As we mark and celebrate some core values of our nation this coming week, we are also challenged to reflect on issues that continue to shape those values and issues that arise along the way. One that is capturing so much of our national attention recently involves the separation of families at our borders. Cardinal Cupich has made a statement about this issue and I believe it bears reprinting. Perhaps you are already familiar with it but he released the following statement recently:
“There is nothing remotely Christian, American, or morally defensible about a policy that takes children away from their parents and warehouses them in cages. This is being carried out in our name and the shame is on us all.
I welcome Pope Francis’ recent comment, “I am on the side of the bishops’ conference,” affirming his support of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ statement calling this practice “contrary to our Catholic values” and “immoral.” This policy must be rescinded immediately.
We are told that family separations are required by the law or court decisions. That is not true. The administration could, if it so desired, end these wanton acts of cruelty, today. It could right the wrongs committed by these cruel policies. Every day it doesn’t deepens the stain on America’s soul and reputation.
We are told this policy is supported by Scripture. That too is false. There is no biblical justification for building internment camps for children torn away from their parents.
Scripture tells us that God requires no one to follow unjust laws. It also admonishes us against bearing false witness. As St. Paul wrote, the fulfillment of God’s law is love.
We have heard the wails of toddlers crying “Mama!” and “Papa!”—children too young to understand what it means to be used as bargaining chips in a political game whose stakes are their very lives. Their cries pierce the conscience. They remind us that every one of them, along with their parents, are made in God’s image, and therefore have a dignity no amount of demonizing can obscure.
This is the dignity we Catholics defend when we work to protect the unborn. It is the dignity Jesus Christ called us to uphold by feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, and, yes, welcoming the stranger. It is the dignity that inheres regardless of one’s nation of origin. It is not forfeited once one crosses another nation’s border, whether to seek refuge from domestic or gang violence or persecution, or to work for a better life for one’s family.
Pediatricians and psychologists universally agree that the trauma endured by these children will have lasting effects on their still-forming minds. It is a form of torture and child abuse, a violation of human rights. It is devoid of decency, bereft of common sense.
Every so often, history presents circumstances that test the soul of a nation. We are living in one of those moments. Whatever this nation of immigrants does for the least of these brothers and sisters of ours will define us for decades to come, in the world’s eyes, and in God’s.”
Regardless of our political leanings, we as Catholic Christians must always seek the wisdom of the Gospel when ferreting out details of significant issues. One connection with this week’s Gospel is our need for healing. Jairus seeks healing for his daughter. SO many families, regardless of their immigration status, seek healing. The woman with the hemorrhage has been ill for many years and has exhausted her efforts to heal. We as a nation have wrestled with keeping families together for years. She seeks the healing only Jesus can give. In both instances, Jesus is a supreme example of compassion, and as our own Archdiocesan Catholic Charities states in a poignant video, “Compassion strengthens us all.” When we act with true compassion, unity and healing starts and can advance. Our faith connection is crucial to the ongoing discussions surrounding the separation of families. Let us pray for God’s wisdom to guide us as a nation.
This past Tuesday was the kick-off event for a new ministry called OWLS. This is an exciting venture for people over 55 and gathers them in service, social and spiritual activities. The leadership of the OWLS is composed of six members of the original staff that Med Laz organized as Holy Family was just beginning. I find that to be a great testament to the long term dedication of these and so many others to our faith community.
New Ministry Positions
There have been a few changes and additions to our staff recently. Please welcome Grant Guthrie to our Teen Faith staff. Grant is assuming the position that Melanie Tomal was responsible for. Melanie is going on to further her teaching career. Thanks Melanie, and welcome Grant. Maureen DeRosa is moving on from our Operations Ministering Community and Bernie Schaeffer will assume her responsibilities, in addition to his development position. We thank Maureen for her input and dedication these past two years. Jeannie Parry joins our Adult Faith Ministering Community to assist both Mary Whiteside and Marsha Adamczyk. Welcome Jeannie. In addition, Arielle Joaquin joins the Teen and Family Faith Ministering Community as a summer intern. Welcome Arielle.