As the holiday season approaches, it gives me an opportunity to reflect and be grateful for the blessings bestowed. More importantly, to paraphrase an excerpt from Luke 12:48, "From everyone to whom much has been given, much will be required; and from the one to whom much has been entrusted, even more will be demanded."

This passage reminds us to greet everyday with gratitude, especially when I consider the heart-wrenching stories shared with me from our brothers and sisters from all over the world. These stories are filled with pain, trauma, and sorrow. But somehow, our clients are able to maintain faith through this journey and greet us with hope. So then it becomes our responsibility to use our talents and gifts to help re-affirm the universality of all people's human dignity and respect, regardless of their immigration status. This becomes the underlying foundation of Catholic Social Teaching as it relates to how we treat our immigrant brothers and sisters.

Here are the three principles on Immigration:
1. People have the right to migrate to sustain their lives and the lives of their families.
2. A country has the right to regulate its borders and to control immigration. 
3. A country must regulate its borders with JUSTICE and MERCY.

How can we put our faith into action as it relates to these above principles? We do so by using our 'Head' to ask important and impactful questions. We also use our 'Heart' by giving heartfelt, caring responses and using your heart to lead decisions. Lastly, we can use our 'Hands' by putting our skills and talents to work into faith, by taking action and doing. Consider fostering opportunities of encounter between native born and immigrants/refugees and incorporating immigrants into your community activities.

Are you interested in learning more about Catholic Social Teachings and how we can put our Faith into Action as it relates to principles on Immigration? Please take some time to listen to the 30 minute video below as I tell my own personal journey when I spoke on 'Pathways to Unity' during the Archdiocese Pastoral Leadership Study Day on October 15th.