The Pope Calls for Urgent Intervention in the Humanitarian Crisis of Migrant Children
News Intro Text
'A change of attitude towards migrants and refugees is needed on the part of everyone, moving away from attitudes of defensiveness and fear, indifference and marginalisation – all typical of a throwaway culture'
News Item Content
<p>Vatican City, 15 July 2014 (VIS) – Yesterday Pope Francis sent a message to the organisers, speakers and participants in the “Mexico/Holy See Colloquium on Migration and Development”, which was read during the inaugural session of the event by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin. In the text, the Pontiff urges the international community to promote the adoption of new forms of legal and safe migration and called for protection and a suitable reception for the many children who migrate cross the border with the United States unaccompanied. He also highlights the need for policies to inform potential migrants of the dangers of such a journey and above all, for initiatives to promote development in their countries of origin. <a href="http://www.news.va/en/news/the-pope-calls-for-urgent-intervention-in-the-huma">MORE>></a></p>
Date
Catholic Leaders Agree: Immigrant Families Need a Vote NOW
News Intro Text
Fr. Fred Kammer, S.J. and 29 Catholic leaders urge Speaker Boehner to keep families together by doing his part to pass immigration reform.
News Item Content
<div>
<span class="intro">Dear Speaker Boehner,</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span class="intro">We write to you as fellow Catholics with heavy hearts and a profound sense of urgency. As the House of Representatives still delays passing comprehensive immigration reform, mothers are torn apart from children, migrants are dying in the desert and our nation is weakened.</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span class="intro"><strong>Mr. Speaker, how can we fail to act?</strong></span></div>
<div>
<span class="intro">Legislative obstruction in the face of preventable suffering and death is not only a failure of leadership. It is immoral and shameful. The eyes of our God — who hungers for justice and commands us to welcome the stranger and bind the wounds of those left by the side of the road — are on us.</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span class="intro"><strong>Are we deaf to the cries of families and aspiring Americans separated by a broken system?</strong></span></div>
<div>
<span class="intro">We stand with U.S. Catholic bishops who will celebrate Mass on Capitol Hill today, and who come once again to advocate for humane and </span></div>
<div>
<span class="intro">practical immigration reform.</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span class="intro"><strong>Will you pray with us that the House of Representatives puts aside partisanship and passes comprehensive reform?</strong></span></div>
<div>
<span class="intro">Pope Francis reminds us that a “globalization of indifference” prevents us from seeing that every migrant, regardless of status, has inherent human dignity. As Catholics who share your commitment to the sanctity of life in the womb, we must not be complicit in the suffering of migrants dying in the shadows. Cardinal Sean O’Malley of Boston, who has called justice for immigrants a “pro-life” issue, spoke during a Mass on the U.S.-Mexico border last month of the “unmarked graves of thousands who die alone and nameless.”</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span class="intro">Is our nation so callous that we fail to weep for those nameless lost? We pray that you and your colleagues in the House have the moral </span></div>
<div>
<span class="intro">courage to show real leadership and act.</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span class="intro">Sincerely,</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span class="intro"><strong>REV. LARRY SNYDER</strong>, CEO </span></div>
<div>
<span class="intro">Catholic Charities USA</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span class="intro"><strong>REV. THOMAS H. SMOLICH, S.J.</strong>, President </span></div>
<div>
<span class="intro">Jesuit Conference</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span class="intro"><strong>PATRICIA MCGUIRE,</strong> President </span></div>
<div>
<span class="intro">Trinity Washington University</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span class="intro"><strong>REV. DANIEL GROODY, CSC</strong>, Director of Immigration </span></div>
<div>
<span class="intro">Initiatives, Institute for Latino Studies </span></div>
<div>
<span class="intro">University of Notre Dame</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span class="intro"><strong>REV. STEPHEN A. PRIVETT, S.J.</strong>, President </span></div>
<div>
<span class="intro">University of San Francisco</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span class="intro"><strong>DONNA M. CARROLL,</strong> President </span></div>
<div>
<span class="intro">Dominican University</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span class="intro"><strong>REV. CLETE KILEY</strong>, Director for Immigration Policy </span></div>
<div>
<span class="intro">UNITE HERE</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span class="intro"><strong>REV. CHARLES CURRIE, S.J.</strong>, Executive Director </span></div>
<div>
<span class="intro">Jesuit Commons</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span class="intro"><strong>REV. DREW CHRISTIANSEN, S.J.</strong>, Distinguished </span></div>
<div>
<span class="intro">Professor of Ethics & Global Development </span></div>
<div>
<span class="intro">Georgetown University</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span class="intro"><strong>REV. MICHAEL U. PUCKE</strong>, St. Julie Billiart Parish </span></div>
<div>
<span class="intro">Hamilton County, Ohio</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span class="intro"><strong>REV. ANTHONY KUTCHER</strong>, President </span></div>
<div>
<span class="intro">National Federation of Priests’ Councils </span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span class="intro"><strong>SR. SIMONE CAMPBELL, SSS</strong>, Executive Director </span></div>
<div>
<span class="intro">NETWORK, A Catholic Social Justice Lobby</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span class="intro"><strong>STEPHEN F. SCHNECK</strong>, Director, Institute for Policy </span></div>
