Diocese of Gallup Information Center
| Engaged Encounter Weekend July 23-25 Catholic Engaged Encounter is an international organization of dedicated couples and priests with a ministry to help prepare couples for the Sacrament of Marriage. It is considered the premiere preparation experience by many pastors. The weekend is not intended to replace the pastoral aspect of marriage preparation but it addresses a broad spectrum of issues that face couples as they prepare to marry. Studies have proven its benefit to the stability of those marriages, especially in the critical first years. The next weekend for the Diocese of Gallup is rapidly approaching. Click here to register now or contact Maria or Randy Copeland at: |
| Tucson Bishop Kicanas Testifies Before Congress; Urges Federal Action on Immigration Reform WASHINGTON - Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas of Tucson, Arizona, Vice-president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, testified before Congress on the ethical imperative for reform of the U.S. immigration system. He spoke July 14, before the House Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security, and International Law. Bishop Kicanas, whose diocese runs along the whole of the Arizona-Mexico border, said he witnesses every day "the human consequences of our broken immigration system," adding that "[t]his is a situation which from a humanitarian and ethical stand point, needs to be addressed in a humane and comprehensive manner." Though often dismissed by analyses that highlight the economic, social or legal aspects, "immigration is ultimately a humanitarian issue, since it impacts the basic rights and dignity of millions of persons and their families. "As such it has moral implications," he said. "We cannot accept the toil and taxes of immigrants without providing them the protection of law." Bishop Kicanas recognized the rule of law as a flashpoint in the debate. "The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops wholeheartedly agrees that the rule of law is paramount, and that those who break the law should be held accountable," he said. "As our testimony points out, comprehensive immigration reform would honor the rule of law and help restore it by requiring 11 million undocumented to pay a fine, pay back taxes, learn English, and get in the back of the line. We believe this a proportionate penalty for the offense." He also said the bishops believe immigration reform will make the nation more secure, "freeing up time and resources to concentrate on those coming who intend to do us harm." He praised both the enforcement and life-saving efforts of border patrol agents, but pointed out that decades of enforcement-only policies have not solved the border or the larger immigration problem. Bishop Kicanas also addressed the issue of the passage of controversial Arizona SB 1070. "It is my belief that the passage of this law reflects the frustration of Arizonans and the American public with Congress for not addressing the issue of immigration reform. The message is to break the partisan paralysis and act now," he said. |