Based on input from participants during the PCMR-sponsored regional meetings throughout the year, the focus of the PCMR section of the conference will be on the interaction of faith and culture as they relate to immigrants and refugees. This part of the meeting is designed to (1) offer a national forum for pastoral agents who minister with newcomers to discuss common pastoral issues; and (2) provide workshops for participants on pastoral care concerns and interests. Invited participants include all diocesan directors of pastoral care, directors of national pastoral centers, national representatives of ethnic apostolates, pastoral agents and others who minister with ethnic communities.

The following conference planning committee, consisting of volunteers from each of the five regions in the PCMR network, will meet on July 27th to work out the final agenda: Rodrigo Valdivia (West), Tom Betz, OFM Cap. (Mid-Atlantic), Jack Oliveira (New England), Rosine Schmitt (Midwest), and Miriam Mitchell, SHSp (South).

Tentative agenda items include the following:

• keynote presentation on Faith and Culture,
• presentation of general trends in ethnic communities by ethnic pastoral agents representing Europe, Asia, Latin America, and Africa (for all ethnic representatives),
• presentation of general trends in ethnic communities according to regions (for diocesan directors of ethnic ministries),
• meeting of diocesan directors and ethnic representatives,
• workshops on topics suggested by network members include:
  • role of diocesan directors,
  • new immigrants and refugees,
  • liturgy and popular devotion,
  • orientation program for pastoral agents,
  • research on pastoral care models,
  • detention and prison ministry,
  • intergenerational and gender issues among ethnic communities.

As an extension of the PCMR section of the National Migration Conference, pastoral agents (diocesan directors, national representatives, national center directors and parish personnel) who minister with Asian and Pacific Islander communities are invited to meet on March 13, 1997. A group of Asian pastoral care agents, who volunteered to plan the meeting, will gather on July 27th to plan all aspects of the March 13th meeting. The committee includes the following: Tom Betz, OFM Cap., Barbara Biebel, Peter Choe, Teri Nuval, Rosine Schmitt, and Rod Valdivia.

The Office for Ethnic Apostolates of the Archdiocese of Boston sponsored a conference for leaders engaged in ministry among the Asians located in New England, on Saturday, April 13, 1996 at the Pastoral Institute in Brighton, Massachusetts. The theme of the conference was “FOREIGN PARENTS—AMERICAN PARENTS: Building Bridges of Faith and Culture.” The conference was planned in response to Asian parents who have expressed concern and frustration in their efforts to cope with their “American” children.

The program included a keynote presentation by Hoang Nguyen of Worcester, Massachusetts; a multi-ethnic panel of parents who have had experience in raising children in a different culture; and psycho-dramas (dramatizations of real-life situations by young adults). Questions and discussion following each presentation helped participants to examine more closely the theme of the day. Dancers of the Hmong community of Brockton entertained the participants, and the meeting closed with the celebration of the Liturgy. Evaluations received after the conference have resulted in follow-up small group discussions using this same theme.

Source: Report of meeting for Leaders of the Asian Peoples of New England from the Office for Ethnic Apostolates in the Archdiocese of Boston.

On May 6 President Clinton signed a proclamation declaring May 1996 as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month to honor the accomplishments of Asian and Pacific Americans and to recognize their many contributions to our nation.

PCMR awarded small grants ranging from $250 to $300 to three groups sponsoring the following meetings:

• Asian Conference for New England,
• Multicultural Asian/Pacific Religious Education Day in Los Angeles,
• Multicultural Asian/Pacific Religious Education Day in Honolulu.

Fifty-one representatives from Guatemalan/Mayan communities participated in a weekend course for lay leaders conducted by Guatemalan Fr. David Lopez in Palm Beach, Florida on May 3-5, 1996. Participants came from as far away as Delaware and Virginia, although the majority were from Florida. Many of the leaders who participated had previous training as catechists or “Delegados de la Palabra” in Guatemala. Updating this formation is one of the goals of the leadership programs. PCMR sponsored the visit of Fr. Lopez and assists Sister Nancy Wellmeier, SND (who organized the course) in coordinating pastoral ministry to the many thousands of indigenous Guatemalans scattered across the United States.

