World Refugee Day 2018

Overcoming Polarization in a Divided Nation Through Catholic Social Thought

June 4, 2018 at Georgetown University

At a time of polarization in the United States and divisions in the Church, Catholic Social Thought can offer affirmative ways to work together to defend human life and dignity, pursue justice and peace, and advance the common good in our country. Four respected leaders will explore how the moral principles of Catholic Social Thought can help overcome polarization and address key challenges in a divided and sometimes demoralized society.

RSVP

The Seven Principles of Catholic Social Teaching

The Church's social teaching is a rich treasure of wisdom about building a just society and living lives of holiness amidst the challenges of modern society. Modern Catholic social teaching has been articulated through a tradition of papal, conciliar, and episcopal documents. The depth and richness of this tradition can be understood best through a direct reading of these documents. In these brief reflections, we highlight several of the key themes that are at the heart of our Catholic social tradition. (From the USCCB)

Read More

Pope Francis and Bishop Burbidge invite you to "Share the Journey"

On Wednesday, September 27th, Pope Francis launched Caritas Internationalis’ ‘Share the Journey’, a worldwide campaign calling on Catholics and the faithful to ‘encounter’ migrants and refugees in an effort to break down barriers of fear and suspicion and build bridges of understanding and hospitality. This two-year campaign will promote the strengthening of relationships between migrants, refugees and communities through action and awareness by shining light on the challenges and effects of migration at all points on the journey. To learn more about migration and how you can join Caritas Internationalis in showing your support for immigrants, please visit the Share the Journey campaign website using the button below.

Learn More

From Shared to Enriched Parishes

The challenge of welcoming people of different cultures dates from the Church’s earliest years (Acts 15:7-21). In nineteenth century America, Catholic bishops addressed the challenge by establishing “national” parishes where immigrants received pastoral care from priests of their countries of origin. Today, “shared” parishes are becoming the norm in the U.S., as the Church becomes more culturally diverse. Parishes vary in their success in creating a place of welcome and sense of community, depending on how open parish leaders and parishioners are to change. Last year, a major study was published on cultural diversity in the Church. Take a look at the recorded answers from the study, provided in both English and Spanish.

View Results

Share the Journey Migration Campaign

On September 27, 2017, the Holy Father will launch a Caritas-led campaign, "Share the Journey," which is aimed at increasing support and solidarity for immigrants and refugees. It will focus on a variety of important topics, including the Church's engagement with immigrants and refugees, catholic social teaching on migration, and the need to address the root causes that drive migration. The Share the Journey campaign is expected to run for a two year period. Join the campaign now!

Get Involved

Pope Francis Gives Us 4 Verbs on Migration: Welcome, Protect, Promote, Integrate

On February 21, Pope Francis released an official address to participants in the international forum on "Migration and Peace." In his address, he said, "The beginning of this third millennium is very much characterized by migratory movement which, in terms of origin, transit and destination, involves nearly every part of the world. Unfortunately, in the majority of cases this movement is forced, caused by conflict, natural disasters, persecution, climate change, violence, extreme poverty and inhumane living conditions... Our shared response may be articulated by four verbs: to welcome, to protect, to promote and to integrate."

Read More

Cardinal Cupich of Chicago Takes Stand on Immigration Enforcement

Cardinal Blase Cupich of the Archdiocese of Chicago sent a directive to principals in more than 200 schools not to let federal immigration agents into their buildings without a warrant. If immigration agents are to show up without a warrant, Cardinal Cupich encouraged school officials to "tell them politely they cannot come on the premises, ask them for their contact information and tell them to contact the (archdiocese) Office of Legal Services." New immigration policies are of particular interest in Chicago, where Hispanic students make up nearly half of the 381,000 students in the city's pbulic school district and a quarter of the 76,000 students in the archdiocese's schools.

Learn More

Food Security & Economic Justice: A Faith Based Study Guide on Poverty & Hunger

The National Catholic Rural Life Conference, a faith-based membership organization focused on agriculture, food and the land, created this study guide as a reflection on hunger and poverty, and a call to action and justice. The content of this study guide delves into a critical reflection on how we relate the current world situation to the Story and Vision of our Catholic faith. The study guide also includes possibilities for action by individuals and groups.

View Study Guide

Bishop Burbidge Affirms Need for Immigration Reform

The following statement was released by Bishop Michael Burbidge, Bishop of Arlington, on January 26, 2017: Yesterday Bishop Joe Vasquez, Chair of the Committee of Migration and Bishop of the Diocese of Austin, issued a statement available below. In solidarity with Bishop Vasquez and my brother bishops, it is my hope and prayer that our elected officials will respond to the needs of our immigrants and their families in a way that respects their dignity as human persons, and that all entrusted with the protection and safety of our nation will carry out these sacred duties and responsibilities in a fair, just and responsible manner.

Read Bishop Vasquez's Statement

Did you miss the September 2016 Symposium entitled, Catholics & Politics: Faithful and Engaged Citizens?

Watch the YouTube Recap

Pope Francis Releases Message for the World Day of Migrants and Refugees

"Migration today is not a phenomenon limited to some areas of the planet. It affects all continents and is growing into a tragic situation of global proportions."

Read Pope Francis's Full Message

Learn How to Protect Immigrants and Refugees

An Executive Order has been issued that has devastating impacts on refugee resettlement in the United States. Unfortunately, the U.S. refugee resettlement program is a life-saving program for the world's most vulnerable refugees. As Catholics, we seek to protect the vulnerable and recognize the human dignity of all. Today, with millions of people forcibly displaced from their homes, the need for the U.S. to show leadership in welcoming refugees and provide freedom from persecution is more urgent than ever.

Take Action Now