jackson at kaylaj@oldstpats.org.
Are you interested in joining our OSP IRM? Contact Kayla Jackson at kaylaj@oldstpats.org.
Immigrants and Refugees: A Faith Journey
Scripture connections for October 11, 2020
“‘My friend, how is it that you came in here without a wedding garment?’” - Matthew 22:12
We are all invited into the Kingdom of Heaven but many people misunderstand this idea and think of it merely as ‘we are all invited into heaven--how lovely.’ But the Kingdom of Heaven is not about eternal life with God--it is also about the fulfillment of God’s will on earth. Like the poor guy the servants found on the street and invited to the banquet, we need to do more than just show up. Rather, we have to come prepared--prepared to fully participate in God’s Kingdom of Heaven on earth by participating in its creation, by bringing about justice for all people. How do we start? By using what the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops call “The Two feet of Love in Action:” Charitable Works and Social Justice:
- Let your elected representatives know that you welcome refugees in your city, your state, your country, and that you disapprove of the administration’s refugee quota (cap) of only 15,000 for 2021 (the lowest it has been since the refugee program was created in 1980).
- Share your time and resources with organizations like the Old St. Pat’s Immigrant and Refugee Ministry who support refugee families here in Chicago.
- VOTE.
We are all invited into the Kingdom of Heaven but many people misunderstand this idea and think of it merely as ‘we are all invited into heaven--how lovely.’ But the Kingdom of Heaven is not about eternal life with God--it is also about the fulfillment of God’s will on earth. Like the poor guy the servants found on the street and invited to the banquet, we need to do more than just show up. Rather, we have to come prepared--prepared to fully participate in God’s Kingdom of Heaven on earth by participating in its creation, by bringing about justice for all people. How do we start? By using what the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops call “The Two feet of Love in Action:” Charitable Works and Social Justice:
- Let your elected representatives know that you welcome refugees in your city, your state, your country, and that you disapprove of the administration’s refugee quota (cap) of only 15,000 for 2021 (the lowest it has been since the refugee program was created in 1980).
- Share your time and resources with organizations like the Old St. Pat’s Immigrant and Refugee Ministry who support refugee families here in Chicago.
- VOTE.
Immigrants and Refugees: A Faith Journey
Scripture connections for October 4, 2020
"This is the heir. Come, let us kill him and acquire his inheritance.’” Matthew 21:38
Have we ever stopped to wonder why so many in our country do not welcome the immigrants? What is it about immigrants that threatens them? What are they afraid of? Clearly they believe they will lose something by welcoming immigrants. Or maybe they believe, as the tenants of the Gospel did, that what is due the immigrants will become theirs. Immigrants and refugees bring hope and determination. They bring hard work and dedication. And according to the Illinois Business Immigration Coalition, they create
new businesses and job opportunities: ibic.us/immigration-fact-sheet
The Gospel reminds us to welcome them, and that together, as one family, we will inherit God’s goodness. Pray for not only the immigrants and refugees, but also for the ‘tenants’ of our country who live in fear and do not recognize the shared inheritance with immigrants and refugees.
Have we ever stopped to wonder why so many in our country do not welcome the immigrants? What is it about immigrants that threatens them? What are they afraid of? Clearly they believe they will lose something by welcoming immigrants. Or maybe they believe, as the tenants of the Gospel did, that what is due the immigrants will become theirs. Immigrants and refugees bring hope and determination. They bring hard work and dedication. And according to the Illinois Business Immigration Coalition, they create
new businesses and job opportunities: ibic.us/immigration-fact-sheet
The Gospel reminds us to welcome them, and that together, as one family, we will inherit God’s goodness. Pray for not only the immigrants and refugees, but also for the ‘tenants’ of our country who live in fear and do not recognize the shared inheritance with immigrants and refugees.