<div>
<span class="intro">Research & Catholic Studies </span></div>
<div>
<span class="intro">The Catholic University of America</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span class="intro"><strong>SR. SALLY DUFFY, SC</strong>, Executive Director </span></div>
<div>
<span class="intro">SC Ministry Foundation, Cincinnati, Ohio</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span class="intro"><strong>MOYA K. DITTMEIER</strong>, Executive Director </span></div>
<div>
<span class="intro">Conference for Mercy Higher Education</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span class="intro"><strong>REV. LEONIR CHIARELLO, C.S.</strong>, Executive Director </span></div>
<div>
<span class="intro">Scalabrini International Migration Network</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span class="intro"><strong>DONALD KERWIN</strong>, Executive Director </span></div>
<div>
<span class="intro">Center for Migration Studies of New York</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span class="intro"><strong>FRANCIS X. DOYLE</strong>, Associate General Secretary </span></div>
<div>
<span class="intro">(retired), U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span class="intro"><strong>REV. FRED KAMMER, S.J.</strong>, Director</span></div>
<div>
<span class="intro">Jesuit Social Research Institute </span></div>
<div>
<span class="intro">Loyola University New Orleans</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span class="intro"><strong>REV. JOHN BAUMANN, S.J.</strong>, Founder </span></div>
<div>
<span class="intro">PICO National Network</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span class="intro"><strong>CHRISTOPHER G. KERR,</strong> Executive Director </span></div>
<div>
<span class="intro">Ignatian Solidarity Network </span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span class="intro"><strong>PATRICK CAROLAN</strong>, Executive Director </span></div>
<div>
<span class="intro">Franciscan Action Network</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span class="intro"><strong>SR. PAT MCDERMOTT, RSM</strong>, President </span></div>
<div>
<span class="intro">Institute of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span class="intro"><strong>SR. CAROL ZINN, SSJ</strong>, President </span></div>
<div>
<span class="intro">Leadership Conference of Women Religious</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span class="intro"><strong>SR. PATRICIA CHAPPELL</strong>, Executive Director </span></div>
<div>
<span class="intro">Pax Christi USA</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span class="intro"><strong>FRANCIS J. BUTLER</strong>, President </span></div>
<div>
<span class="intro">Drexel Philanthropic Advisors</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span class="intro"><strong>JOHN GEHRING</strong>, Catholic Program Director </span></div>
<div>
<span class="intro">Faith in Public Life</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span class="intro"><strong>GERRY LEE</strong>, Director </span></div>
<div>
<span class="intro">Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span class="intro"><strong>CHRISTOPHER J. HALE</strong>, Senior Fellow </span></div>
<div>
<span class="intro">Catholics in Alliance for the Common Good</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span class="intro"><strong>REV. KEVIN WILDES, S.J.</strong>, President </span></div>
<div>
<span class="intro">Loyola University New Orleans</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span class="intro">For a copy of the letter, please visit <a href="http://www.faithinpubliclife.org/">Faith in Public Life</a> or click <a href="https://jsri.loyno.edu/sites/loyno.edu.jsri/files/Catholic Leaders Agree.pdf">HERE</a></span></div>
<span class="intro">Dear Speaker Boehner,</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span class="intro">We write to you as fellow Catholics with heavy hearts and a profound sense of urgency. As the House of Representatives still delays passing comprehensive immigration reform, mothers are torn apart from children, migrants are dying in the desert and our nation is weakened.</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span class="intro"><strong>Mr. Speaker, how can we fail to act?</strong></span></div>
<div>
<span class="intro">Legislative obstruction in the face of preventable suffering and death is not only a failure of leadership. It is immoral and shameful. The eyes of our God — who hungers for justice and commands us to welcome the stranger and bind the wounds of those left by the side of the road — are on us.</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span class="intro"><strong>Are we deaf to the cries of families and aspiring Americans separated by a broken system?</strong></span></div>
<div>
<span class="intro">We stand with U.S. Catholic bishops who will celebrate Mass on Capitol Hill today, and who come once again to advocate for humane and </span></div>
<div>
<span class="intro">practical immigration reform.</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span class="intro"><strong>Will you pray with us that the House of Representatives puts aside partisanship and passes comprehensive reform?</strong></span></div>
<div>
<span class="intro">Pope Francis reminds us that a “globalization of indifference” prevents us from seeing that every migrant, regardless of status, has inherent human dignity. As Catholics who share your commitment to the sanctity of life in the womb, we must not be complicit in the suffering of migrants dying in the shadows. Cardinal Sean O’Malley of Boston, who has called justice for immigrants a “pro-life” issue, spoke during a Mass on the U.S.-Mexico border last month of the “unmarked graves of thousands who die alone and nameless.”</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span class="intro">Is our nation so callous that we fail to weep for those nameless lost? We pray that you and your colleagues in the House have the moral </span></div>
<div>
<span class="intro">courage to show real leadership and act.</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span class="intro">Sincerely,</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span class="intro"><strong>REV. LARRY SNYDER</strong>, CEO </span></div>
<div>
<span class="intro">Catholic Charities USA</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span class="intro"><strong>REV. THOMAS H. SMOLICH, S.J.</strong>, President </span></div>
