Since the new President began his term of office, there has been a lot of talk regarding immigration.  At the same time there has been a lot of misunderstanding regarding the place of the Catholic Church regarding immigration and deportation. To help clarify this issue Bishop Malesic sent guidance to priests regarding the Church’s position on this matter.  Here is part of what he sent us:
 “Most would agree that the current immigration system is broken and needs to be rectified by our government leaders and representatives.  An authentically “Catholic” solution would be one that respects the need to maintain our national borders with appropriate limits on immigration, but that is open to humanly receiving our brothers and sisters from other countries who desire to become a part of our national family, while also furthering, as far as possible, the good of our brothers and sisters in need.  The Catholic Church in the United States has recognized, along with many government leaders on all sides of the political spectrum, the need for serious immigration reform for over two decades. However, the consistent failures of both parties to rise toward a political consensus on this issue has led to continued uncertainty for immigrants seeking a better future and the common good of our nation. An authentically “Catholic” solution would be one that respects the need to maintain our national borders with appropriate limits on immigration but that is open to humanly receiving our brothers and sisters from other countries who desire to become a part of our national family and allow their loved ones to live a dignified life. In the meantime, as disciples of Christ, we must continue to recognize and honor the dignity of every person and do all we can within the law to help our brothers and sisters in need, even if they are here without recognized documentation. This does not mean the Church encourages illegal immigration or is actively seeking to undermine the country’s immigration laws. What it does mean is that the Church sees Jesus Christ in every person, citizen or foreigner, and meets that person as if meeting Christ Himself. We will continue to echo Pope Francis’ message issued to the Bishops of the United States on Feb. 11: ‘The true common good is promoted when society and government, with creativity and strict respect for the rights of all … welcomes, protects, promotes and integrates the most fragile, unprotected and vulnerable. This does not impede the development of a policy that regulates orderly and legal migration.’” This is something all of us need to think and pray about.

                                                       Blessings!  – Fr. Joe Bacevice