January 2007
Volume 7, Issue 5
In this issue:
Life in the FieldCalled to ActionActive SolidarityGlobal ThoughtsMedia WatchAnnouncementsRegional NewsNational Migration Week
Migration ResourcesNational attention turned to Latin America in 2006 as the focus on immigration gave rise to debate throughout the Western Hemisphere on why people are migrating in significant numbers (and not only to the United States), how our peoples and economies are interconnected and how national immigration policies, and most notably U. S. immigration policy, impact issues of human rights, national and cultural identity, economic sustainability and social participation. The Catholic Church lent its voice in legislative advocacy, through the convening of a national Encuentro for Hispanic youth and young adults, and in continued outreach to the Hispanic community. Embracing the wisdom and vision of her social tradition, the Church called for recognition that immigration exists as part of a web of human rights concerns related to the dignity of life and the political, economic, and social policies that protect or deny that dignity. On a more practical level, within the next decade, Latinos will represent the largest segment of the Catholic youth and young adult population in the United States, providing both a challenge and an opportunity for those of us working in education and youth ministry. While questions arise regarding the availability of training, resources, ministry models and processes — and perhaps our willingness to seek these out, this moment carries much hope if our choice is to welcome and foster the dignity, faith, cultural identity, and giftedness of all peoples within our Church and our nation.
This issue of Going Global with Youth encourages you to enter into the story of Latin America — a region of our world that is rich in culture, faith and witness to the gospel message, and into the life of the migrant, his reality and her struggle for a better life. While the nations of Colombia and Haiti are highlighted, you are encouraged to review the work of CRS throughout
Latin America in order to get a more complete picture of the struggles, life and connectedness shared by Latinos. Additionally, you are invited to learn more about CRS'
migration strategy as a starting point for understanding migration within the broader context of globalization, economic policies, and human rights. Links to resources that foster the awareness and skills needed for those of us in education and youth ministry are also provided. You may also consider reading David Badillo's new book,
Latinos and the New Immigrant Church for an interesting overview of the history of Latino Catholicism in the United States.
This is a pivotal moment in our nation's history and in our Church. The theme of the
2007 National Migration Week (January 7-13), "Welcoming Christ in the Stranger," brings us to the heart of Jesus' message: "Whatever you did for one of these least brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me." This is a moment that calls for a unity of purpose, a unity of struggle with a clear vision of a better life for all people. Perhaps the starting point is a vision of solidarity through which each person creates a life where the dignity and well-being of all individuals, families, communities, and cultures are respected, even treasured, as sacred. Upholding such a vision could lead us to identifying the threads of unity that exist within all of our stories, struggles, joys and hopes. May this be our prayer this new year.
LIFE IN THE FIELD
In Solidarity with Colombia: In June 2000, CRS initiated a comprehensive program in its response to the humanitarian crises in Colombia:
In Solidarity with Colombia. Over the past six years, CRS has worked with numerous partners in humanitarian relief, peace initiatives, and education within Colombia and the surrounding region, and combined these efforts with advocacy and awareness-raising in the United States. The work of
CRS in Colombia provides valuable insight into the issues and response needed in this volatile region. Additional resources include virtual tours, information on a
Jesuit Mobile School for Peace , and
prayer and action resources for education, developed for a Fall 2006 Day of Prayer and Action but easily adaptable for use at any time of the year. Additional educational resources on Colombia can be accessed through the following links:
United States Conference of Catholic BishopsThe Catholic Peacebuilding NetworkChildren's Peace Movement of ColombiaPeace in ColombiaCRS: Offering Hope in Haiti: Among the poorest and most vulnerable in the Western Hemisphere are the people of
Haiti, a country in need of long-term economic development. Through its commitment to varied projects and partners in Haiti, CRS has worked to foster sustainable development, provide support for people living with HIV and AIDS and social assistance for the most vulnerable, and help create much-needed stability throughout the country, all reflected in stories on the
CRS website. Additionally, CRS encourages you to thank members of Congress who passed legislation that contained the Haiti Hemispheric Opportunity through Partnership Encouragement Act (HOPE) of 2006 just before the 109th Congress adjourned for the year. Complete information is available in the
CRS Action Center. Additional information on Haiti is available through the
USCCB Social Development and World Peace Office.
CALLED TO ACTION
Migration in the Light of Catholic Social Teaching: The immigration issue has remained in the forefront of the national debate, in part due to prophetic voice of the Church and to the tireless work of many. A compilation of
educational resources on immigration is now available through the CRS education website and provides valuable links to resources developed by CRS and its partners.
Justice for Immigrants Campaign: Additional information and resources pertaining to the U.S. Catholic response to immigration can be obtained through the
Justice for Immigrants Campaign and the
USCCB National Migration Week site, or you may contact
Chris West at CRS (410-951-7454).
Young Neighbors in Action: Are you looking for a service experience that will bring your youth closer to God and help them understand what it means to be Catholic in the world today? Are you tired of going on the same old service trip and are looking for something that inspires and transforms?
