Masses and Prayers for Peace 

In this Time of Upheaval regarding Immigration Enforcement

Especially in light of the tragic violence and chaos that has unfolded in Minneapolis relative to immigration enforcement and resulting protests,                             Bishop Battersby asks parishes to hold one or more of the following:

• Mass for Peace (draw from Masses for Various Needs and Occasions: Civil Needs)
• Holy Hour for Peace
• Rosary for Peace

On January 28, Archbishop Paul Coakley, President of the USCCB, issued a statement (click here for Spanish) in which he noted that, while “proper laws must be respected,” the “current climate of fear and polarization…does not meet the standard set by Christ in the Gospel.”  He went on to invite his brethren in the clergy across the United States to offer a Holy Hour for Peace in the days ahead. 

Column of Archbishop Bernard Hebda of St. Paul and Minneapolis calling for immigration reform.

Statement of the Bishops of the Wisconsin Catholic Conference on Federal Immigration Enforcement (click here for Spanish)

Legal Resources

For immigrant “Know Your Rights” information and other resources, click on the documents below.  If you have questions, or to schedule a parish presentation, you may reach out to Jenna Lrech (jlerch@cclse.org) or Ben Sonsalla (bsonsalla@cclese.org) of Catholic Charities Immigration Services.

To search for immigration legal services providers by state, county, or detention facility, click here. Only nonprofit organizations that provide free or low-cost immigration legal services are included in this directory.

The Immigration debate must be informed by Faith

For a Catholic perspective on the immigration debate, visit the website of Justice for Immigrants, a partner of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.  There you will find current news, background information, Bishops’ statements and action alerts.  You will also find stories that put a human face on this issue.

U.S. Bishops and Justice for Immigrants

At this time of fear and uncertainty in our immigrant communities, a recommended resource is the website Justice for Immigrants.  Visit it for current information on executive actions and other updates, as well as action alerts relative to immigration and the rights of immigrants, including those who are undocumented

The U.S. Catholic bishops’ Justice for Immigrants Campaign (JFI) is a coalition of Catholic organizations working to unite and mobilize a growing network of Catholic institutions, individuals, and other persons of goodwill in support of immigration reform.

The JFI campaign’s primary objectives are:

• To educate the public, especially the Catholic community, about Church teaching on migration and immigrants;
• To create political will for just and humane immigration reform; and
• Advocate for just and fair reforms in U.S. immigration and refugee laws and policies that reflect the principles enunciated by the bishops.

Hispanic/Latino Affairs – USCCB > Issues and Action > Cultural Diversity … diversity We rejoice in knowing that the Hispanic/Latino people are a gift and a …

Por Tu Matrimonio – United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

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