Immigrants and Refugees: A Faith Journey
Scripture connections for September 27, 2020
“Do nothing out of selfishness... rather, humbly regard others as more important than yourselves, each looking out not for his own interests, but also for those of others.” Philippians 2:3-4
Fr. Greg Boyle, SJ, founder of Homeboy Industries in Los Angeles, has been a guest speaker at Old St. Pat’s a number of times in the past few years, and his core message speaks to OSP’s vision of Radical Inclusivity: “There is no ‘us’ and ‘them,’ – only ‘us.’” Jesus worked to dissolve barriers between people and to teach this same idea: it’s just ‘us.’ We divide and separate so much in our society: we use race, gender, socio-economic status, ethnicity, citizenship... all of these are used to distinguish between ‘us’ and ‘them.’ So much of the animosity toward immigrants and asylum seekers in this country seems to come from a place of fear in regard to our own self-interest: “If all of them come over here, there won’t be enough (jobs, food, housing, medical care…) for us.” St. Paul reminds us of Jesus’ radical inclusivity in the way we look out for the interests of others, and to avoid selfishness. How might we do this better as individuals? As a country? As a Church?
Fr. Greg Boyle, SJ, founder of Homeboy Industries in Los Angeles, has been a guest speaker at Old St. Pat’s a number of times in the past few years, and his core message speaks to OSP’s vision of Radical Inclusivity: “There is no ‘us’ and ‘them,’ – only ‘us.’” Jesus worked to dissolve barriers between people and to teach this same idea: it’s just ‘us.’ We divide and separate so much in our society: we use race, gender, socio-economic status, ethnicity, citizenship... all of these are used to distinguish between ‘us’ and ‘them.’ So much of the animosity toward immigrants and asylum seekers in this country seems to come from a place of fear in regard to our own self-interest: “If all of them come over here, there won’t be enough (jobs, food, housing, medical care…) for us.” St. Paul reminds us of Jesus’ radical inclusivity in the way we look out for the interests of others, and to avoid selfishness. How might we do this better as individuals? As a country? As a Church?
“Are you envious because I am generous?
Thus, the last will be first, and the first will be last.” - Mt 20:16
Today’s Gospel tells a wonderful story about work and workers. Images of immigrant workers come to mind as we listen: groups of workers waiting to be hired, hard working people heading out to the field to do what others might avoid doing. The United States needs immigrant workers, especially as the ‘baby boomers’ retire and younger workers have fewer children to add to the workforce. Watch Our Future Together: How Immigrants Reshape Our Workforce (https://youtu.be/s89sC1RYl6k) to learn more about the importance of welcoming immigrants to our workforce. Then ask your representative to increase the number of work visas to allow more immigrants to help.
Thus, the last will be first, and the first will be last.” - Mt 20:16
Today’s Gospel tells a wonderful story about work and workers. Images of immigrant workers come to mind as we listen: groups of workers waiting to be hired, hard working people heading out to the field to do what others might avoid doing. The United States needs immigrant workers, especially as the ‘baby boomers’ retire and younger workers have fewer children to add to the workforce. Watch Our Future Together: How Immigrants Reshape Our Workforce (https://youtu.be/s89sC1RYl6k) to learn more about the importance of welcoming immigrants to our workforce. Then ask your representative to increase the number of work visas to allow more immigrants to help.
Immigrants and Refugees: A Faith Journey
Scripture connections for September 20, 2020
Immigrants and Refugees: A Faith Journey
Scripture connections for September 13, 2020
“Could anyone nourish anger against another and expect healing from the Lord? Could anyone refuse mercy to another like himself, can he seek pardon for his own sins?” Sirach 28: 3-4
The topic of Immigration garners a lot of anger in our country, as is evident from so much of the political rhetoric we hear about jobs, walls, and ‘legal pathways.’ Some might respond to Sirach’s admonition with this rebuttal: “Immigrants are not like me – I’m a legal citizen. I belong here.” But what are they choosing not to see? The human being who wants her children to grow up in safety? The human being who hopes to escape his life of poverty so that he can provide for his family? The human being who hopes to live their life in peace, without fear? That sounds like all of us. Could anyone refuse mercy to another like himself, can he seek pardon for his own sins?