<div>
<span class="intro">Jesuit Conference</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span class="intro"><strong>PATRICIA MCGUIRE,</strong> President </span></div>
<div>
<span class="intro">Trinity Washington University</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span class="intro"><strong>REV. DANIEL GROODY, CSC</strong>, Director of Immigration </span></div>
<div>
<span class="intro">Initiatives, Institute for Latino Studies </span></div>
<div>
<span class="intro">University of Notre Dame</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span class="intro"><strong>REV. STEPHEN A. PRIVETT, S.J.</strong>, President </span></div>
<div>
<span class="intro">University of San Francisco</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span class="intro"><strong>DONNA M. CARROLL,</strong> President </span></div>
<div>
<span class="intro">Dominican University</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span class="intro"><strong>REV. CLETE KILEY</strong>, Director for Immigration Policy </span></div>
<div>
<span class="intro">UNITE HERE</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span class="intro"><strong>REV. CHARLES CURRIE, S.J.</strong>, Executive Director </span></div>
<div>
<span class="intro">Jesuit Commons</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span class="intro"><strong>REV. DREW CHRISTIANSEN, S.J.</strong>, Distinguished </span></div>
<div>
<span class="intro">Professor of Ethics & Global Development </span></div>
<div>
<span class="intro">Georgetown University</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span class="intro"><strong>REV. MICHAEL U. PUCKE</strong>, St. Julie Billiart Parish </span></div>
<div>
<span class="intro">Hamilton County, Ohio</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span class="intro"><strong>REV. ANTHONY KUTCHER</strong>, President </span></div>
<div>
<span class="intro">National Federation of Priests’ Councils </span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span class="intro"><strong>SR. SIMONE CAMPBELL, SSS</strong>, Executive Director </span></div>
<div>
<span class="intro">NETWORK, A Catholic Social Justice Lobby</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span class="intro"><strong>STEPHEN F. SCHNECK</strong>, Director, Institute for Policy </span></div>
<div>
<span class="intro">Research & Catholic Studies </span></div>
<div>
<span class="intro">The Catholic University of America</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span class="intro"><strong>SR. SALLY DUFFY, SC</strong>, Executive Director </span></div>
<div>
<span class="intro">SC Ministry Foundation, Cincinnati, Ohio</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span class="intro"><strong>MOYA K. DITTMEIER</strong>, Executive Director </span></div>
<div>
<span class="intro">Conference for Mercy Higher Education</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span class="intro"><strong>REV. LEONIR CHIARELLO, C.S.</strong>, Executive Director </span></div>
<div>
<span class="intro">Scalabrini International Migration Network</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span class="intro"><strong>DONALD KERWIN</strong>, Executive Director </span></div>
<div>
<span class="intro">Center for Migration Studies of New York</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span class="intro"><strong>FRANCIS X. DOYLE</strong>, Associate General Secretary </span></div>
<div>
<span class="intro">(retired), U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span class="intro"><strong>REV. FRED KAMMER, S.J.</strong>, Director</span></div>
<div>
<span class="intro">Jesuit Social Research Institute </span></div>
<div>
<span class="intro">Loyola University New Orleans</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span class="intro"><strong>REV. JOHN BAUMANN, S.J.</strong>, Founder </span></div>
<div>
<span class="intro">PICO National Network</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span class="intro"><strong>CHRISTOPHER G. KERR,</strong> Executive Director </span></div>
<div>
<span class="intro">Ignatian Solidarity Network </span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span class="intro"><strong>PATRICK CAROLAN</strong>, Executive Director </span></div>
<div>
<span class="intro">Franciscan Action Network</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span class="intro"><strong>SR. PAT MCDERMOTT, RSM</strong>, President </span></div>
<div>
<span class="intro">Institute of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span class="intro"><strong>SR. CAROL ZINN, SSJ</strong>, President </span></div>
<div>
<span class="intro">Leadership Conference of Women Religious</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span class="intro"><strong>SR. PATRICIA CHAPPELL</strong>, Executive Director </span></div>
<div>
<span class="intro">Pax Christi USA</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span class="intro"><strong>FRANCIS J. BUTLER</strong>, President </span></div>
<div>
<span class="intro">Drexel Philanthropic Advisors</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span class="intro"><strong>JOHN GEHRING</strong>, Catholic Program Director </span></div>
<div>
<span class="intro">Faith in Public Life</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span class="intro"><strong>GERRY LEE</strong>, Director </span></div>
<div>
<span class="intro">Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span class="intro"><strong>CHRISTOPHER J. HALE</strong>, Senior Fellow </span></div>
<div>
<span class="intro">Catholics in Alliance for the Common Good</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span class="intro"><strong>REV. KEVIN WILDES, S.J.</strong>, President </span></div>
<div>
<span class="intro">Loyola University New Orleans</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span class="intro">For a copy of the letter, please visit <a href="http://www.faithinpubliclife.org/">Faith in Public Life</a> or click <a href="https://jsri.loyno.edu/sites/loyno.edu.jsri/files/Catholic Leaders Agree.pdf">HERE</a></span></div>
Date
Florida Bishops urge Governor to spare life of Askari Muhammad
News Intro Text
The Florida Catholic bishops urged Governor Rick Scott to spare the life of Askari Muhammad, who is scheduled for execution on January 7th. Catholic groups around the state planned observances.
