09-05-2017
Comprehensive Immigration Report No. 198
To: Priests, Deacons, Brothers and Sisters of the Archdiocese of Atlanta and Diocese of Savannah
From: Frank Mulcahy, Georgia Catholic Conference, (404) 920-7367 fmulcahy@georgiacc.org
“Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals,” or DACA Has Been Rescinded. The DACA program has allowed legal protection for nearly one million young people brought into the country as children. At 11:00 this morning, the Trump Administration announced that the DACA program is being rescinded. The Department of Homeland Security will begin a wind down process, which was not made public at the time of this report. Individuals who have been registered under DACA and their families should be encouraged to follow legal developments and seek advice from immigration attorneys.
Archbishop Wilton Gregory Issued a Statement Expressing His Profound Regret at the Decision to Rescind DACA. Upon the announcement of the Trump Administration’s rescission of DACA, Archbishop Gregory expressed his profound regret. At the same time, he encouraged Congress to compassionately and generously reform the nation’s immigration system and expressed his assurance that the Catholic Church in Georgia would continue its care for DACA youth and their families. The full statement is available on The Georgia Bulletin website. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) and other bishops throughout the United States have issued similar statements.
If Arpaio Can Be Pardoned, Why Not Immigrants with Irregular Documentation? Archbishop Thomas Wenski of Miami asks this question that others ask as well. Archbishop Wenski writes, “The president [pardoned] Sheriff Arpaio. Congress should ‘pardon’ irregular immigrants by passing comprehensive immigration reform.”
ICYMI – Pope Francis Offers Important Concrete Points Related to Refugees. Pope Francis has released his statement in anticipation of next year’s World Day of Migrants and Refugees which was originally established by Pope St. Pius X. More than just a call for dialogue, the pope offers a series of concrete proposals for world leaders to consider when drafting two forthcoming United Nations’ agreements. The Holy Father made it clear that the collective and arbitrary expulsion of migrants and refugees does not resolve the world’s immigrant crisis.
“La Acción Diferida para los Llegados al País durante la Infancia” o DACA ha sido revocada. A las 11:00 de la mañana del día de hoy, la Administración de Trump anunció que el programa de DACA, el cual ha otorgado protección legal a casi un millón de jóvenes que llegaron al país durante su niñez, será revocado. El Departamento de Seguridad Nacional iniciará un periodo de desmantelamiento el cual, hasta el momento de escribir este reporte, no ha sido publicado. Aquellas personas que han estado inscritas bajo DACA y sus familias deben ser animadas a seguir la evolución jurídica de esta decisión y a buscar asesoría de abogados de inmigración.
El Arzobispo Wilton Gregory a publicado una declaración expresando su profunda tristeza ante la decisión de revocar el programa de DACA. Después del anuncio de la Administración de Trump de revocar a DACA, el Arzobispo Gregory expresó su profunda tristeza, y al mismo tiempo, motivó al Congreso a encontrar una reforma integral compasiva y generosa. También ratificó que Caridades Católicas en Georgia continuará velando por los jóvenes de DACA y por sus familias. Lea la declaración completa aquí. La USCCB y otros obispos alrededor de los Estados Unidos han publicado declaraciones similares.
Si Arpaio puede ser perdonado, ¿por qué no puden serlo también los inmigrantes con documentación irregular? El Arzobispo Thomas Wenski de Miami se hace la misma pregunta que muchos otros también se han hecho. El presidente ha perdonado al Alguacil Arpaio. El Congreso debería “perdonar” a inmigrantes con documentos irregulares aprobando una reforma migratoria integral.
En caso de que te lo hayas perdido – El Papa Francisco ofrece propuestas concretas e importantes relacionadas con los refugiados. El Papa Francisco ha publicado su declaración en anticipación a la Jornada Mundial de Migrantes y Refugiados del próximo año, la cual fue establecida inicialmente por el Papa San Pio X. Más que un llamado al diálogo, el papa ofrece una serie de propuestas concretas para que los líderes mundiales consideren cuando estén creando dos acuerdos que se esperan por parte de las Naciones Unidas. El Santo Padre dejó claro que la expulsión colectiva y arbitraria de migrantes y refugiados no resuelve la crisis mundial de inmigración.
Discernment Mass Schedule
To: Priests, Deacons, Brothers, Sisters, Parish and School Staff
From: Father Tim Hepburn, Director, Office of Vocations
The Office of Vocations will continue hosting our Discernment Masses beginning in October.