Source: Report from Sr. Adela Gross.

In response to the call of the Holy Father to prepare together for the Jubilee of the year 2000, the National Korean Pastoral Center, in collaboration with PCMR, has announced a Pastoral Study Pilgrimage to the Korean Martyrs’ Shrines in Korea during October 1-12, 1996. The pilgrimage is designed for diocesan directors and pastoral agents who seek insight into Korean spirituality and culture. Participants will enjoy the following opportunities:

• to experience Korean culture,

• to learn about the foundation of the Church in Korea,

• to witness the expression of faith life,

• to observe Korean society and its economic base,

• to experience Korean spirituality.

The pilgrimage has been heavily subsidized by the Korean community resulting in the low cost per person of $1,250 (airfare included) for a maximum of 30 pilgrims.

For reservations and information, contact Mr. Peter Choe at 201-672-6650.

Rev. Ron Marino, director of the Catholic Migration Office in the Diocese of Brooklyn, has established three not-for-profit organizations, all under the name of

Resources, Inc., the purpose of which is to train immigrants for employment. In addition to Resources Culinary Arts, Inc., which trains men and women to work as cooks and run a catering business, Father Marino set up Resources Graphic Design, which teaches immigrants computer graphics, and Resources Professional Cleaning, which prepares them to do commercial cleaning.

In the two years since the program started, Resources has trained more than 60 recent immigrants from China, Panama, Poland, Haiti, Trinidad, the Dominican Republic and other Caribbean countries. The training programs do not receive government or church funds. Rather, the programs are run on student fees which range from $200 to $400 a semester, and on money generated from the three programs as well as on donations. As Father Marino says, “This is proof that something can be built from nothing without taking anything away from Americans. We survive because there’s a lot of people who believe in what we do and they want to help.” Another positive aspect of the training programs is that they can lead to self-sufficiency for the trainees because after becoming supervisors, they can be encouraged to start their own businesses.

Source: N.Y. Newsday, March 20, 1996.

The Center for Studies in Religion and Culture of Catholic University and the Office for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Refugees, USCC are collaborating in a research project aimed at gathering timely information on the U.S. Catholic Church’s response to the “new immigrants” of the post-Vietnam War period. The purpose of the study is two-fold: (1) to survey the various pastoral ministry approaches to new immigrants in the Catholic Church, and (2) to plan for a comprehensive study of the religious needs and resources of the new immigrants The following nine arch/dioceses from across the country are involved in the study: Boston, Brooklyn, Chicago, Galveston/Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, Oakland, and Philadelphia.

From the results of the survey, which will include interviews and group discussions, a report will be written detailing diocesan pastoral patterns of dealing with the pastoral care of immigrants in different situations, and suggesting possible recommendations for future action. During phase two of the study, a conference of scholars working in the areas of religion, ethnic communities, and immigration will assess how the Church may more effectively help to integrate newcomers into the life of the Church.

In October 1995, nine Chinese women, who had been imprisoned in Bakersfield, California for unlawful entry into the United States, were given asylum in Ecuador, thanks to the efforts of Migration and Refugee Services (MRS), Rev. Silvano Tomasi of the Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People, and a variety of human rights and pro-life groups. Sr. Adela Gross of PCMR worked to facilitate their entry into Ecuador with the assistance of Caritas of Quito. Presently, MRS is trying to secure the release from prison in York, Pennsylvania of the husband of one of the women presently in Quito. Three of the asylees have opened a Chinese restaurant in Quito, and it is going very well.

In addition, efforts are underway to give asylum in Venezuela to another Chinese woman from the Bakersfield detention center, and a man from the York prison. The Venezuelan Embassy at the Vatican has been in contact with Father Tomasi, and Sister Adela has contacted Rev. Zelindo Ballen, CS of Caritas in Caracas to find lodging and to welcome these refugees.

[Editor’s note: PCMR sponsored a pastoral team of four religious women to minister with the Cubans and Haitians in the Guantanamo refugee camps from September through December 1995 when most of the refugees had been resettled. We asked the Sisters to share with us a few reflections on how their Guantanamo experience influenced their ensuing ministry back in the States. Following are some excerpts from letters we have received from them.]

