Then there appeared to them tongues as of fire. .
.—Acts 2: 3
What lights your fire when I write about the social teachings of the Church?
Think about it for a moment because I am serious. Week after week I write about different social teachings that are based on the life of Jesus or highlight ministries of Christian love andservice that are making a difference. Honestly, I sometimes wonder if the Holy Spirit is sparking interest or are we just putting out the flame before it has a chance to ignite us to move? When I talk about the Church teaching that we are the Body of Christ—do you really believe that you are an active part of that Body? Do you know that nationally less than 7% of the members of any Catholic parish provide for 80% of the time, talent, and treasure? (statistics provided by The Dynamic Catholic Institute). Where are the rest of you guys?
This week I am going to talk about an issue that our US Catholic Bishops support. Are you an immigrant to this country or a descendant of an immigrant? I think most of us can say “yes” to that question. Would you be willing to act on behalf of the stranger as Jesus did? For decades, the Catholic bishops of the United States have been consistent and steadfast in their calls for a just reform of the nation’s immigration system. The elements of reform supported by the bishops are grounded in Catholic social teaching generally and the Church’s teaching on migration specifically, including the joint pastoral letter released by the American and Mexican bishops, Strangers No Longer: Together on the Journey of Hope (2003)
.In June 2004, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Migration and The Catholic Legal Immigration Network, INC. (CLINIC) Board of Directors resolved to make comprehensive immigration reform, with special emphasis on legalization, a major public policy priority within the Church. As part of the Church’s response, a diverse group of Catholic organizations with national networks decided to join the U.S. Catholic bishops’ Justice for Immigrants to unite and mobilize a network. We have a Justice for Immigrants group here at Cathedral. Some team members help at Catholic Charities and others advocate for immigrants.. Light your fire. Say “Yes” by joining our JFI group at: socialconcern@hnojnc.org To advocate on-line with USCCB/JFI, here is the link: Take Action – Justice for Immigrants
Barbara Molinari Quinby, MPS, Director
Office of Human Life, Dignity, and Justice Ministries
Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral Raleigh, NC