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Co-coordinators Associate Dede Waters-Masters and Sister Jeanette Braun.
Co-coordinators Associate Dede Waters-Masters and Sister Jeanette Braun.
For many months, Notre Dame Associates throughout United States have been studying, reflecting and discussing resources to help better understand the serious issues surrounding the broken U.S. immigration system. On April 8, Easter Sunday, we Associates joined the Sisters of Notre Dame in making a national corporate position. A corporate position is a stand on an issue of national importance by a group.  It reflects a commonly shared value and is a public expression of commitment to this value.

Associates Anne Hannigan and Ann Tennison, Co-Chairs of the National Associate Planning Committee, announced:

On this holy day, as we celebrate the life-giving message of Jesus and St. Julie, we are pleased to share good news with you. The U.S. Associates of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur have passed a corporate position in support on immigration reform. 

We, along with the Sisters of Notre Dame call on the federal government to:

  • provide a path to legalization for the undocumented,

  • provide a path to legal work for future immigrants by increasing the number of employment visas,

  • expedite family reunification by increasing the number of family-based visas,

  • restore due process rights important for the protection of refugees and others, and focus on the development of migration sending countries.

These policy recommendations are consistent with Catholic Social Teachings that call for dignified treatment of migrants and the authentic development of all people.

Now we are called to action. Join us in:

  • Praying for comprehensive immigration reform and for the victims of the broken immigration system and for those who advocate harsh anti-immigrant laws.

  • Working in our local communities as we are able to support local initiatives to protect immigrants' rights and to promote comprehensive immigration reform.

  • Helping educate our communities about Catholic Social Teaching, the suffering of immigrant communities and the global realities which are causes of their emigration.

  • Working with organizations committed to comprehensive immigration reform.


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New Corporate Stance | 5 comments
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Sr. Helen Bellew writes: Congratulations on your achievement of a national corporate position on Immigration Reform! This visible expression of the partnership of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur in the U.S. and the U.S. Associates gives strength to our commitment to the Gospel and to the legacy of St. Julie and Francoise which we share. May our faith and hope and courage remain strong as we labor to bring about the immigration reform we have called for in our public statement.

Meg Glendon, our U.S. Director of SNDdeN Communications, will include the Associates in our press release which will be made public within the next few days.
Sr. Margaret Hoffman writes: Dear Notre Dame Associates:
Congratulations on the announcement of your corporate stance taken on the important issue of immigration reform. With you we now celebrate our common commitment to respect the lives and dignity of immigrants among us. Your announcement in this sacred week of celebration of the Resurrection of Christ is opportune. We know that our prayer and advocacy/action on behalf of immigrants will be grace to those we support and blessing on our own lives as well. Alleluia!
Sr. Claudia McTaggart writes: Dear Associates, I extend my deep gratitude to you for the corporate stance you have taken on comprehensive immigration reform so desperately needed in the United States. Many, if not most, of us have personal knowledge of the fear, suffering, injustice and abuse that our undocumented sisters and brothers endure. As you said so well, '... the real work' goes on!

With congratulations and Easter Blessings.
Sr. Nancy Wellmeier, SNDdeN writes: Dear Associates, your joining with us in this important declaration of our hope for more just treatment of our brothers and sisters who come here for a better life is good news! Saint Julie would be proud!

Blessings.
Sr. Nancy O'Shea writes: We rejoice that the U.S. Associates have also taken a corporate position on the issue of immigration reform. Together, Sisters and Associates have an opportunity to really make a difference in the lives of many who wish to make a better life for their families. May our prayers and actions help to bring about the change we have called for in our public statements.