The topic of Immigration garners a lot of anger in our country, as is evident from so much of the political rhetoric we hear about jobs, walls, and ‘legal pathways.’ Some might respond to Sirach’s admonition with this rebuttal: “Immigrants are not like me – I’m a legal citizen. I belong here.” But what are they choosing not to see? The human being who wants her children to grow up in safety? The human being who hopes to escape his life of poverty so that he can provide for his family? The human being who hopes to live their life in peace, without fear? That sounds like all of us. Could anyone refuse mercy to another like himself, can he seek pardon for his own sins?
Immigrants and Refugees: A Faith Journey
Scripture connections for September 6, 2020
LOVE. What does Love look like to the immigrant and refugee?
In our country we separate parents from children, hold them in cages, deport COVID-19 infected people back to nations at risk, reduce refugee admittance, tell asylum seekers to return at a later date…
This is not LOVE.
“We call upon all people of good will, but Catholics especially, to welcome the newcomers in their neighborhoods and schools, in their places of work and worship, with heartfelt hospitality, openness, and eagerness both to help and to learn from our brothers and sisters of whatever religion, ethnicity, or background.” (Welcoming the Stranger Among Us: Unity in Diversity, A Statement of the U.S. Catholic Bishops) Join Old St. Pat’s Immigrant and Refugee Rights Committee to learn how you can be God’s Love to the immigrant and refugees in our midst, our neighbors. (Contact: Kayla Jackson, OSP Liaison, kaylaj@oldstpats.org)
In our country we separate parents from children, hold them in cages, deport COVID-19 infected people back to nations at risk, reduce refugee admittance, tell asylum seekers to return at a later date…
This is not LOVE.
“We call upon all people of good will, but Catholics especially, to welcome the newcomers in their neighborhoods and schools, in their places of work and worship, with heartfelt hospitality, openness, and eagerness both to help and to learn from our brothers and sisters of whatever religion, ethnicity, or background.” (Welcoming the Stranger Among Us: Unity in Diversity, A Statement of the U.S. Catholic Bishops) Join Old St. Pat’s Immigrant and Refugee Rights Committee to learn how you can be God’s Love to the immigrant and refugees in our midst, our neighbors. (Contact: Kayla Jackson, OSP Liaison, kaylaj@oldstpats.org)
“’You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ Love does no evil to the neighbor; hence, love is the fulfillment of the law.” Rom 13:10
Immigrants and Refugees: A Faith Journey
Scripture connections for August 30, 2020
“When an alien resides with you in your land, do not mistreat such a one.” Lv 19:33
Myth: Immigrants are overrunning our country, and most are here illegally.
Fact: It is true that there are more immigrants living in the U.S. than ever before; however, the percentage of immigrants in the overall population is not much different than many other times throughout our history. Today immigrants make up
approximately 13.5% of the total U.S. population. This is approximately the same percentage as the same period in the
20th century (12-15%).
More than 60% of immigrants in the U.S. today have lived here for at least 15 years, and the large majority (76%) of immigrants have lawful status. Of the approximately 44 million immigrants in the U.S. in 2016, about 20 million (approximately 45%) were naturalized citizens.
Together these groups made up the remaining 55% of immigrants:
- lawful permanent residents (sometimes referred to as green card holders),
- people in the U.S. on temporary visas (including student and work visas, refugees and people seeking asylum) and
- undocumented immigrants
In 2016, there were 10.7 million undocumented immigrants living in the U.S., or less than 3.5 percent of the nation's population. This represents a significant decrease (13%) from the 12.2 million undocumented immigrants in the U.S. in 2007, and is the lowest total since 2004. (2019 Anti-Defamation League, www.adl.org)
For more information on Catholic Social Teaching on Immigration visit www.usccb.org/committees/migration/immigration
Myth: Immigrants are overrunning our country, and most are here illegally.
Fact: It is true that there are more immigrants living in the U.S. than ever before; however, the percentage of immigrants in the overall population is not much different than many other times throughout our history. Today immigrants make up
approximately 13.5% of the total U.S. population. This is approximately the same percentage as the same period in the
20th century (12-15%).
More than 60% of immigrants in the U.S. today have lived here for at least 15 years, and the large majority (76%) of immigrants have lawful status. Of the approximately 44 million immigrants in the U.S. in 2016, about 20 million (approximately 45%) were naturalized citizens.
