The Archdiocese of Los Angeles has a long history of concern for the immigrant community. TheOffice of Life, Justice & Peace (OLJP) works with parishes and schools to advocate our recognition that we are an Immigrant Church and for us to take seriously the Gospel call to welcome the stranger among us.We, the Church of Los Angeles, are mindful that we are a Church of many peoples, with different backgrounds, different stories, and different family histories.Each of us is unique, but our Catholic faith teaches us that we are all made in the image of God -imago Dei.Many of our parishes devote a great deal of time in supporting families and individuals who struggle with understanding the complexities of laws and regulations regarding immigration issues.
The OJLP, with support from the Bishops of the ADLA, is sponsoring Regional/Deanery/Parish Workshops to train Parish Teams to work with their community members go through these issues. Because of the difficulties people have, and the fears these difficulties create, many people will be turning to the Church for answers since it is the Church they trust most. We would like to encourage parishes to developParish Teams made up of parish leaders and other interested parishioners who are well-informed on how to prepare people their parish for immigration enforcement by knowing their rights and working with families to have family preparation plans.
We understand that the media’s focus is often on the immigrant communities from Mexico and Central America, however, our concerns are for immigrants from ALL over the world which affects nearly every parish in our region.So far, the following Workshops have been scheduled:
Our Lady of the Angels RegionJanuary 17 7-9pm St Thomas the Apostle Church
February 8 6:30-9pm St Peter-Italian, 1039 E Broadway, LA
February 13 7-9pm St FrancesCabrini Church, 1440 W Imperial Hwy, LA
San Gabriel RegionDecember 20 7-9pm St Mary-East LA
March 2 6:30-9pm St Marcellinus, 2349 Strong Ave, City of Commerce
March 42-4pm Holy Name of Mary, 724 E Bonita, San Dimas
The Workshops will offer beginning orientation and training for your Team. We strongly encourage you to send ministers from your parish who show a special interest in caring for those community members who are confused, afraid and/or misinformed on immigration and enforcement issues. Pastors, Clergy and Administrators are requested to attend also. Workshop will be presented bilingually in English and Spanish.
Please RSVP by parish to confirm those attending:
San Gabriel Region – 626/960-9344
OLA Region – 310/215-0723
OROffice of Life, Justice and Peace – 213/637-7560