News - March 2017

The word of God is truly alive today. "When an alien resides with you in your land, do not mistreat such a one. You shall treat the alien who resides with you no differently than the natives born among you; you shall love the alien as yourself; for you too were once aliens in the land of Egypt" (Lev. 19:33-34). To live as a people of God is to live in the hope of the resurrection. To live in Christ is to draw upon the limitless love of Jesus to fortify us against the temptation of fear. Pray that our engagement in the debate over immigration and refugee issues may bring peace and comfort to those most affected by current and proposed national policy changes. (select title for full text)

Bishop Dewane praised "include critical life protections for the most vulnerable among us" but also said, “[i]n attempting to improve the deficiencies of the ACA, health care policy ought not create other unacceptable problems, particularly for those who struggle on the margins of our society.” In quoting Pope Francis, the letter notes, “Health, indeed, is not a consumer good, but a universal right which means that access to healthcare services cannot be a privilege.” Among other things, the letter also notes a lack of any changes to afford conscience protection against mandates to provide contraception and sterilization coverage or services.

En el despertar de la Subasta Espectro ordenada por el Congreso y conducida por la Comisión Federal de Comunicaciones (FCC), nuestra estación de televisión diocesana y todas las comunicaciones diocesanas están entrando en una etapa de transformación.  Nuestro objetivo es desarrollar una red de comunicación más amplia y colaborativa, que incluye: Programación de Video; Periódico de Vida Católica de California Central (copia impresa o edición en línea); Sitio Web, Medios de Comunicación Social,  Materiales de Mercadotecnia y otros servicios de apoyo. Estos servicios están ya en funcionamiento; sin embargo, estamos comprometidos a fortalecer nuestra presencia intensificando nuestro mensaje.

In the wake of the spectrum auction mandated by Congress and conducted by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), our diocesan television station and all diocesan communications are entering a time of transformation. Our goal is to develop a more comprehensive, collaborative communication network which includes: Video Programming; Central California Catholic Life Newspaper (hard copy and online edition); Website, Social Media, Marketing Materials and other support services.  These services are already in motion; however, we are committed to strengthening our presence and amplifying our message.

We are deeply concerned about the possibility of widespread deportations that will break up families and break down our communities.  Fear is now growing in our neighborhoods and schools.  The work of businesses and farms is being disrupted.  We seem to be turning away from our nation’s long history of renewal and innovation inspired by successive generations of immigrants and refugees.  We are a nation of immigrants.  We have a long history of welcoming those fleeing violence in other countries.  We should not turn our back on this proud legacy, especially in this current moment in our history.