tvc.dsj.org | April 4, 2017
Diocese Develops Pastoral Response
to Immigration Concerns
By Liz Sullivan
In response to the growing concern
among the immigrant communities in
Santa Clara County, the Diocese of San
Jose developed a Diocesan Pastoral Re-
sponse for its immigrant brothers and
sisters who maybe facing “expedited
removal.”
The document titled, “Together in
Christ: The Church’s Pastoral Response
to the Crisis of Immigrants Facing Im-
minent Deportation” was authored
by Father Jon Pedigo, the Director of
Projects for Peace and Justice in con-
junction with the Diocese’s immigra-
tion support network. It was sent to all
clergy (pastors, vicars, deacons), pastoral
associates, catechetical directors and all
members of the Diocesan Office of Par-
ish Services (OPS).
“Together in Christ” is Bishop Patrick
J. McGrath’s motto.
The response is the result of several
months of consultation with those di-
rectly affected by the recent develop-
ments in immigration policy and those
who serve the immigrant population. It
is the first step toward providing practi-
cal ways for all parishes and schools to
support those affected.
In a cover letter to the document,
Pedigo says “this document will help
you, your staff and parish leadership
discern how you might become involved
in dealing with the crisis at the parish
level.” Pedigo added in the letter that
some parishes are already assisting
people facing deportation, but many
are still seeking ways to engage people
through support, providing food, vol-
unteers or educating their parish com-
munity about the situation.
“Our pastoral work must address
the real needs of the people and
it must be a collective effort of all
our parishes and institutions,
not just those parishes with
immigrant populations.”
Finally, Pedigo said training and
pastoral orientation dates will be set
up to provide additional support to the
immigration communities.
The Response features background
on the history of the Diocese working
with undocumented immigrants and
refugees dating back to its establishment
in 1981. In the Bishop’s forward, which
opens the Response, he says, “We are
One Church, born of One Baptism and
formed together in One Spirit.”
The Response goes on to describe
the brief descriptions of ministries
provided, pastoral considerations and
support material.
“Our pastoral work must address
the real needs of the people and it must
be a collective effort of all our parishes
and institutions, not just those parishes
with immigrant populations,” said the
Bishop in the Foreword.
This document is another step for-
ward taken by the Diocese in response
to the immigration concerns in Santa
Clara County. On March 6-7, Pedigo
hosted an Immigration Summit at the
Chancery to continue the dialogue
and develop a response. A week later,
Pedigo joined law enforcement officials
from Santa Clara County, along other
religious and community leaders and
announced that they would not detain
or arrest any person on the basis of
their citizenship or status under civil
immigration laws.
To read the Response, visit the Diocese of San Jose website,
www.dsj.org/blog/diocesan-pastoral-response-immigrants-facing-expedited-removal/.
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