Sister Vivian M. Coulon, MSC reflected that work in the refugee camps “increased my desire to seek ministry among Hispanics” leading to being offered “a part-time position of chaplain to Hispanics in the Diocese of Lafayette. Before long, I hope to be moving about as a kind of ‘itinerant missioner’ to Hispanics in Lafayette and the surrounding rural Louisiana communities where they work.”

Sister Christine Mura, DC wrote recently, "Starting in September 1996, I will be working in St. Rita’s Parish in the very poor East New York section of Brooklyn. I am delighted with the prospect of being a pastoral presence among the Latino community again...of doing some community organizing and leadership development directed toward helping immigrants obtain citizenship. Since December, when the first offer of assistance in this regard went out, over 1,000 people have come to the parish!”

Sister Evangeline Salazar, OSB and the Sisters in her monastery acceded to the call of two Cuban refugees in Miami (formerly from Guantanamo) to be their sponsor in Colorado Springs. Sister wrote in a begging letter to friends, “As sponsors, we are asked to provide housing, jobs, English classes, transportation, and companionship to these wonderful young people and their child who is on the way. In the short time they have been here they have made friends, met other Cuban refugees, learned how to shop, drive a car, cash a check, fill a car up with gas, get themselves to and from work, to and from the monastery, and carry on a conversation in English (slowly).”

Sister Patricia Sullivan, OP who works with Mexican-Americans in Arizona wrote, “When I shared the story of Guantanamo here, I was struck by people’s compassion for the Cubans and Haitians. Mexican-Americans understand how grinding poverty uproots people from their homeland. Some remembered their own arrival in this country. While they didn’t have to navigate homemade balsas (rafts) through shark-infested seas, they can recall stories of drownings in the Rio Grande and dehydration in the Sonoran Desert.”

Twenty Vietnamese religious women, who serve as directors of formation and superiors of the 425 Sisters who minister in the U.S., attended a workshop on Leadership and Community conducted by Sister Margaret Youngers, OSF, as part of their April 8-13 meeting in St. Louis, Missouri. Sister Suzanne Hall participated in the workshop which was sponsored by PCMR. During the day, the Sisters discussed issues of history and culture related to religious life in the United States, and came to a deeper understanding of who they are as religious women ministering in the U.S. Church today. The Sisters requested an in-depth presentation on spirituality and religious formation for next year’s meeting.

Fifty-five Korean Sisters who are engaged in ministry in the United States (out of approximately 80) met for their annual meeting and retreat May 5-7, 1996 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Sister Suzanne Hall, attending the meeting, had the opportunity to discuss with the Sisters issues impacting them as women religious missionaries serving in this country. The Sisters seemed unanimous in their appraisal that the challenge of ministering among Korean youth is their greatest challenge because of inter-generational conflicts and differences in language facility. Nonetheless, today’s youth are struggling to stay connected to the Catholic Church. Sisters cited their most critical needs as follows:

• to learn English (this is difficult as they are here in the U.S. for only a few years);

• to have an opportunity for orientation to U.S. culture and Church;

• to learn new and creative ways to evangelize Korean youth.

PCMR will collaborate with the Sisters in planning an orientation program. In addition, PCMR, in conjunction with the National Korean Pastoral Center and the Sisters, will sponsor a National Conference for Korean Religious Education and Evangelization.

Archbishop Theodore McCarrick, Sister Suzanne Hall and Sister Adela Gross represented PCMR and Migration and Refugee Services (MRS) at a January 27-28, 1996 meeting in Dallas, Texas of bishops from the Episcopal Conference of Latin America (CELAM) with selected U.S. bishops and their staffs to discuss issues of immigration, economic justice, and pastoral care. In general, all bishops indicated interest in the on-going relationship between “north” and “south” particularly at this time of preparation for the Synod of the Americas. It was encouraging that all bishops concurred that pastoral care of newcomers was of utmost importance in the Church today.

