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Missionary Oblates JPIC Opposes Decision to end DACA, Congress Must Pass Dream Act of 2017 September 5th, 2017
“I Was a Stranger and You Welcomed Me.” Matthew 25:35
Missionary Oblates JPIC joins other faith communities, religious leaders and immigrant rights groups in expressing a deep disappointment over the decision to end Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). As a faith community, we believe DACA should be preserved and expanded with more opportunities to these talented young immigrants. The decision by the Trump Administration to end DACA, which is helping millions of young migrants, is a setback.
Our faith tradition demands that we extend a welcoming hand to those in need, especially vulnerable children. These young migrants entered the United States as children and know this country as their only home.
Reacting on the decision to end DACA, Dr. Victor Carmona, Theologian and Associate Professor who is also a member of Missionary Oblates JPIC committee says, “the decision to ending DACA reflects fear rather than faith, hope, love, prudence, justice, temperance, fortitude, or justice.” He further cautioned that now more than ever Congress and the Administration must move beyond fear of reform and act on comprehensive immigration reform.
As we move forward, we join other faith organizations including US Catholic Bishops in urging that Members of Congress lead by example and compassion by co-sponsoring STAND IN SUPPORT OF DREAMers and (co-sponsor the DREAM Act of 2017 (S. 1615 / H.R. 3440). These bipartisan efforts will ensure the safety and dignity of nearly one million young immigrants who are contributing to our communities and love this country, but who may be at risk for deportation.
Download a PDF version of JPIC’s statement.
Take Action to Protect the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Program August 31st, 2017
STAND IN SUPPORT OF DREAMers
(Por favor lea esto en Español)
Terminating Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program will impact negatively thousands of immigrant youth, their families and local communities where they are valuable members.
Today, we as people of faith must call on our elected leaders to keep the DACA program.
Click on this alert from U.S. Catholic bishops’ Justice for Immigrants Campaign and ACT!
Ask your members of Congress to STAND IN SUPPORT OF DREAMers and co-sponsor the DREAM Act of 2017 (S. 1615 / H.R. 3440).
Houston Oblates Cope and Minister in Hurricane Aftermath August 30th, 2017
Originally published at www.OMIUSA.org
By Will Shaw and Mike Viola, Compiled from reports by Oblate Fathers Sal De George and Ray Cook, Photos by Fr. Ray Cook
Fr. Sal De George, OMI, recently named Superior for the Houston Oblate community, spoke with us by telephone on Monday, August 28th with an update on the situation facing the Oblates and their constituents in Houston in the wake of Hurricane Harvey.
The oblates he says, are located southeast of downtown very near the Buffalo Bayou. Fr. De George is at Immaculate Conception Parish along with Oblate Fathers David Uribe and Henry Walker. About a mile away at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, are Fathers Ray Cook, Gene Cañas and Tim Paulson. Fr. Sal reports that both parishes, rectories, residences and the Oblate Currsillo Center are un-damaged so far, but as weather forecasters are predicting another 15-25 inches of rain by Friday, they are hardly “out of the woods” as yet.
Read the full article at omiusa.org.
The Cry of the Earth is the Cry of the Poor, The New Faces of Poverty August 28th, 2017
When: Wednesday, August 30, 9am-4pm
Where: St. Paul University, Ottawa, CANADA, http://ustpaul.ca/
Watch Live: https://ustpaul.adobeconnect.com/jpic
Frs. Antonio Ponce and Daniel Ziegler Support Dream Campaign Vigil at White House August 28th, 2017
Two critical programs – the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and Temporary Protective Status (TPS) are in danger. DACA is under imminent threat of lawsuit by TX Attorney General along with nine states and TPS is facing threat of cancellation by the Trump Administration.
DACA provides eligible immigrant youth the chance to live, study, and work without fear of deportation for a temporary period. Nearly 800,000 young people are currently pursuing their hopes and American dreams, freed from constant fear of getting torn from their families by immigration enforcement, thanks to DACA protection. Similarly, Temporary Protective Status (TPS) has opened hundreds of thousands of opportunities to approximately 400,000 people.
Fr. Antonio Ponce (far left) and Fr. Daniel Ziegler (back row, far right)
Beginning August 15, the Franciscan Action Network (FAN)and other groups initiated a vigil in front of the White House with supporters rotating shifts daily. The vigil is aimed at bringing together immigrants, their families and friends, and supporters to fight for youth and their futures.
