This Lent, as we pray, fast, and give alms to prepare for the Easter celebration of the Paschal mystery, we are reminded that the Gospel is GOOD NEWS FOR THE POOR AND VULNERABLE.
With recent national administrative actions that have left uncertainty about the care and futures of so many of our brothers and sisters in Christ, we call upon California Catholics to amplify and stand in solidarity with these urgent opportunities for prayer, education, and advocacy alongside our national partners at the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Catholic Charities USA, and Catholic Relief Services to help bring relief to those who are suffering.
TAKE ACTION TODAY TO SUPPORT LIFESAVING AID: Learn More
TAKE ACTION TO SUPPORT REFUGEES: Learn More
TAKE ACTION TO SUPPORT DREAMERS AND MIXED-STATUS FAMILIES: Learn More
TAKE ACTION TO PRIORITIZE FAMILIES AND PROTECT SAFETY NET PROGRAMS IN THE FEDERAL BUDGET: Learn More
WHAT CAN WE DO?
- Participate in the Catholic Relief Services (CRS) Rice Bowl
- Attend/Plan a Know your rights for immigrants and families workshop
- Get involved with your local Catholic Charities
- Pray for those in need and those in decision-making roles
- Be Informed. Keep visiting cacatholic.org/immigration for updates
- Download and Share Bulletin Insert Click Here
INTERNATIONAL AID
Thousands of foreign assistance programs have been terminated, and approximately 83 percent of all international humanitarian aid through USAID has been canceled. In many cases, payments have not been made for work already done, programs not yet completed are terminated well before completion, and promised aid will no longer be given. These include lifesaving food, agricultural/planting, and HIV medication for children and families. Catholic Relief Services is the official international humanitarian aid and development agency of the U.S. Catholic Bishops and has worked with organizations worldwide in over 100 countries to help poor and vulnerable people overcome emergencies, earn a living through agriculture, and access affordable health care.
TAKE ACTION TODAY TO SUPPORT LIFESAVING AID:
Local Impact: Through CRS Rice Bowl, you have the opportunity with your family, friends, and fellow parishioners for prayer, fasting, and giving opportunities to directly impact those in need and provide critical assistance where funding has, in many cases, been paused or terminated. More than ever, your support is needed and deeply appreciated this year! Learn More
MIGRANTS AND REFUGEES
Refugees undergo the most rigorous vetting among all displaced persons, and there has been a total halt to refugee admissions. This includes individuals who were promised entry, as well as organizations here, such as Catholic Charities in many dioceses, that were ready to assist in their arrival. Additionally, this impacts refugees from conflict zones and climate-affected areas around the world, including those from Afghanistan who worked with the U.S. military during that conflict and are now facing danger in their home country.
Local Impact: We have refugees and asylum seekers in our local communities to whom commitments and provisions were made, even as our local ministries pick up much of the slack in the gap. Catholic Charities partners with legal assistance to provide refugees with assistance within the extent of the law. We can continue to advocate for the government to keep its promises to refugees and provide them with the right to seek asylum. Contact your local agencies and faith communities supporting migrants and refugees and ask what assistance is needed.
DOMESTIC PROGRAMS
“Those services which society offers to its citizens are not a type of alms, but rather a genuine ‘social debt’ with respect to the institution of the family, which is foundational, and which contributes to the common good” (Pope Francis).
Significant cuts are being proposed to Medicaid (health insurance for those with limited incomes), SNAP (food assistance program for low-income individuals), and other vital social safety net programs. These impacts will be widespread. For instance, Medicaid covers over 40% of births in the United States. Legislators must prevent a scenario where cuts to programs for the poor are viewed as inevitable and necessary, whether in the short term or long term, to facilitate tax cuts.
Local Impact: The California Catholic Conference constantly advocates for public policies that protect the most vulnerable among us. While organizations like Catholic Charities and St. Vincent De Paul meet many of the needs of migrants, those entities are good faith partners of the state and federal government, which are ultimately responsible for the poor among us. Please contact your local organizations or visit www.cacatholic.org/immigration to learn ways to help.