Young Neighbors in Action is the premier Catholic service learning experience that combines meaningful service, evening program experiences that break open our Catholic social teaching, and an opportunity to meet other young people excited about learning how to change the world! Experiences are available throughout the United States, including the Gulf region, and in Mexico. Young Neighbors in Advocacy is a follow-up experience for young adults as it moves from direct service to advocating for change in the structures that cause people to live in poverty and vulnerability. Download the
flier or visit the
Young Neighbors in Action website for opportunities, dates and more information.
ACTIVE SOLIDARITY
Catholic Hispanic Ministry: There are numerous Catholic organizations that deepen and broaden our understanding of the needs of the U.S. Hispanic community, the issues associated with Latin America, and the opportunities and challenges that exist in our ministry to and with Hispanic Catholic youth. Valuable information, resources, and training opportunities are available through the Catholic organizations listed below:
Instituto Fe y VidaMexican American Cultural CenterThe National Catholic Council for Hispanic MinistryOye MagazineThe USCCB Office of Hispanic AffairsUSCCB Border Delegation: In October 2006, a delegation of bishops and other church leaders traveled to the U.S./Mexico border to study the plight of immigrants, unaccompanied minors and human trafficking victims. Their experience and stories are recorded in a
blog and serve as a valuable tool for educating young people about the realities of those crossing the border and related justice issues. Additional resources, an outline of their itinerary and photos are also posted on the
delegation's website.
GLOBAL THOUGHTS
The Contributions of Hispanics to the United States of America
The following is excerpted from the Address given to the National Encuentro at Notre Dame, June 2006, by Cardinal Cardinal Oscar Andrés Rodríguez M. SDB, Archbishop of Tegucigalpa, Honduras. The complete address,
The Contributions of Hispanics to the United States of America, is available on the CRS website.
I am very conscious of the difficulty of the issue of migrations. I do not want to oversimplify facts.
It seems easier, or at least more attractive on first sight, to build, administer, preach, or celebrate, than to accompany. At least, consciences are calmed in this way. But I cannot finish without making a proposal.
I am not questioning or minimizing the value of preaching or celebrating. I could not do it…But the face to face meeting, the father to son word, the Cyrenean who helps to carry the cross, the veteran who encourages others to go through the trials of the journey showing that what might seem like a mountain is only a molehill.
Therefore, what is fundamental in service is, and will be to place in the Lord, in his hands, the persons who immigrate…He is the one carrying them in the palm of his hand. The point is to look at them through God's eyes: he is the one who cares for them as the pupils of his eyes. It is to love them with the heart of the Father: he is the one who is always waiting, looking at the horizon, not making himself noted, but never neglecting his presence. We, too, can see with the eyes of God.
MEDIA WATCH
Now on DVD:
THE LINE IN THE SAND: Stories from the U.S./Mexico Border: This dramatic theatre performance tells the story of migration through the eyes of 9 different characters, each one based on a real person. The DVD also includes special features such as discussion questions, suggested web links, and an interview with Erica Dahl-Bredine from the CRS Mexico country program. Use THE LINE IN THE SAND as a powerful educational tool for your school, parish, or home. Two additional educational DVDs on immigration and rooted in Catholic Social Teaching are also available:
Strangers No Longer and
Dying to Live: A Migrant's Story.
Movies with themes related to Latin America and Migration: The following films from recent years address justice-related themes and issues relevant to Latin America or migration within the region. As with any film, before showing it to young people, preview the film in order to determine follow-up debriefing and appropriate viewing.
The Agronomist: A documentary about Jean Dominique, an outspoken and passionate political and human rights activist in Haiti who was assassinated in 2000. The film presents powerful insight into the struggles that unfolded and contributed to the poverty and oppression in Haiti over the past four decades.
City of God: A day in the life of City of God, the name for one of the largest slums in Rio de Janeiro, is portrayed in this violent yet powerful film. The story focuses on two young boys who attempt to get out, one who chooses photography, the other through drug dealing.
Maria Full of Grace: A challenging film that tells the story of a young woman who becomes a drug "mule" in order to improve her family's life in Colombia. The film's website contains interviews and an essay written by the director of the film that sheds light on the realities depicted in the film. An
online discussion guide is also available.
Romero: A powerful film that covers the last three years of the life Archbishop Oscar Romero, depicting his gradual transformation toward a man of great courage and an advocate for the poor. Additional resources about Romero are available from the authors of
Oscar Romero: A Violence of Love.
The Mission: The classic film explores 17th & 18th century Spanish and Portuguese colonizing of South America and religious missionary attempts to protect indigenous people from slavery.
Teaching resources and discussion guides are available for purchase online.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Connect your students to the world! Make Social Justice real for your classes through an innovative program which is all about Global Solidarity. Offer your students opportunities to become responsible global citizens by connecting them to teen-agers in Palestine, Cambodia, India and Viet Nam.