Sister Suzanne Hall represented PCMR and MRS at a meeting of selected U.S. bishops and the entire Haitian Conference of Bishops in Port-au-Prince, Haiti in mid-December 1995. Discussion centered around political and economic policies and also immigration issues. Sister Suzanne had the opportunity to discuss with several bishops the clergy exchange agreements designed to expedite the transfer of foreign-born priests to minister in this country.

...Dear brothers and sisters, from 1997 to 1999 the Church is called to contemplate the mystery of the Trinity, revealed in Jesus of Nazareth. Keeping our gaze fixed on “Jesus Christ, the only Saviour of the world yesterday, today and forever,” we will set ourselves to listen to him, teacher and evangelizer, in order to rediscover that like him, we are sent “to bring glad tidings to the poor, to proclaim liberty to captives, recovery of sight to the blind and release to prisoners, to announce a year of favour from the Lord (Lk 4: 18-19). Renewed interest in the Bible, zeal for the “Apostles’ teaching” (Acts 2:42) and catechesis will lead Christians to deepen their faith in the incarnate Son of God, who died and rose, as a necessary condition for salvation, and Baptism as the basis of Christian life. The Blessed Virgin, model of believers, contemplated in the mystery of her divine motherhood, will support the patient and active search for unity among the baptized, in conformity with Christ’s fervent prayer in the Upper Room (cf. Jn: 1-26).

1998 will be dedicated to the Holy Spirit, soul of the Christian people. Looking to him, who “makes present in the Church of every time and place the unique Revelation brought by Christ to humanity, making it alive and active in the soul of each individual” (Tertio millennio adveniente, n. 44) and who is “the principal agent of the new evangelization” (ibid., n. 45), Christians will discover his action especially in the Sacrament of Confirmation and will strive to make the most of the numerous charisms and services that he inspires in the ecclesial community. They will also rediscover the Spirit “as the One who builds the kingdom of God within the course of history and prepares its full manifestation in Jesus Christ, stirring people’s hearts and quickening in our world the seeds of the full salvation which will come at the end of time” (ibid., n.45). By cultivating these “seeds” present in the Church and in the world, and supported by the virtue of hope, they will learn from Mary’s example to become builders of unity, peace and brotherhood in solidarity everywhere.

In the third and last preparatory year 1999, believers will widen their horizons according to the perspective of the kingdom and will be invited to make a great act of praise to “Our father who is in heaven” (Mt 5:45), a prolonged Magnificat, which will lead them, guided by the Mother of the Lord, to do whatever Jesus tells them (cf. Jn 2:5). This is a path of authentic conversion, which will culminate in the celebration of the Sacrament of Penance. This spiritual journey will spur the faithful to adhere fully to Christ, so that the Church will “remain the worthy bride of the Lord, ceaselessly renewing herself through the action of the Holy Spirit until, through the cross, she may attain to that light which knows no setting” (Lumen gentium, n. 9). Renewed love for God will bring the family of the baptized to give a voice to the earth’s poor, witnessing to the heavenly Father’s tender care for every human being.

Source: Information Bulletin, n. 0026, March 1996, Pontifical Council of Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People.

Over the course of the past year, the Congress and the American public have debated the benefits and costs of immigration. Unfortunately, many of the participants in that debate have exploited the kind of anti-immigrant sentiment that drove Proposition 187 in California, blaming immigrants for our country’s complex social and economic problems. One result of this tendency has been some of the most restrictive immigration legislation in our recent history in the form of the “Immigrant Control and Financial Responsibility Act of 1996” (S. 1664) and the “Immigration in the National Interest Act of 1996” (H.R. 2202) which are currently awaiting action by a conference committee of the two houses of Congress. Among the many provisions of the two bills which we strongly opposed, we are particularly concerned by those measures which would deny legal immigrants access to nearly all federal benefits.

In general, both bills would strictly limit the eligibility of most legal immigrants for most means-tested programs. These include Medicaid, AFDC, Food Stamps and SSI. The legislation would also require that the income of an immigrant’s sponsor be “deemed” the income of the immigrant for a period of years after entry into the country. In the Senate bill, deeming would also include the income of a sponsor’s spouse. The unprecedented result of these measures is that, for the first time, there will be virtually no safety net for immigrants who fall on hard times, even though they will, as they do now, pay the same taxes as those paid by the native born.