News Item Content
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<p align="center"><strong>Do not repay evil for evil;</strong><br />
<strong>Catholic bishops of Florida urge Governor Scott to spare the life of Askari Muhammad </strong><br />
</p>
<p><strong>Tallahassee (January 3, 2014) </strong>- The Catholic bishops of Florida appeal to Governor Scott to spare the life of Askari Muhammad, formerly known as Thomas Knight, scheduled to be executed January 7, 2014, at 6:00 p.m. near Starke, FL. We express our most profound sympathies to the loved ones of the victims who were tragically killed as a result of his actions: Lillian Gans, Sydney Gans, and Officer Richard Burke. <br />
<br />
The Florida Supreme Court recently upheld the use of a new drug in Florida's lethal injection process. However, any method of carrying out the death penalty only perpetuates violence among us. The Catholic Church holds that all life is sacred, even the lives of those who have caused great harm. We urge the State of Florida to show mercy to Mr. Muhammad. As St. Paul wrote in his letter to the Romans, "Do not be conquered by evil but conquer evil with good." (Romans 12:21)<br />
<br />
While the number of U.S. executions decreased, Florida was responsible for the second highest number of executions (7) carried out in 2013. In the new year, we pray that Florida reverses this trend and joins the 18 states that have ended the use of the death penalty.<br />
<br />
Catholic faithful and members of the community are invited to gather in solidarity at the following times and locations:<br />
<br />
<u>Archdiocese of Miami</u><br />
A prayer vigil will be held following 11:45 a.m. Mass on Tuesday, January 7 at St. Martha Catholic Church, 9401 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami Shores. Contact: Juan Di Prado, (305) 762-1046, <a href="mailto:jdiprado@theadom.org" title="mailto:jdiprado@theadom.org">jdiprado@theadom.org</a>.<br />
<br />
<u>Diocese of St. Augustine</u><br />
Prayer vigils will be held on Tuesday, January 7 at the following locations:</p>
<ul>
<li>
In front of the St. Augustine Beach City Hall, corner of A1A and 16th Street, 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Contact: Nancy O'Byrne, (904) 461-9216, <a href="mailto:obyrnen@bellsouth.net" title="mailto:obyrnen@bellsouth.net">obyrnen@bellsouth.net</a></li>
<li>
In front of the new Duval County Unified Courthouse, 501 W. Adams Street, Jacksonville, 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Contact: Jackie Gunning, (904) 449-3328, jacqueline.gunning@bmcjax.com or Sr. Maureen Kelley, 904-704-0313, <a href="mailto:mkelleyop@att.net" title="mailto:mkelleyop@att.net">mkelleyop@att.net</a></li>
<li>
In front of the Flagler County Courthouse, 1769 E. Moody Blvd, Bunnell from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Contact: Jackie Morelewicz, (386) 986-3146, <a href="mailto:jackiem@cfl.rr.com" title="mailto:jackiem@cfl.rr.com">jackiem@cfl.rr.com</a></li>
<li>
Across the highway from the Florida State Prison Execution Building, Starke from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Contact: John Linnehan, (904) 504-1004, <a href="mailto:metanoia.mx@gmail.com" title="mailto:metanoia.mx@gmail.com">metanoia.mx@gmail.com</a></li>
</ul>
<p> <br />
A carpool will be leaving on Tuesday, January 7 at 4:30 p.m. from the parking lot of St. Augustine Church and Catholic Student Center, 1738 W. University Avenue, Gainesville to attend a prayer service at Florida State Prison near Starke. Contact: Michelle Garcia, (352) 372-3533, <a href="mailto:info@catholicgators.com" title="mailto:info@catholicgators.com">info@catholicgators.com</a>.<br />
<br />
Additional Contact: Kathleen Bagg, Office of Communications, Diocese of St. Augustine, (904) 262-3200.<br />
<br />
<u>Diocese of St. Petersburg</u><br />
Spirit FM 90.5 WBVM Tampa will be praying on air Tuesday, January 7 beginning at 5:50 pm. Spirit FM is also available on the internet (www.spiritfm905.com).<br />
<br />
A prayer vigil will be held at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, 550 U.S. Highway 41 S., Inverness on Tuesday, January 7 at 5:30 p.m.<br />
<br />
Nativity Catholic Church will hold a Prayer Vigil in the Chapel on for Monday, January 6 at 7:00 p.m., 705 E. Brandon Boulevard, Brandon.<br />
<br />
Contact: Sabrina Burton Schultz, Diocese of St. Petersburg, (727) 344-1611, <a href="mailto:sab@dosp.org" title="mailto:sab@dosp.org">sab@dosp.org</a>.<br />
<br />
<u>Diocese of Orlando</u><br />
A prayer service will be held at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 6803 Old Hwy 441 South, Mt. Dora on Tuesday, January 7 at 3:00 p.m.<br />
<br />
A bus will be leaving from the parking lot of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 201 University Blvd., Daytona Beach on January 7 at 2:30 p.m. for a prayer service outside of the prison in Starke at 6:00 p.m.<br />
<br />
Contact: Office of Advocacy and Justice, (407) 246-4819, <a href="mailto:advocacyjustice@orlandodiocese.org" title="mailto:advocacyjustice@orlandodiocese.org">advocacyjustice@orlandodiocese.org</a>.<br />
<br />
<u>Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee</u><br />
A holy hour will take place at Basilica of St. Michael the Archangel, 19 N Palafox St, Pensacola, on Monday, January 6 at 5:00 p.m. (CST). Contact: (850) 438-4985.<br />
<br />
A holy hour will be held at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 1008 Fortune Avenue, Panama City, on Monday, January 6 at 7:00 p.m. (CST). Contact: (850) 763-1821, <a href="mailto:stj.office@knology.net" title="mailto:stj.office@knology.net">stj.office@knology.net</a>.<br />
