Bishop Mark J. Seitz of El Paso, chairman of USCCB’s Committee on Migration, issued a statement reaffirming the Church's solidarity with immigrants as he marked its annual celebration of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
Bishop Seitz wrote, “The bishops of the United States continue to affirm the natural right to migrate, balanced with the sovereign right of countries to uphold their borders, as well as their obligations to provide humane processes for newcomers."
Bishop Seitz also noted that "At a moment when we are witnessing the arrival of greater numbers of families and individuals at our border with Mexico, we call on federal authorities to stand up critical infrastructure to meet their humanitarian needs," and he invited Catholics and all people of faith to pray that through the intersession of Our Lady of Guadalupe we may give comfort to those forced to leave their homes.”
The USCCB, Catholic Charities USA, and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul wrote to Congress on Wednesday urging the passage of an improved Child Tax Credit this year. They wrote,
The Child Tax Credit is a powerful anti-poverty, pro-family program that we have long supported and asked Congress to strengthen. To this effect, we ask you to pass, by the end of this year, an expanded Child Tax Credit that is as refundable as possible, for as many kids as possible, for as many years as possible, and remains available to mixed-status families. The most economically vulnerable children ought to receive the full value of the Child Tax Credit. A strengthened Child Tax Credit that benefits the poorest children should be a priority in any upcoming tax policy package.
Bishop David Malloy, Chairman of the Committee on International Justice and Peace, wrote to Secretary Blinken and Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield on Wednesday asking that the United States affirm an international moratorium on the death penalty when it comes before the U.N. General Assembly on Thursday. They wrote,
In July 2021, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops issued a statement welcoming the U.S. Department of Justice’s moratorium on executions as an incremental step, while also advocating for abolition of the death penalty in both federal and state statutes. In light of the upcoming vote before the United Nations General Assembly on a resolution calling for an international moratorium on the use of the death penalty, the United States can encourage other member states to similarly establish moratoriums as an improvement in recognizing the dignity of every human life.
USCCB specialist on Latin America Christopher Ljungquist delivered testimony regarding Nicaragua to the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom on November 15. His testimony has been included in the written documentation for the Tom Lantos Commission on Human Rights' Hearing on Nicaragua this week.
Mr. Ljungquist states in his testimony, "The United States must continue to demand that the Nicaraguan government ends its persecution of the Church. The government must be made to realize that the Church is open to dialogue, and to build up and restore Nicaragua to peace and the rule of law."
The Advent wreath, with a candle marking each week of the season, is a traditional symbol of the liturgical period (CNS photo illustration/Bob Roller).
Beginning the Church's liturgical year, Advent (from, "ad-venire" in Latin or "to come to") is the season encompassing the four Sundays (and weekdays) leading up to the celebration of Christmas.
The Advent season is a time of preparation that directs our hearts and minds to Christ’s second coming at the end of time and to the anniversary of Our Lord’s birth on Christmas. From the earliest days of the Church, people have been fascinated by Jesus’ promise to come back. But the scripture readings during Advent tell us not to waste our time with predictions. Advent is not about speculation. Our Advent readings call us to be alert and ready, not weighted down and distracted by the cares of this world (Lk 21:34-36). Like Lent, the liturgical color for Advent is purple since both are seasons that prepare us for great feast days. Advent also includes an element of penance in the sense of preparing, quieting, and disciplining our hearts for the full joy of Christmas.
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops' (USCCB's) mission is to encounter the mercy of Christ and to accompany His people with joy.
The Office of Government Relations (OGR) represents the USCCB before the U.S. Congress on public policy issues of concern to the bishops. Please reach out to our team if we can be of assistance to you.
Lauren McCormack Executive Director lmccormack@usccb.org Issues: Religious Liberty; Marriage
Michelle Gress Director mgress@usccb.org Issues: Pro-Life; Catholic Education
Micheal E. Hill Associate Director mhill@usccb.org Issues: Immigration and Refugee; Communication; Ad Hoc Committee Against Racism
Meghan Goodwin Associate Director mgoodwin@usccb.org Issues: Domestic Social Development; International Justice and Peace
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