DACA - Mass for Life - Catholic Advocacy Day

Dear Life, Justice and Peace Contacts,

DACA – Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals: Earlier this month, Archbishop J. Peter Sartain and Bishop Eusebio Elizondo sent a letter to priests, pastoral coordinators and school principals concerning the Department of Homeland Security’s DACA program. People who were brought into this country as children without documentation can now apply for deferred action (that could be renewed in two years) and possibly receive work authorization. DACA will not grant anyone permanent residency or citizenship. In the letter, the bishops encourage parishes and schools to respond to requests from potential applicants who are trying to document their presence in the U.S.

Since the program presents many uncertainties and risks, the bishops also ask parishes and schools to offer prayerful support to those considering making application. As the bishops write, “We know it will be a difficult decision for many young people to make. Therefore, we want to offer spiritual support for these individuals and families to make a good discernment.”

Mass for Life/Catholic Advocacy Day: I am attaching a flyer to jointly promote the annual Mass for Life (Jan. 22, 2013) and Catholic Advocacy Day (Mar. 22, 2013). Archbishop Sartain wants to emphasize the consistency of Catholic social teaching – life, justice and peace. We will send you more detailed information about the Mass for Life next month.

In Christ’s peace,
Jim

Jim Thomas
Director of Adult Faith Formation for
Catholic Social Teaching and Family Life
Archdiocese of Seattle
710 - 9th Avenue
Seattle, WA 98104-2017
Dir. (206) 382-4268
Toll-free (800) 950-4970
Fax (206) 264-2084
www.seattlearchdiocese.org/cst
www.seattlearchdiocese.org/FamilyLife