<br />
A prayer service to end the use of the death penalty is held at Immaculate Conception parish, 2750 South Byron Butler Parkway, Perry, every Thursday afternoon at 3:00 p.m.<br />
<br />
Additional Contact: Peggy DeKeyser, Office of Communications, Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee, (850) 435-3528, <a href="mailto:dekeyserp@ptdiocese.org" title="mailto:dekeyserp@ptdiocese.org">dekeyserp@ptdiocese.org</a>.<br />
<br />
Tallahassee Citizens Against the Death Penalty will sponsor an interfaith prayer vigil scheduled for Tuesday, January 7 at 6:00 p.m. in front of the Governor's Mansion in Tallahassee and a service of remembrance in the Capitol Building Plaza Level Rotunda the day after the execution, Wednesday, January 8 at noon. Contact: Sheila Meehan, (850) 524-0080.<br />
<br />
<u>Diocese of Palm Beach</u><br />
Catholic Charities Respect Life Office in partnership with the Diocese of Palm Beach and Pax Christi will host a prayer service on Tuesday, January 7 at 5:30 p.m. at the Cathedral of St. Ignatius Loyola, 9999 N. Military Trail, Palm Beach Gardens. The service will be followed by a procession and silent vigil in front of the Cathedral from 5:45 - 6:15 p.m. Contact: Dianne Laubert, (561) 313-2280, <a href="mailto:dlaubert@diocesepb.org" title="mailto:dlaubert@diocesepb.org">dlaubert@diocesepb.org</a>.<br />
<br />
<u>Diocese of Venice</u><br />
A prayer vigil will be held in the Chapel at St. Katharine Drexel Catholic Church, 1922 SW 20th Avenue, Cape Coral on Sunday, January 5, at 7:00 p.m. Contact: Maria, (239) 540-7096, <a href="mailto:maria1403@juno.com" title="mailto:maria1403@juno.com">maria1403@juno.com</a>.<br />
<br />
Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church, 425 South Tamiami Trail, Osprey, will hold a prayer vigil on Tuesday, January 7 at 5:30 p.m. Contact: Janine Marrone, (941) 497-4917.</p>
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<p align="center"><strong>Do not repay evil for evil;</strong><br />
<strong>Catholic bishops of Florida urge Governor Scott to spare the life of Askari Muhammad </strong><br />
</p>
<p><strong>Tallahassee (January 3, 2014) </strong>- The Catholic bishops of Florida appeal to Governor Scott to spare the life of Askari Muhammad, formerly known as Thomas Knight, scheduled to be executed January 7, 2014, at 6:00 p.m. near Starke, FL. We express our most profound sympathies to the loved ones of the victims who were tragically killed as a result of his actions: Lillian Gans, Sydney Gans, and Officer Richard Burke. <br />
<br />
The Florida Supreme Court recently upheld the use of a new drug in Florida's lethal injection process. However, any method of carrying out the death penalty only perpetuates violence among us. The Catholic Church holds that all life is sacred, even the lives of those who have caused great harm. We urge the State of Florida to show mercy to Mr. Muhammad. As St. Paul wrote in his letter to the Romans, "Do not be conquered by evil but conquer evil with good." (Romans 12:21)<br />
<br />
While the number of U.S. executions decreased, Florida was responsible for the second highest number of executions (7) carried out in 2013. In the new year, we pray that Florida reverses this trend and joins the 18 states that have ended the use of the death penalty.<br />
<br />
Catholic faithful and members of the community are invited to gather in solidarity at the following times and locations:<br />
<br />
<u>Archdiocese of Miami</u><br />
A prayer vigil will be held following 11:45 a.m. Mass on Tuesday, January 7 at St. Martha Catholic Church, 9401 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami Shores. Contact: Juan Di Prado, (305) 762-1046, <a href="mailto:jdiprado@theadom.org" title="mailto:jdiprado@theadom.org">jdiprado@theadom.org</a>.<br />
<br />
<u>Diocese of St. Augustine</u><br />
Prayer vigils will be held on Tuesday, January 7 at the following locations:</p>
<ul>
<li>
In front of the St. Augustine Beach City Hall, corner of A1A and 16th Street, 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Contact: Nancy O'Byrne, (904) 461-9216, <a href="mailto:obyrnen@bellsouth.net" title="mailto:obyrnen@bellsouth.net">obyrnen@bellsouth.net</a></li>
<li>
In front of the new Duval County Unified Courthouse, 501 W. Adams Street, Jacksonville, 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Contact: Jackie Gunning, (904) 449-3328, jacqueline.gunning@bmcjax.com or Sr. Maureen Kelley, 904-704-0313, <a href="mailto:mkelleyop@att.net" title="mailto:mkelleyop@att.net">mkelleyop@att.net</a></li>
<li>
In front of the Flagler County Courthouse, 1769 E. Moody Blvd, Bunnell from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Contact: Jackie Morelewicz, (386) 986-3146, <a href="mailto:jackiem@cfl.rr.com" title="mailto:jackiem@cfl.rr.com">jackiem@cfl.rr.com</a></li>
<li>
Across the highway from the Florida State Prison Execution Building, Starke from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Contact: John Linnehan, (904) 504-1004, <a href="mailto:metanoia.mx@gmail.com" title="mailto:metanoia.mx@gmail.com">metanoia.mx@gmail.com</a></li>
</ul>
<p> <br />
A carpool will be leaving on Tuesday, January 7 at 4:30 p.m. from the parking lot of St. Augustine Church and Catholic Student Center, 1738 W. University Avenue, Gainesville to attend a prayer service at Florida State Prison near Starke. Contact: Michelle Garcia, (352) 372-3533, <a href="mailto:info@catholicgators.com" title="mailto:info@catholicgators.com">info@catholicgators.com</a>.<br />
