USCCB - (Office of Media Relations) - Media Alert

Media Alert – Worth Noting in November

U.S.-Mexican Bishops Review Joint Statement

November promises to be a landmark month for Hispanics in North America. Members of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) Committee on Migration and the Mexican bishops' Episcopal Commission for the Pastoral Care for People on the Move have produced an unprecedented statement on migration, through more than a year of meetings and discussions. Strangers No Longer: Together on the Journey of Hope marks the first time the USCCB has worked jointly with another national episcopal conference to issue a pastoral statement, which will be voted on at the annual bishops conferences meetings both in Mexico (November 12-15) and in the United States (November 11-15). "The statement seeks to measure the interest of all parties in the migration phenomenon-migrants, public officials, enforcement officers, social justice activists, pastors, parishioners, and community leaders in both the United States and Mexico- using the guidelines of Catholic social teaching, giving a moral framework for embracing, not rejecting, the reality if migration between our two nations," says Father Anthony McGuire, Director, Office for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Refugees, USCCB Migration and Refugee Services

Fr. Anthony McGuire is available at 202/541-3357; amcguire@usccb.org.

Movie Attendance and Film Line to See High Holiday Usage

For many, the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays mean a break from school and work routines - - and a chance to get out to the movies. Despite the popularity of VHS and DVD home theater, Motion Picture Association of America statistics cite worldwide box office movie receipts as having grown from $2.8 billion in 1980 to over $15 billion last year. Before spending their money, many visit the Catholic Communications Campaign website (http://www.usccb.org/movies/index.htm) or toll-free movie line (1-800-311-4222), for a perspective they won't find in other movie reviews and advertising. "Good movies have much to offer both parents and children," says Gerri Pare, Director, USCCB Office of Film and Broadcasting. "And the continued popularity of the CCC movie site suggests it helps Catholic and non-Catholic moviegoers alike to base their movie choices on more than hype."

Gerri Pare is available at 212/644-1880; ofb@email.msn.com.

Bishops Say All Should Have a "Place at the Table"

New economic bridges promote participation in economic life among all peoples of the world, yet there are those who are not benefiting from the exchange of money, goods, and cultural values. The U.S. Catholic bishops will consider a statement developed by the USCCB Committees on Domestic Policy and International Policy at their annual meeting, November 11-14. Titled "A Place At The Table: A Catholic Recommitment To Overcome Poverty And To Respect The Dignity Of All God's Children," the document calls the Catholic community to renew its commitment to those in greatest need and describes the complementary roles various institutions in society must play to address persistent poverty in the United States and abroad. "Our tradition calls on us to recognize our roles and responsibilities to work to overcome poverty and advance human dignity," says Joan Rosenhauer, Coordinator of Special Projects, USCCB Department of Social Development and World Peace. "From efforts like the current statement, to its many service programs and its advocacy for the poor, our Church tradition calls upon us to focus on a 'preferential option' for those whose needs are greatest."

Joan Rosenhauer is available at 202/541-3381; jrosenhauer@usccb.org.