Today’s announcement regarding the policy known as “Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals” (DACA), places us in a difficult position. Regardless of political affiliation, we need not turn away from the gospel: "Whoever welcomes one of these children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me." (Mark 9:37)

I offer the following excerts from a statement by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), and I urge our community to come together in prayer and concern for the 780,000 DACA youth.

Msgr. Torgerson

"The cancellation of the DACA program is reprehensible. It causes unnecessary fear for DACA youth and their families. These youth entered the U.S. as minors and often know America as their only home. The Catholic Church has long watched with pride and admiration as DACA youth live out their daily lives with hope and a determination to flourish and contribute to society: continuing to work and provide for their families, continuing to serve in the military, and continuing to receive an education. Now, after months of anxiety and fear about their futures, these brave young people face deportation. This decision is unacceptable and does not reflect who we are as Americans."

"We strongly urge Congress to act and immediately resume work toward a legislative solution. We pledge our support to work on finding an expeditious means of protection for DACA youth."

Read the full statement here

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