<br />
Additional Contact: Kathleen Bagg, Office of Communications, Diocese of St. Augustine, (904) 262-3200.<br />
<br />
<u>Diocese of St. Petersburg</u><br />
Spirit FM 90.5 WBVM Tampa will be praying on air Tuesday, January 7 beginning at 5:50 pm. Spirit FM is also available on the internet (www.spiritfm905.com).<br />
<br />
A prayer vigil will be held at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, 550 U.S. Highway 41 S., Inverness on Tuesday, January 7 at 5:30 p.m.<br />
<br />
Nativity Catholic Church will hold a Prayer Vigil in the Chapel on for Monday, January 6 at 7:00 p.m., 705 E. Brandon Boulevard, Brandon.<br />
<br />
Contact: Sabrina Burton Schultz, Diocese of St. Petersburg, (727) 344-1611, <a href="mailto:sab@dosp.org" title="mailto:sab@dosp.org">sab@dosp.org</a>.<br />
<br />
<u>Diocese of Orlando</u><br />
A prayer service will be held at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 6803 Old Hwy 441 South, Mt. Dora on Tuesday, January 7 at 3:00 p.m.<br />
<br />
A bus will be leaving from the parking lot of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 201 University Blvd., Daytona Beach on January 7 at 2:30 p.m. for a prayer service outside of the prison in Starke at 6:00 p.m.<br />
<br />
Contact: Office of Advocacy and Justice, (407) 246-4819, <a href="mailto:advocacyjustice@orlandodiocese.org" title="mailto:advocacyjustice@orlandodiocese.org">advocacyjustice@orlandodiocese.org</a>.<br />
<br />
<u>Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee</u><br />
A holy hour will take place at Basilica of St. Michael the Archangel, 19 N Palafox St, Pensacola, on Monday, January 6 at 5:00 p.m. (CST). Contact: (850) 438-4985.<br />
<br />
A holy hour will be held at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 1008 Fortune Avenue, Panama City, on Monday, January 6 at 7:00 p.m. (CST). Contact: (850) 763-1821, <a href="mailto:stj.office@knology.net" title="mailto:stj.office@knology.net">stj.office@knology.net</a>.<br />
<br />
A prayer service to end the use of the death penalty is held at Immaculate Conception parish, 2750 South Byron Butler Parkway, Perry, every Thursday afternoon at 3:00 p.m.<br />
<br />
Additional Contact: Peggy DeKeyser, Office of Communications, Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee, (850) 435-3528, <a href="mailto:dekeyserp@ptdiocese.org" title="mailto:dekeyserp@ptdiocese.org">dekeyserp@ptdiocese.org</a>.<br />
<br />
Tallahassee Citizens Against the Death Penalty will sponsor an interfaith prayer vigil scheduled for Tuesday, January 7 at 6:00 p.m. in front of the Governor's Mansion in Tallahassee and a service of remembrance in the Capitol Building Plaza Level Rotunda the day after the execution, Wednesday, January 8 at noon. Contact: Sheila Meehan, (850) 524-0080.<br />
<br />
<u>Diocese of Palm Beach</u><br />
Catholic Charities Respect Life Office in partnership with the Diocese of Palm Beach and Pax Christi will host a prayer service on Tuesday, January 7 at 5:30 p.m. at the Cathedral of St. Ignatius Loyola, 9999 N. Military Trail, Palm Beach Gardens. The service will be followed by a procession and silent vigil in front of the Cathedral from 5:45 - 6:15 p.m. Contact: Dianne Laubert, (561) 313-2280, <a href="mailto:dlaubert@diocesepb.org" title="mailto:dlaubert@diocesepb.org">dlaubert@diocesepb.org</a>.<br />
<br />
<u>Diocese of Venice</u><br />
A prayer vigil will be held in the Chapel at St. Katharine Drexel Catholic Church, 1922 SW 20th Avenue, Cape Coral on Sunday, January 5, at 7:00 p.m. Contact: Maria, (239) 540-7096, <a href="mailto:maria1403@juno.com" title="mailto:maria1403@juno.com">maria1403@juno.com</a>.<br />
<br />
Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church, 425 South Tamiami Trail, Osprey, will hold a prayer vigil on Tuesday, January 7 at 5:30 p.m. Contact: Janine Marrone, (941) 497-4917.</p>
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Date
Senate passes comprehensive immigration reform bill
News Intro Text
On June 27, the Senate passed the S.744 immigration reform bill. Though the bill does offer a path to citizenship for millions of undocumented immigrants in the U.S., it also contains a number of negative amendments. The bill faces an uphill battle to gain approval in the House.
News Item Content
<p>On June 27, the Senate passed the S.744 immigration reform bill. Though the bill does offer a path to citizenship for millions of undocumented immigrants in the U.S., it also contains a number of negative amendments. The bill faces an uphill battle to gain approval in the House.</p>
<p>Click here to read the <a href="http://www.jesuit.org/2013/06/27/u-s-jesuit-conference-statement-on-passage-of-the-senates-border-security-economic-opportunity-and-immigration-modernization-act-of-2013/">U.S. Jesuit Conference Statement on Passage of the Senate’s Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act of 2013</a>.</p>
<p>Click here to read the <a href="http://www.jesuit.org/2013/06/27/u-s-jesuit-conference-statement-on-passage-of-the-senates-border-security-economic-opportunity-and-immigration-modernization-act-of-2013/">U.S. Jesuit Conference Statement on Passage of the Senate’s Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act of 2013</a>.</p>
Date
New Orleans Archbishop Gregory Aymond issues statement on Human Trafficking
News Intro Text
On Dec. 5, Archbishop Aymond, LCWR Region 5, and CMSM issued a statement to be read at masses throughout New Orleans asking Catholics to be aware of the issue of human trafficking, especially in the time leading up to the Super Bowl and Mardi Gras.