Together these groups made up the remaining 55% of immigrants:
- lawful permanent residents (sometimes referred to as green card holders),
- people in the U.S. on temporary visas (including student and work visas, refugees and people seeking asylum) and
- undocumented immigrants
In 2016, there were 10.7 million undocumented immigrants living in the U.S., or less than 3.5 percent of the nation's population. This represents a significant decrease (13%) from the 12.2 million undocumented immigrants in the U.S. in 2007, and is the lowest total since 2004. (2019 Anti-Defamation League, www.adl.org)
For more information on Catholic Social Teaching on Immigration visit www.usccb.org/committees/migration/immigration
Immigrants and Refugees: A Faith Journey
Scripture connections for August 23, 2020
“And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church... whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven.” Matthew 16: 18-19
What are Peter’s successors binding on earth? How is our Church being built? In Pope Francis’ apostolic exhortation “Gaudete et Exsultate” [on the call to holiness in today’s world] (March 2018), he asks us to turn inward to our hearts and outward to our actions. He says:
Our defense of the innocent unborn, for example, needs to be clear, firm and passionate, for at stake is the dignity of a human life, which is always sacred and demands love for each person, regardless of his or her stage of development. Equally sacred, however, are the lives of the poor, those already born, the destitute, the abandoned and the underprivileged... We cannot uphold an ideal of holiness that would ignore injustice... We often hear it said that... the situation of migrants, for example, is a lesser issue. Some Catholics consider it a secondary issue compared to the ‘grave’ bioethical questions. That a politician looking for votes might say such a thing is understandable, but not a Christian, for whom the only proper attitude is to stand in the shoes of those brothers and sisters of ours who risk their lives to offer a future to their children. Can we not realize that this is exactly what Jesus demands of us, when he tells us that in welcoming the stranger we welcome him? (cf. Mt 25:35)
Scripture connections for August 23, 2020
“And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church... whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven.” Matthew 16: 18-19
What are Peter’s successors binding on earth? How is our Church being built? In Pope Francis’ apostolic exhortation “Gaudete et Exsultate” [on the call to holiness in today’s world] (March 2018), he asks us to turn inward to our hearts and outward to our actions. He says:
Our defense of the innocent unborn, for example, needs to be clear, firm and passionate, for at stake is the dignity of a human life, which is always sacred and demands love for each person, regardless of his or her stage of development. Equally sacred, however, are the lives of the poor, those already born, the destitute, the abandoned and the underprivileged... We cannot uphold an ideal of holiness that would ignore injustice... We often hear it said that... the situation of migrants, for example, is a lesser issue. Some Catholics consider it a secondary issue compared to the ‘grave’ bioethical questions. That a politician looking for votes might say such a thing is understandable, but not a Christian, for whom the only proper attitude is to stand in the shoes of those brothers and sisters of ours who risk their lives to offer a future to their children. Can we not realize that this is exactly what Jesus demands of us, when he tells us that in welcoming the stranger we welcome him? (cf. Mt 25:35)
Immigrants and Refugees: A Faith Journey
Scripture connections for August 16, 2020
“She said, “Please, Lord, for even the dogs eat the scraps…” Mt 15:21-28
What compels the Canaanite woman to say this to Jesus? Faith - a belief that she was worthy of receiving God’s help. She knew deep down that her life deserved dignity. Isn’t that also the Faith of the immigrant and refugee? They know they are deserving of God’s help, of finding dignity in safety, in food, in work. And yet, our nation sets policies that deny this help and dignity to God’s people. Go to the US Conference of Catholic Bishops Justice for Immigrants website justiceforimmigrants.org/take-action/ and sign up for action alerts to make your voice heard. Speak up for the dignity of immigrants and refugees.
