February 25, 2022 • From the Association of U.S. Catholic Priests
We, as an association of Catholic priests and friends, are saddened by the misleading claims of some elected officials and media outlets about the work of Catholic Charities agencies along the U.S.-Mexico border, and in particular about the life-giving ministry of Sister Norma Pimentel, executive director of Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley. The depth of our sadness is matched by the strength of our unqualified support for their ministry welcoming strangers as our brothers and sisters
It should not be necessary to state that the services provided by Catholic Charities across the country are carried out in accord with local, state and federal law. The individuals and families assisted by Sister Pimentel have already been granted permission to be in the United States by the U.S. government.
The AUSCP presented Sister Norma with its prestigious Saint John XXIII Award in 2019 at the association’s Assembly in St. Louis. Her presentation there led to an unprecedented contribution of personal funds from our members and matched by AUSCP funds; several persons were moved to volunteer time to assist her.
“We applaud the Christlike ministry of Catholic Charities USA and the persistent call of the American Catholic bishops for comprehensive immigration reform,” said Father Greg Barras, chair of the AUSCP Leadership Team. “We beg all persons of good will to join in addressing the humanitarian crisis at our nation’s border.”
Contact
Rev. Greg Barras, AUSCP Leadership Team Chair
gregmbarras@gmail.com • (228) 297-248
Paul Leingang, AUSCP Communications, auscp.communications@gmail.com • (812) 459-1374
Distribution
Sister Donna Markham OP, President and CEO, Catholic Charities USA
Sister Norma Pimentel, MJ, Executive Diretor, Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley
Bishop David A. Zubik, Episcopal Liaison to CCUSA Board of Trustees
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