News Item Content
<p>On Dec. 5, Archbishop Aymond, the Leadership Council of Women Religious Region 5, and the CMSM issued a statement to be read at masses throughout New Orleans asking Catholics to be aware of the human trafficking in the city especially in the time leading up to the Super Bowl and Mardi Gras.</p>
<p><a href="https://jsri.loyno.edu/sites/loyno.edu.jsri/files/Trafficking-Arch Letter-1212-mig.pdf">Read the letter here>></a></p>
<p><a href="https://jsri.loyno.edu/sites/loyno.edu.jsri/files/Trafficking-Arch Letter-1212-mig.pdf">Read the letter here>></a></p>
Date
CDF calls on policy makers to protect children from budget cuts
News Intro Text
The Children's Defense Fund's "Be Careful What You Cut" campaign seeks to protect children's programs from budget cuts. Click here to contact you legislator and learn more.
News Item Content
<p><font face="Arial" size="3"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial"><a href="http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=SSmVesEJxod%2F4qPf9ZWc6qD40IQl%2BAhZ" target="_blank" title="This external link will open in a new window">The Child<font size="3">ren's </font>Defense Fund’s Budget Principles</a> call on policy makers to improve the state of America’s children in any deficit or debt reduction deal by (1) protecting children and low-income families from cuts; (2) investing in children to create jobs and promote economic growth for the nation; and (3) ensuring that the most advantaged Americans and corporations pay their fair shar<font size="3">e.</font></span></font></p>
<p><a href="http://www.childrensdefense.org/be-careful-what-you-cut/"><font face="Arial" size="3"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial"><font size="3">Click here to learn more and contact your member of <font size="3">Congress.</font></font></span></font></a></p>
<p><img alt="" src="/jsri/sites/loyno.edu.jsri/files/images/fb5.jpg" style="width: 500px; height: 185px;" /><img alt="" src="/jsri/sites/loyno.edu.jsri/files/images/fb9.jpg" style="width: 500px; height: 185px;" /></p>
<p><a href="http://www.childrensdefense.org/be-careful-what-you-cut/"><font face="Arial" size="3"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial"><font size="3">Click here to learn more and contact your member of <font size="3">Congress.</font></font></span></font></a></p>
<p><img alt="" src="/jsri/sites/loyno.edu.jsri/files/images/fb5.jpg" style="width: 500px; height: 185px;" /><img alt="" src="/jsri/sites/loyno.edu.jsri/files/images/fb9.jpg" style="width: 500px; height: 185px;" /></p>
Date
Contact Sen. Mary Landrieu and ask her to support a decrease in detention funding
News Intro Text
This year U.S. taxpayers will spend over $2 billion on immigration detention. Please contact Sen. Landrieu and ask her to decrease detention funding by 1,200 beds and increase funds available for alternative to detention programs which cost less and are more effective.
News Item Content
<p><span>Senator Mary Landrieu chairs the Senate sub-committee on Department of Homeland Security Appropriations. In this position she has been able to secure billions of dollars in disaster funding to assist Louisianans to recover from Hurricane Katrina. <b>She also has a major voice on funding levels for immigration detention beds</b>. </span><span><br />
</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span>The number of immigrants detained and deported has skyrocketed 80% since 2002, devastating hundreds of thousands of families. This year, the American taxpayers will spend over $2 billion to detain 34,000 immigrants per day</span><span>—</span><span>many of whom have committed no crime and should not have been detained in the first place. President Obama has sent a budget request to Congress that <b>decreases</b> the amount of beds available for detention, thereby ensuring that fewer immigrants are separated from their families while languishing in detention. Now we must call on Senator Landrieu to <b>support</b> this request and keep families together.</span><span><br />
</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span>Please call Senator Landrieu at one of her four offices:</span></p>
<ul>
<li><span>Shreveport </span><span>–</span><span> 318.676.3085</span></li>
<li><span> Lake Charles </span><span>–</span><span> 337.436.6650 </span></li>
<li><span>Baton Rouge </span><span>–</span><span> 225.389.0395</span></li>
<li><span>New Orleans </span><span>–</span><span> 504.589.2427</span><span><br />
</span></li>
</ul>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span>1) Thank her for all her hard work helping Louisiana recover from Hurricane Katrina.</span><span><br />
</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span>2) And ask her to please support President Obama’s request to <b>decrease</b> detention funding by 1200 beds a day and <b>increase</b> the amount of funding available for alternatives to detention programs that are effective and far less costly to American taxpayers.</span><span><br />
</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span>Right now the amount of detention beds that must be filled is an arbitrary, congressionally-set figure not based on demonstrated need. Secretary Napolitano testified in March that DHS does not need all of the detention beds that Congress authorized this year. Congress should not be wasting taxpayer dollars on unnecessary, inhumane, and costly detention. By law, some individuals must be detained. But thousands of others do not. A recent report based on a snapshot of immigration detention reveals that 40% of individuals held in detention on October 3, 2011 had NO criminal history. Now is the time to keep families together, and keep people from being detained that don’t need to be in detention.<br />
</span></p>
<p> </p>
