The 2014 National Migration Conference (NMC) is a gathering hosted by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' Migration and Refugee Services (USCCB/ MRS), the Catholic Legal Immigration Network (CLINIC), and Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA).

Please consider attending the 2014 National Migration conference in Washington, DC on July 7-10.

An advocacy day will take place during the conference and your participation can make the difference in the passage of immigration reform legislation.

For conference information and registration go to: http://bit.ly/LssXku .

MASS ON THE BORDER - APRIL 1st

ON APRIL 1, CATHOLIC BISHOPS WILL PRAY FOR IMMIGRATION REFORM AND THOSE WHO HAVE DIED TRYING TO CROSS THE BORDER.

Tuesday, April 1st, 2014

9 am, Nogales, AZ

Led by His Eminence Sean Cardinal O'Malley, the bishops will commemorate the deaths of migrants in the U.S. desert and pray for immigration reform. A press conference will follow.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CqY9GcA6lCA

In Attendance:

His Eminence Sean Cardinal O'Malley, Archbishop of Boston

Most Reverend Eusebio Elizondo, Auxiliary Bishop of Seattle and Chairman, USCCB Committee on Migration

Most Reverend Gerald F. Kicanas, Bishop of Tucson

Most Reverend John C. Wester, Bishop of Salt Lake City

Most Reverend Mark Seitz, Bishop of El Paso

Most Reverend Oscar Cantu, Bishop of Las Cruces, NM

Most Reverend Ricardo Ramirez, Bishop Emeritus of Las Cruces, NM

Most Reverend Luis Zarama, Auxiliary Bishop of Atlanta

Pope Francis Meets with

President Obama

President Barack Obama's first visit to Pope Francis at the Vatican on Thursday was filled with much symbolism, with the two exchanging gifts and smiles -- along with a bit of intrigue over differing accounts over what was said between the leaders.

While the Vatican said in a statement following the meeting that discussions had touched upon issues of religious freedom -- an apparent nod to the U.S. bishops strident opposition to parts of the federal health care reform law -- Obama said later that issue did not come up with Francis, but with the Vatican's secretary of state.

It was the second visit to a pope for the president, who previously visited Pope Benedict XVI in 2009.

Read this article here.

We are told that the two also discussed Immigration Reform.

Earlier this week, Jersey and several other children left Los Angeles with the blessing of Archbishop Gomez to ask the Pope to help them because their parents were being deported.

According to those present and Jersey herself, the Holy Father kissed her on the forehead and told her he "would talk to President Obama about it."

Pope Francis with young girl from Los Angeles

Badge Of Honor: AOH Irish Heritage Month Encourages Support for Reform

March has been recognized by US Presidents as

Irish Heritage Month since 1992. This March, members of the AOH, America's largest and oldest Irish and Catholic organization joined AOH National President Brendan Moore and Immigration Chairman Dan Dennehy in presenting the AOH Immigration Pin to Members of Congress at St. Patrick's parades and dances, Irish American Heritage Month ceremonies and during DC lobbying efforts. In presenting the pin, they remind Congress of the need for Immigration Reform to repair the 1965 US Immigration Acts' removal of visas for people from Ireland and ending the plight of the Irish undocumented.

The first distinctive pins were awarded in New York to legislative stalwarts on Irish Immigration efforts, U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer, U.S. Representatives Peter King and Joe Crowley as well as Irish Ambassador Anne Anderson, and NY Irish Consul General Noel Kilkenny.

During the 2nd week of March amidst numerous Irish related hearings and events, a large group of AOH and LAOH leaders from many states descended on Washington. In targeted meetings facilitated by constituent Hibernians, as well as Chicago Celts, Clergy and Business leaders,

and the Irish Embassy, many Members of Congress were met and presented with the AOH Immigration Pin. This effort also provided greatly needed support for the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform on their lobby day. A good deal of the focus was put on GOP House Members with significant Irish American constituencies.

Enda Kenny on Capitol Hill

AOH National Board underwrote the distributions to Congress and thanked to all who facilitated constituent meetings and made presentations, particularly New Jersey State President Sean Pender and VP Sean Hughes, Virginia State President Bruce Denault, Chaplain Rev, Timothy Harris and Immigration Bobby Mahoney, Maryland Immigration Michael Mellett, DC Immigration Mike Delaney, National Director Chip McLean and Anti-Defamation Neil Cosgrove.