The restrictions in the legislation on the access of legal immigrants to Medicaid strike us as particularly harsh. In the Senate bill, legal immigrants could be denied the ability to obtain Medicaid for up to ten years. While this measure was designed to reduce federal expense, it will in reality result in a shift of those costs to local communities. Public hospitals are in most cases required to treat anyone with emergency conditions. Consequently, legal immigrants in straightened financial situations will be forced to let existing medical conditions deteriorate to the point that their only recourse is to emergency treatment. In the case of pregnant women unable to make use of Medicaid, we greatly fear that this measure will cause a rise in abortion rates. Limiting access to Medicaid by legal immigrants is neither good public health policy nor good social policy. We support the elimination of deeming requirements—particularly for Medicaid.

In many other ways, it seems to us that these bills just go too far. One measure, for instance, would deny children who are U.S. citizens access to such programs as AFDC if their parents are undocumented. Another would make immigrants subject to deportation if they accepted assistance from means-tested government program for an aggregate period of more than twelve months in the first five years following entry. Thus a hard-working legal immigrant could be subject to deportation for trying to learn English, get a job or an education if, in doing so, they participated in a federally funded program or made use of a student loan.

All of us at some point may be affected by hunger, poor health, housing needs, family crises and the inevitable infirmities of aging. Yet the legislation now pending seems to hold that immigrants will not be subject to life’s vicissitudes or, if they are, the society need not concern itself about them. Such a view cuts against the grain of Catholic social teaching, which urges welcome and solace for the stranger. How can we willfully deny a helping hand in time of need to a whole class of people in our midst? To do so does harm not only to immigrants, but to our society as well. As Pope John Paul II said on his recent visit to the United States:

Today, as before, the United States is called on to be a hospitable society, a welcoming culture. If America were to turn in on itself, would this not be the beginning of the end of what constitutes the very essence of the “American experience?”

The National Conference of Airport Chaplains (NCCAC) concluded its 10th anniversary conference held in Boston, MA from April 22-26, 1996, in which Sister Suzanne Hall of PCMR also participated. All members received a new NCCAC directory which lists all U.S. Catholic airport chapels and chaplaincies as well as information about NCCAC. The directory is available to all interested parties. There are presently 43 Catholic airport chaplains in the NCCAC, representing 26 airports.

The NCCAC has a new logo, of which it is very proud. It incorporates angel wings, which signify how chaplains in our ministry are involved with those who fly; a runway configuration in which a cross, signifying our Christian faith, is most prominent; surrounded by three concentric interlocking circles, representing the Trinitarian God we all serve. Also, we are finalizing a manual that will be published by the U.S. Catholic Conference, and should be ready for distribution by January 1997. The manual will include the mission of an airport chaplaincy, the airport community involved, the chapel itself (how to begin and run it), the airport chaplain (what and who (s)he is), and the NCCAC.

The next annual conference will be held in Orlando, Florida from January 21-24, 1997. For more information about the NCCAC and Catholic airport chaplaincy in the U.S., call (312) 686-2636.

Submitted by Rev. John A. Jamnicky, president, NCCAC.

Foreign-born persons (i.e. immigrants) represented 9 percent (23 million) of the United States population in 1994. During this century, the percent of foreign-born has ranged from a high of 15 percent in 1910, to a low of 5 percent in 1970. Since 1970, however, the percent of foreign-born has steadily increased. In the past five years, on average, more immigrants came to the U.S. per year than came per year during the entire 1980s.

Among the foreign-born in 1994, 68 percent were White, 7 percent were Black, and 21 percent were Asian and Pacific Islander. Nearly half (46 percent) of all immigrants were Hispanic. Mexicans comprised the largest group of immigrants (6 million) and Filipinos the second largest (1 million).

California had the largest immigrant population in 1994 (8 million). These immigrants comprised over one-third of all immigrants to the U.S. and nearly one-fourth of all California residents. The states with the second and third largest immigrant populations were New York (3 million) and Florida (2 million).