Scripture connections for August 16, 2020
“She said, “Please, Lord, for even the dogs eat the scraps…” Mt 15:21-28
What compels the Canaanite woman to say this to Jesus? Faith - a belief that she was worthy of receiving God’s help. She knew deep down that her life deserved dignity. Isn’t that also the Faith of the immigrant and refugee? They know they are deserving of God’s help, of finding dignity in safety, in food, in work. And yet, our nation sets policies that deny this help and dignity to God’s people. Go to the US Conference of Catholic Bishops Justice for Immigrants website justiceforimmigrants.org/take-action/ and sign up for action alerts to make your voice heard. Speak up for the dignity of immigrants and refugees.
Immigrants and Refugees: A Faith Journey
Scripture connections for August 9, 2020
“At the mountain of God, Horeb, Elijah came to a cave where he took shelter.” - 1 Kings 19:9
In today’s 1st Reading, Elijah took shelter in a cave at Mt. Horeb, after walking for forty days and forty nights to get there. Immigrants and refugees often travel even more difficult and dangerous roads, simply seeking safety and shelter: trying to escape the strong winds of oppression and poverty; taking flight after earthquakes, droughts and natural disasters destroy their homes and livelihoods; fleeing violence and persecution like fire… but God is not in the wind, nor the earthquake, nor the fire. God is in “the tiny whispering sound after the fire” that stirs within our hearts, asking us how we will respond to the plight of our brothers and sisters...
Scripture connections for August 9, 2020
“At the mountain of God, Horeb, Elijah came to a cave where he took shelter.” - 1 Kings 19:9
In today’s 1st Reading, Elijah took shelter in a cave at Mt. Horeb, after walking for forty days and forty nights to get there. Immigrants and refugees often travel even more difficult and dangerous roads, simply seeking safety and shelter: trying to escape the strong winds of oppression and poverty; taking flight after earthquakes, droughts and natural disasters destroy their homes and livelihoods; fleeing violence and persecution like fire… but God is not in the wind, nor the earthquake, nor the fire. God is in “the tiny whispering sound after the fire” that stirs within our hearts, asking us how we will respond to the plight of our brothers and sisters...
Immigrants and Refugees: A Faith Journey
Scripture connections for August 2, 2020
“You who have no money, come, receive grain and eat; Come, without paying and without cost…” Is 55:1
The immigrant and refugee hear God’s call to come. Come where you will find dignity in work, in food security, in safety. The US Conference of Catholic Bishops statement “Strangers No Longer” (USCCB, January 2003) states that people have the right to migrate to support themselves and their family: “When persons are unable to find work to support themselves and their families, they have a right to migrate to other countries and work…In the current condition of the world, in which global poverty is rampant and political unrest has resulted in wars and persecution, migrants who are forced to leave their homes out of necessity and seek only to survive and support their families must be given special consideration.”
It is also God’s call to us Christians to welcome them. As Jesus fed the thousands, so too must we trust that God will guide us in welcoming and feeding the immigrant and refugee. Do we do that as a disciple? Do we do that as a nation? Reflect on ways that you can learn more about the immigrant and refugee so you will echo God’s call to ‘come, receive grain and eat’.
Follow our weekly reflections on A Faith Journey to learn, grow and advocate for the immigrant and refugee in our midst.
Scripture connections for August 2, 2020
“You who have no money, come, receive grain and eat; Come, without paying and without cost…” Is 55:1
The immigrant and refugee hear God’s call to come. Come where you will find dignity in work, in food security, in safety. The US Conference of Catholic Bishops statement “Strangers No Longer” (USCCB, January 2003) states that people have the right to migrate to support themselves and their family: “When persons are unable to find work to support themselves and their families, they have a right to migrate to other countries and work…In the current condition of the world, in which global poverty is rampant and political unrest has resulted in wars and persecution, migrants who are forced to leave their homes out of necessity and seek only to survive and support their families must be given special consideration.”
It is also God’s call to us Christians to welcome them. As Jesus fed the thousands, so too must we trust that God will guide us in welcoming and feeding the immigrant and refugee. Do we do that as a disciple? Do we do that as a nation? Reflect on ways that you can learn more about the immigrant and refugee so you will echo God’s call to ‘come, receive grain and eat’.
Follow our weekly reflections on A Faith Journey to learn, grow and advocate for the immigrant and refugee in our midst.