Please see the attached flyer for more information and to share on your website, social media, parish bulletins and e-newsletters.
A sample announcement is included below:
Trying to decide where God is calling you? If so, join the Archdiocese of Atlanta Office of Vocations for Discernment Masses held at 10:00 a.m. at the St. Charles Borromeo House, 813 Dalrymple Road, Atlanta, GA 30328. The dates are October 21st, November 11th and December 2nd. This is for men and women ages 16 and older. An RSVP is not required. Please bring a friend! For more information, please call the Office of Vocations at 404-920-7460.
If you have any questions, please email Sally Scardasis at sscardasis@archatl.com or myself at thepburn@archatl.com.
2017 Diocesan Publications Communication Workshop
To: Pastors, Deacons and Parish Staff
From: Paula Gwynn Grant, Director, Office of Communications
Diocesan Publications will host a Communications Workshop on Wednesday, September 27, 2017 from 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. at the Chancery of the Archdiocese of Atlanta, 2401 Lake Park Drive SE, Smyrna, GA 30080.
This hands-on workshop will provide practical ways to improve communication and inspire your parishioners, as well as discuss the specific roles of your bulletin, website, messaging and social media.
This event is free, but registration is required. To register or for more information, please visit the Diocesan Publications website. Also, please view the attached agenda for information on the sessions.
Thank you.
Recent Deaths, Necrology and Ordination Anniversaries – September 2017
Necrology [September] please remember in prayer the deceased clergy whose anniversaries occur this month:
Priests:
Reverend Joseph A. Petit, S.M. 9/4/1932
Reverend Henry T. Hayes S.M. 9/4/1967
Reverend Thomas Gilroy, S.M. 9/4/1999
Reverend Monsignor Joseph G. Cassidy 9/9/1982
Reverend Thomas Benedict Hogan, S.M. 9/9/1999
Reverend Leo Cummings, M.S. 9/14/2009
Reverend John J. Fitzpatrick, C.SS.R. 9/15/1978
Reverend Olivio C. Navario 9/18/1987
Reverend John J. Mulroy 9/20/1982
Reverend Kenneth W. Bayer, M.S.F.S. 9/27/1993
Reverend Francisco Negri, M.S. 9/28/2009
Deacons:
Deacon William D. Edwards 9/12/1992
Deacon William G. Timme 9/20/2002
Deacon Thomas L. Stonecipher 9/26/2015
Anniversary of Ordination [September]
We pray for God’s blessing on the following Clergy who celebrate the anniversary of their ordination during this month:
Priests:
The Reverend Raymond G. Cadran M. S. 9/2/1978
Reverend Fausto Marquez 9/6/1997
Reverend Reto Davatz, OFM Conv. 9/15/2011
Reverend Gregory D. Kenny, C.M.F. 9/19/1959
Reverend Joseph Mendes, M.S. F.S. 9/21/1963
Reverend Roger J. Plante, M.S. 9/24/1961
Deacons:
Deacon Michael L. Kennedy 9/30/1979
Deacon Gerald A. Collins 9/20/1997
2017 Mass of Healing
To: Priests, Deacons, Brothers, Sisters, Parish and Chancery Staff
From: Sue Stubbs, Director, Victim Assistance Program, Office of Child & Youth Protection
The Archdiocese of Atlanta invites anyone who has been wronged by the Catholic Church in any way to a Mass of Healing on October 11, 2017 from 7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m. The Mass will be held at The Cathedral of Christ the King with Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory presiding. A reception will follow in Kenny Hall. This year’s theme is, “…with his stripes we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5).
Within the next few weeks, you will receive posters to use as best suits your parish/ministry. A slide for use in your parish in-house TV system is also available, as well as an announcement below for your parish bulletin or ministry newsletter.
Thank you for supporting this healing event. If you have any questions, please email sstubbs@archatl.com or call 404-920-7550.
Suggested Announcement:
“He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that made us whole, and with his stripes we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5). The Archdiocese of Atlanta invites anyone who has been wronged by the Catholic Church in any way to a Mass of Healing with Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory on October 11, 2017 from 7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m. at The Cathedral of Christ the King. A reception will follow in Kenny Hall. For more information, contact Sue Stubbs at sstubbs@archatl.com or 404-885-7459.