Source: Current Population Reports, “How We’re Changing,” Bureau of the Census, Feb. 1996.

Among all racial and ethnic groups, Asians and Pacific Islanders and Hispanics are projected to experience the most rapid growth between 1993 and 2020. Following are projections for all racial groups during that period:

White population:

• from 215 million to 255 million—the slowest-growing group.
• states with largest White population: California, Texas, Florida.

Black population:

• from 32 million to 45 million.
• states with largest Black population: New York, California, Florida, Texas, Georgia.

Asian and Pacific Islander population:

• more than double from 9 million to 23 million.
• states with largest Asian/Pacific Islander population: California, New York, Texas.

Hispanic population:

• fifty-one million in 2020 (double 1993's total); one-third of the nation will be Hispanic.
• states with the largest Hispanic population: California, Texas, Florida, New York, Illinois.

Source: Statistical Brief, “Where the Growth Will Be,” Bureau of the Census, June 1994.

The National Pastoral Center for the Chinese Apostolate (NPCCA) announced recently the completion of a survey of Chinese Catholics in the United States—a “first” in the history of the U.S. Chinese Catholic apostolate. Rev. Joseph Chiang, director of NPCCA presented the data at a recent PCMR meeting for Asian and Pacific pastoral agents. Following are some highlights:

• Estimated 1996 total Chinese population in the U.S. is 2,000,000.

• The number of Chinese Catholics in the U.S. (from Catholic communities) is 6,130.

• There is no Chinese apostolate in 30 states; therefore, the total Chinese Catholic population may be closer to 36,000.

• Estimate of the Chinese population in the New York metropolitan area is 350,000 with approximately 5,000 Catholics.

• Lately, many new Chinese immigrants—both legal and illegal—are coming to the U.S. especially from the Fujiang Province, China.

Source: National Pastoral Center for the Chinese Apostolate Newsletter, January 1996.

[Editor of China Church Quarterly note: The following overview offers a helpful summary of the contextual realities in which the Church in China seeks its role of gospel witness. We are grateful to colleagues at the Holy Spirit Study Center (HSSC) in Hong Kong for insights in this report.]

The problems China faces are enormous. The economy is uneven. It is registered as 11.8 percent real growth last year, but the inflation rate peaked above 25 percent and more than 40 million people are unemployed. Instability on the largest scale could occur in the countryside. The 800 million peasants who live in the hinterland feel that they are being left out. Frustrated on the land, they are flocking to the cities. So far, 100 million people have pushed into the coastal cities from the interior, chasing after the style of living they see on television. This “floating population” is expected to rise to 200 million over the next five years. Beijing alone has over 3 million such drifters.

What is the level of tolerance for the 800 million Chinese peasants? One of [President] Jiang’s greatest fears must be that after the death of Deng they will rise up in mass demonstrations. Would Jiang use force, bringing back memories of Tiananmen? Jiang is already showing an eagerness to court the hard-liners and cultivate a good relationship with the military.

What is even more shocking to many peasants are tales of China’s new millionaires, exploiting tax breaks, child labor and financial privilege granted for the special economic zones. Time magazine calls the creation of a new class “China’s Privileged Princelings.” These are the sons and daughters of Communist Party officials—from 1949 revolution heroes to obscure bureaucrats—who have parlayed their parents’ positions into privileges, prestige and power.

This nationalistic thinking taps a deep vein in the Chinese psyche. Although once the world’s greatest civilization, China has suffered from poverty, foreign domination and civil war since the end of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912). The economic reforms of the past 15 years have begun to lift China out of its gloom, but they have also spawned inflation, unemployment, crime and uncertainty. In the eyes of some people these problems threaten China’s long-awaited national revival. The big question is whether the revival will come through a rise of nationalistic authoritarianism or through the emergence of some form of democratic society. At the moment the former seems to be in the ascendancy but as always with China one can never predict the final outcome.

Source: China Church Quarterly, Newsletter No. 25, Winter 1996, U.S. Catholic China Bureau.