Cyber Bridges, a project sponsored by CRS, matches Catholic high school classrooms to youth overseas through the use of a secure website managed by CRS staff. Teachers are provided with an easy-to-follow curriculum which is designed to take no more than 1-2 hours per week. CRS staff offer support from Baltimore and six regional offices. Students work in small groups to engage in cross-cultural communication and work together on peacebuilding projects with their peers. Students learn from their partners about celebrations, traditions, family, education, and community, and more importantly, the issues, challenges and realities of teens around the world. If you are an educator interested in having Cyber Bridges as part of your teaching, visit the
website or contact Gloria Peterson at 410-951-7412 or
gpeterson@crs.org.
Operation Rice Bowl: Lent is approaching! Don't forget to place your order for
Operation Rice Bowl materials. The Operation Rice Bowl materials integrate Catholic Social Teaching with the traditional themes of Lent, and introduce participants to the realities of our worldwide community. This year Operation Rice Bowl will feature the theme One Light, One Journey, One Human Family and will feature new interactive activities on our website. To order your free 2007 materials, visit our website at
orb.crs.org or call 1 (800) 222-0025.
CRS Customer Relations Center: Did you know that CRS has a toll-free line you can use for general information and assistance. For all general information on programs like Fair Trade, Operation Rice Bowl, and other U.S. Operations programs for youth and education, call 1-866-608-5978.
CRS REGION NEWS
Visit the CRS Education website to obtain contact information for your
regional youth program officers and for additional information about CRS resources and events in your area.
CRS Northeast:
ORB & Food Fast Training Opportunities Offered: Dennis Fisher, program officer for the CRS Northeast Regional Office, will be doing Operation Rice Bowl trainings in the dioceses of Brooklyn, NY, Albany, NY, and Springfield, MA during the month of January. If you would like an ORB training for your diocese in the northeast, please contact Dennis at 610-293-4669 x7523 or
dfisher@crs.org. Additionally, if you serve as diocesan staff in youth ministry or religious education and are interested in a training or presentation on the CRS
Food Fast Program, contact Dennis Fisher for more information and scheduling of dates.
With Valentine's Day not too far away, consider entering the "Raise Money Right" contest and win a trip to Ghana or other prizes. Check out the contest at
http://donate.crs.org/site/R?i=G-a39r4LOvQveRdsfBSXIw.. or contact the CRS Northeast Office for more information at 610-293-4669.
CRS Southeast:
Open House: The Southeast Regional office will celebrate the opening of their new office on February 20, 2007 with a dedication ceremony and blessing by Archbishop Wilton Gregory of the Archdiocese of Atlanta. The dedication starts at 12:30 and open house at 3:30 p.m. The new address is 229 Peachtree Center, International Tower, Suite 402, Atlanta, GA 30303. For more information about the open house or any other requests for the Southeast Regional office, call 404-681-4600 or contact Linda Collins, Office Coordinator, at
lcollins@crs.org.
Fair Trade Workshop: The Southeast Regional office will host a Fair Trade Workshop on February 24, 2007. Learn about the Fair Trade movement from some of the best and brightest in the field and become an advocate for Fair Trade at your parish. The event will be held at
Café Campesino Fair Trade Coffee Company, 725 Spring Street, Americus, GA 31709. Accommodations are available at
Koinonia Farm, 1324 GA Hwy 49 S., Americus, GA 31709. For more information contact Simone Blanchard at 404-681-4600 or
sblancha@crs.org.
CRS West:
Thomas Awiapo, CRS Ghana, will be available to speak at school assemblies, liturgies, youth ministry and confirmation gatherings in Southern and Northern California as well as Las Vegas from January 15- March 1st. Thomas' personal story of "Hunger and Hope" is an inspiration and thousands of youth have been deeply touched by his story and presence. Your Lent and Operation Rice Bowl will come alive with the Spirit after hearing Thomas! If you are interested in scheduling him to speak at your church or school, please contact Elsa Arratia at 619-269-1399 or
earratia@crs.org.
Sara Alexander and Paul Hicks, both from CRS Afghanistan, are available for joint class presentations or an assembly at your school! Their passion for their work and commitment to the mission of CRS and our church will be an inspiration to all students who hear them. Sara will be available in the Bay Area from January 7-15. Paul will be in the Bay Area from approximately January 22-February 10. He would also be available for groups and high schools around January 20th in Ventura and Los Angeles. The new
CRS Afghanistan curriculum would be a great preparation tool prior to a visit to your school. Please contact Jeanine Boucher-Colbert, Youth Programs Officer for CRS West, 503-282-6406 or
jcolbert@crs.org, if you would like to schedule either speaker.
Santa Clara County (2-1-1 SCC) is a free, non-emergency, confidential service that operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Tagalog, Mandarin, and 140 other languages. For everyday needs and in times of crisis, 2-1-1 provides streamlined access to local community services such as food, shelter, counseling, drug and alcohol intervention, employment assistance, and so much more. It also serves as a link for individuals seeking to volunteer, provide resources, or assist during a crisis in Santa Clara County.