</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span>The number of immigrants detained and deported has skyrocketed 80% since 2002, devastating hundreds of thousands of families. This year, the American taxpayers will spend over $2 billion to detain 34,000 immigrants per day</span><span>—</span><span>many of whom have committed no crime and should not have been detained in the first place. President Obama has sent a budget request to Congress that <b>decreases</b> the amount of beds available for detention, thereby ensuring that fewer immigrants are separated from their families while languishing in detention. Now we must call on Senator Landrieu to <b>support</b> this request and keep families together.</span><span><br />
</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span>Please call Senator Landrieu at one of her four offices:</span></p>
<ul>
<li><span>Shreveport </span><span>–</span><span> 318.676.3085</span></li>
<li><span> Lake Charles </span><span>–</span><span> 337.436.6650 </span></li>
<li><span>Baton Rouge </span><span>–</span><span> 225.389.0395</span></li>
<li><span>New Orleans </span><span>–</span><span> 504.589.2427</span><span><br />
</span></li>
</ul>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span>1) Thank her for all her hard work helping Louisiana recover from Hurricane Katrina.</span><span><br />
</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span>2) And ask her to please support President Obama’s request to <b>decrease</b> detention funding by 1200 beds a day and <b>increase</b> the amount of funding available for alternatives to detention programs that are effective and far less costly to American taxpayers.</span><span><br />
</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span>Right now the amount of detention beds that must be filled is an arbitrary, congressionally-set figure not based on demonstrated need. Secretary Napolitano testified in March that DHS does not need all of the detention beds that Congress authorized this year. Congress should not be wasting taxpayer dollars on unnecessary, inhumane, and costly detention. By law, some individuals must be detained. But thousands of others do not. A recent report based on a snapshot of immigration detention reveals that 40% of individuals held in detention on October 3, 2011 had NO criminal history. Now is the time to keep families together, and keep people from being detained that don’t need to be in detention.<br />
</span></p>
<p> </p>
Date
JSRI Signs On to Letter Urging the Reduction of Spending on Immigration Detention
News Intro Text
On March 23, JSRI and numerous other national, state, and local organizations signed off on a letter from the Detention Watch Network asking Senator Mary Landrieu and Representative Robert Aderholt of the Subcommittee on Homeland Security Appropriations to reduce spending on immigration detention.
News Item Content
<p>On March 23, JSRI along with numerous other organizations signed off on a letter from the Detention Watch Network asking Senator Mary Landrieu and Representative Robert Aderholt of the Subcommittee on Homeland Security Appropriations to reduce spending on immigration detention.<br />
<br />
Read a copy of the letter <a href="https://jsri.loyno.edu/sites/loyno.edu.jsri/files/NGO FY 2013 ICE Approps Recommendations_0.pdf">here</a>.</p>
<br />
Read a copy of the letter <a href="https://jsri.loyno.edu/sites/loyno.edu.jsri/files/NGO FY 2013 ICE Approps Recommendations_0.pdf">here</a>.</p>
Date
JSRI Joins Immigrant Justice Organizations in Urging ICE to End Family Detention
News Intro Text
JSRI joined scores of immigrant justice organizations in calling on ICE to end the practice of family detention.
News Item Content
<p>JSRI joined scores of immigrant justice organizations in calling on ICE to end the practice of family detention. In the January 10 <a href="http://www.grassrootsleadership.org/_news/Family%20Detention%20Open%20Letter.pdf">Open Letter in Response to the Closing of the Berks County Family Shelter Care Center and Solicitation of New Family Detention Beds</a>, sigatories urged the Obama administration to, instead of detaining families, assign social workers with proven experience in providing family welfare services to manage families' cases.</p>
Date
Mississippi Bishops Issue Statement on Anti-immigrant Legislation
News Intro Text
On January 21, the Catholic, Episcopal, and Methodist bishops of Mississippi signed off on a statement calling Mississippi State Legislators and Governor Phil Bryant to “refrain from drafting and enacting” anti-immigrant legislation.
News Item Content
<p>On January 21,<a href="http://www.mississippicatholic.com/categories/diocese/2012/012712/immigratiom.html"> the Catholic, Episcopal, and Methodist bishops of Mississippi signed off on a statement</a> calling Mississippi State Legislators and Governor Phil Bryant to “refrain from drafting and enacting” anti-immigrant legislation “that threatens the dignity of the human person and the basic human rights that we accord to the dignity of the family unit.”</p>
<p>The Bishops expressed their concern about growing anti-immigrant sentiment in Mississippi and pointed out that such legislation taken on the local level only serves to further divide a state already marked by “a troublesome past, with biases and discrimination between cultural and ethnic groups.”</p>
<p>In addition, the bishops state that “for our part, in exercising our responsibility as leaders of Christian communities, we call for adherence to basic Gospel mandates of love, care, and concern for our neighbors” and urge Christians to follow Jesus’ example “to show love of God through love of our brothers and sisters.”</p>
<p>The Bishops expressed their concern about growing anti-immigrant sentiment in Mississippi and pointed out that such legislation taken on the local level only serves to further divide a state already marked by “a troublesome past, with biases and discrimination between cultural and ethnic groups.”</p>
<p>In addition, the bishops state that “for our part, in exercising our responsibility as leaders of Christian communities, we call for adherence to basic Gospel mandates of love, care, and concern for our neighbors” and urge Christians to follow Jesus’ example “to show love of God through love of our brothers and sisters.”</p>
Date