PCMR has engaged the services of Rev. Jerry Orsino, OMI to serve as its representative to the Southeast Asian communities, especially coordinating pastoral care of the newly-arrived immigrants and refugees from Cambodia and Laos. As part of his ministry, Father Orsino will prepare for a national conference for lay leadership development and lay catechist training.

PCMR is collaborating with Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. (CLINIC) in planning a two-day workshop on immigration law for pastoral agents, who are often approached by immigrants regarding their legal status. The workshop could be offered in one diocese or a group of dioceses, depending on response to this announcement. Cost per person will be approximately $100 depending on facility. Any diocese interested in this proposed workshop should contact Sr. Marie Prefontaine at 202-541-3225.

As a result of a recent meeting at USCC, Rev. Silvano Tomasi, executive secretary of the Pontifical Council on Migrants and Itinerant People, and PCMR agreed to collaborate in planning for an international meeting of representatives from national offices of pastoral care in conjunction with the 1997 Pontifical Council meeting in Rome. More information will be forthcoming on the general Pontifical Council meeting.

Rev. Paul Byrne, OMI, executive secretary of the Irish Episcopal Commission for Emigrants met with Sister Suzanne Hall and staff at PCMR to discuss specific details of a survey which he requested PCMR to undertake regarding the new wave of Irish immigrants coming to the U.S.

Copies of the Summary Proceedings of Network Meetings of the Office for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Refugees, 1995-1996 have been mailed to all participants who attended meetings. If anyone who attended a meeting does not receive a copy of the proceedings, please call (202) 541-3230.

A new comprehensive and cross-referenced PCMR Directory will be mailed to all in the PCMR network by early July.

Marie Celine Caufield of Boise, Idaho, will assume the duties of executive director of the Catholic Migrant Farmworker Network on July 1, 1996. She will replace Sister Adela Gross, OSF, who has been serving as interim director, in addition to her duties at PCMR. Also, Maria Marquez of Immokalee, Florida was elected president of the network, succeeding Fr. Anthony Stubeda of the Diocese of New Ulm.

National Migration Week: January 6-12, 1997. Theme: “You Are My Sisters and Brothers.”

An Asian Indian Pilgrimage will take place at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC on August 31, 1996 to honor Our Lady of Good Health. The day will start with workshops from 9:00 to 12 noon followed by devotions and a 3:00 p.m. Mass. For other details, call Joyce D’Sousa at (301) 927-3648.

A National Convocation on Filipino Apostolate will be held on August 16, 1996 from 1-9 P.M. Theme: “Giving Shining Witness with Mary, Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage” (Our Lady of Antipolo). For registration and details, contact Rev. Jose Arong, OMI, (510) 655-9209 or Ms. Noemi Castillo (415) 565-3622.

Dedication Ceremony of the Oratory of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage will take place on Saturday, August 17, 1996 following a Eucharistic Celebration at 2:00 p.m. at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC. Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage will be enshrined as the symbol of the Filipino-American Catholic presence in the U.S.

Masses of Reconciliation will be simultaneously celebrated in the United States and in Japan on August 15, 1996.

The National Council of Churches is sponsoring a national teleconference on September 24, 1996 aimed at strategies to welcome immigrants and counter xenophobia. Faith community perspectives on “welcoming the stranger” will be highlighted during the teleconference, as will effective initiatives to deal with community tensions surrounding racism and immigration issues. A national panel will invite viewers to phone in toll-free with their questions and comments. Dr. Kathleen Hurty, project director comments, “We will be addressing the tendency to blame immigrants and/or others who are ‘different from us’ for all of the woes besetting communities today, including the lack of jobs, inadequate schools, overcrowded affordable health facilities and increased violence.”

The cost for participating in the event will be $10 per person to cover the cost of a resource packet. For more information, contact Dr. Kathleen Hurty, director, Ecumenical Networks, National Council of Churches, 475 Riverside Drive, Room 677, New York, NY 10115-0050. Phone: (212) 870-2155; FAX: (212) 870-2690.

Source: Monday, National Council of Churches, Church World Service Immigration and Refugee Program, 475 Riverside Drive, New York, NY 10115.