Liberian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act

Minnesota is home to an estimated 30,000 Liberians, approximately 1,000 living under Deferred Enforced Departure which is due to terminate September 30, 2011. The Justice Office has been part of the Coalition for Permanent Residency (CPR) for Liberians since January 2007. During March CPR met with Congressman Keith Ellison, Siad Ali, constituent representative to Senator Amy Klobuchar and Amy Hang, field representative to Senator Al Franken. These meetings provided the opportunity to strategize and to urge Congressman Ellision, Senator Klobuchar and Senator Franken to take a leadership role in pursuing permanent resident status for Liberians. This week (March 29) Senator Amy Klobuchar and Senator Al Franken announced that they are co-sponsoring the Liberian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act with Senator Reed (RI), Senator Kerry (MA) and four other senators, and Congressman Elison introduced the Liberian Refugee Fairness Act inthe House. Press Release Senator Franken Press Release Senator Reed, also calls for President Obama to act on the looming DED deadline. Press Release Congressman Ellison Ethnic Capitol Liberians Ethnic Capitol: Liberians

The Universal Church as Defender of the Rights of Migrants

"The Catholic Church and Immigration: Pastoral, Policy and Social Perspectives"

Catholic University, Washington DC

March 21-23, 2011

Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, who presented at Catholic University on March 23, 2011, stated, "Migration is not always a pretty sight, as, because of the nature of our world, persons on the move are often running away from danger, from wars, persecution, or grinding poverty. However, it continues to be a permanent part of the international landscape that cannot be ignored, because it involves human beings and their welfare."

Full text

World Water Week Activities

UN World Water Day, March 22. The World Water Day Coalition is organizing a series of events in Washington DC and advocacy opportunities across the country. On March 23, particpants from around the world will join together in DC for Advocacy Day to show their support for water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) issues and urge continued support from members of Congress.

Also visit: One Week for Water

(information received from LCWR (Leadership Conference of Women Religious)

11th Day Prayer for Peace: UN Women

Friday, March 11, 2011, 6:30 p.m.

Reflection by Cheryl Maloney, Consociate

Her Experiences at the United Nations for the

55th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women

Music by Kathleen Olsen, Consociate

Presentation of Our Lady Chapel, 1890 Randolph Avenue, St. Paul

BREAKING THE IMPASSE II: Poverty Beyond the Sound Byte

NATIONAL - STATE - LOCAL
Free and Open to the Public!
March 8, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Carondelet Center, 1890 Randolph Avenue
Saint Paul

FEATURING: Simone Campbell, Executive Director, NETWORK, A Catholic Social Justice Lobby and Kathleen Tomlin, Director, Catholic Charities' Office for Social Justice

Register: joanwittman@gmail.com or 651.690.7043

For more information: 651.690.7054

Co-sponsored by

Justice Commission of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet and Consociates
Myser Initiative on Catholic Identity St. Catherine University
Catholic Charities' Office for Social Justice
NETWORK, A National Catholic Social Justice Lobby

Native American Medicine and Healing

Thursday, February 24, 4:30 p.m.
Carondelet Center, 1890 Randolph Avenue, Saint Paul

The Native American Awareness Task Group will welcome Sally Auger to their meeting. Come for a warm cup of tea and learn more about Native American Medicine and Healing.

(photo) Vera Chester CSJ, Sally Auger, Peggy O'Connell CSJ

For more information: Vera Chester, 651.690.3860

Joint Religious Legislative Coalition Day on the Hill

February 17, 2011

The Day on the Hill begins at River Centre and includes greetings from Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton. The keynote speech will be given by Father David McCauley, Minnesota Catholic Conference.

2011 Issue Briefings:

Safety Net

Impartical Judiciary

Budget and Taxes

Others on the Horizon

Following the briefings constituents will meet by Legislative District to plan for visits with their legislators in the afternoon.

The formal program in the Capitol Rotunda begins at 11:45 with the presentation of awards followed by remarks by Special Commissioner, Linda Jesson, Minnesota Department of Human Services.

For more information: www.jrlc.org