Catholic Bishops Want Immigration Reform
KEYC, MN - 18 hours ago
Sister Anna Marie Reha says, "People have a right to migrate, to look for a better life for their families and at the same time acknowledging that countries ...
Minnesota Catholics to observe 'Immigration Sunday'
Minnesota's Catholic bishops hope the Jan. 4 event will raise awareness of "outdated" U.S. policy on immigrants.
By JEFF STRICKLER, Star Tribune
Last update: December 16, 2008 - 7:10 PM
At times our ministry places us in situations that invite us to solidarity and we are touched and graced forever. On February 19, 2008 in a matter of seconds many lives were changed forever and four lives were lost in a tragic automobile/bus accident. Olga Franco, an undocumented immigrant, was a part of that accident. Having our paths cross came about because of my ministry. Her lawyer went to Holy Redeemer in Marshall looking for a Spanish speaking pastoral minister. I happened to be speaking by phone to the parish pastor at that very moment. That was the beginning of my journey with Olga.
Responding to the call of solidarity is not always convenient but beckons you and bids you beyond your comfort zone. I have had many new experiences, learning the ins and outs of jail and eventually prison visiting, accompanying someone during a trail, being present at a sentencing. Solidarity is not glamorous; it is heartbreaking; it is painful. During those first months of visiting Olga I left every visit and would sit in the car afterwards crying for her, for her parents, and for all those caught in the system. Olga maintains that she was not the driver of the vehicle that hit the school bus and continually struggles with “knowing” that she was unjustly accused and found guilty.
In January, when I was in Guatemala on a trip that had been planned long before I had met Olga, I was able to visit Olga’s parents. It was painful yet a grace to be able to be present to them as they grieve the “loss” of their daughter who they have not been able to speak to since her incarceration.
In a recent letter that I received from Olga she wrote, “I am so grateful for your visits because you are a person who I trust…and it means so much to have someone to talk and share with and someone to laugh with.” My response is, “Olga, it is I who am grateful for all that you teach me of faith, patience, perseverance, and hope.”
Ministry in Worthington - a Call to Solidarity
By Karen Thein, SSND
Working with the Latino population in Worthington brings about many different emotions for me. Sometimes there is great happiness and sometimes there is great sorrow. Daily the challenges are different. I sometimes wonder what a typical day would be; yet, I do believe that the Call to Solidarity with the poor is part of the day.
The ministry is varied, yet it is also ordinary. It is all part of a day. To respond with joy, compassion, and also to challenge another to a better way of life is part of what is called for each day. I never really know how God will call me into ministry.
The day begins with prayer. First, time to be in meditation and then communal prayer with S. Cheryl Marie.
Being part of parish ministry has offered me a variety of ministries. There are the children who are preparing for their First Holy Communion; youth who are in the process of Confirmation; and the adults who continue in the process of RCIA. Preparing the catechists and meeting with them so that they are prepared to teach and hand on their gift of Faith has been enriching for me. It is the opportunity to continue to grow and understand the lives of others and to hear how God is alive in their lives. Empowering others to be alive and active in the ministry of the Church is energizing.
The ministry that has been the most compassionate is the time spent at the Sanford Worthington Regional Hospital. Being an interpreter has brought me into the birthing process and to surgeries; being called for emergency calls; and accompanying a nurse who does lactation consultation. There are many connections made in the different cultural groups. This has been a wonderful way to be able to minister with many people from many different faith traditions. This ministry has brought me into many different homes and brought me to a greater awareness of the ministry of hospitality.
I am always received with gratitude and the invitation to be part of their lives. I know that the invitation is for the School Sisters of Notre Dame to be present in this community that continues to look for a place to be welcomed. So in the name of SSND, the people who journey into this land are welcomed to be part of who we are...women who are compassionate ministers.