For more information on this project, contact:

Dan Dennehy

Ancient Order of Hibernians in America inc.

National Board Immigration Chairman

(914) 588-2710

dandennehy@hotmail.com

Immigration Resources

Information on
Administrative Relief and Prosecutorial Discretion can be found on the National Immigration Law Center website.

CLINIC WEBINAR - April 29, 2014

Establishing a Strong Case Management System:

Part I

2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time

11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time

Cost: Free

A strong case management system is key to a healthy immigration legal program and helps ensure consistency, uniformity, and a high quality of work. It balances the interests of the client in getting the best and speediest representation with those of the agency in providing services efficiently. Join us for Part I of a two-part webinar training on case management. During this webinar we will begin a discussion of the essential elements of a good case management system, including: policy and procedures manuals, intake procedures and forms, case selection criteria and procedures, scope of representation, retainer agreements and a tickler system that ensures the agency doesn't miss client deadlines.

Part II of this series, scheduled for May 13, 2014, will focus on case file organization standards, case notes standards, a filing system, and case closing procedures.

Register by clicking here. After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information on joining the webinar.

Irish Pastoral Centre

Job Description: Senior Citizen Outreach Program Coordinator

About The Irish Pastoral Centre (IPC)

Founded in 1987 the IPC is committed to welcoming the "stranger among us" and providing compassionate assistance to those in need of help and support. IPC provides a range of assistance and programs including; a senior program, immigration services, employment and housing assistance, counseling and home visits to those who are isolated and ill.

Please visit our website at http://ipcboston.org for more information. The IPC is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.

Position Summary

Advance the Senior Citizen Outreach Program in a culturally sensitive manner by promoting and encouraging healthy living and healthy aging, and by facilitating the expression of Irish and Irish American culture and heritage while being open to and inclusive of other cultures/heritages.

Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree in Social Work; Master's Degree preferred, with knowledge and experience of Irish culture, as well as the social, health, economic, and recreational, needs and concerns of the senior population.
Two years' experience working in a field related to the planning and delivery of programs and services to senior citizens in an empathetic, approachable, and respectful manner.
Excellent organizational and computer skills.
Excellent communication and presentation skills with appropriate sensitivity to aging issues.
Dynamic, patient, and pleasant personality and a good sense of humor.

How to Apply

Please send a cover letter and resume to

mailto:ipc15hr@gmail.com

Bishops of Ireland Say St. Patrick's Day Is Time to Pray for Migrants

The Bishops of Ireland have published the following message for the Solemnity of Saint Patrick 2014.

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We pray through the intercession of our national patron, St Patrick, for the faith and well-being of the people of Ireland. Saint Patrick was called to serve and bring God to a people far from his homeland. As Saint Patrick's Day is a Holy Day of Obligation for Catholics in Ireland, the best way to honour him is to attend Mass.

In 2014 we celebrate our national Saint's day in the midst of an ongoing economic recession which has resulted in domestic heartbreak throughout Ireland for many individuals and families due to the pressure of unemployment and emigration. As the plight of Patrick, himself a migrant, has been faced by many Irish people who have struggled to live and integrate into new cultures, we encourage all the faithful to pray for migrants at home and abroad as many face challenges arising from displacement and poverty.

We pray the blessings of the feast of Patrick on all the people of Ireland. We think especially of all our people who are exiles far from home: may the Christian faith of Patrick be their support and comfort always. We pray also through the intercession of Saint Patrick, for the many people who have come into this country in recent years seeking shelter, asylum and a new life: may the welcome amongst us they receive be generous; let us see to that, as people of God and of Saint Patrick.

Join the Justice for Immigrants Campaign
The Justice for Immigrants Campaign continues to build its grassroots support for comprehensive immigration reform. If you want to be notified of immigration legislation updates , NOW is the time to join the JFI Action Alert list. Sign up at: www.justiceforimmigrants.org

The Irish Apostolate USA is the umbrella organization for the Irish Immigration Pastoral and Outreach Centers in the United States, under the direction of the Irish Episcopal Council for Emigrants.

Please visit our website for more information:
Irish Apostolate USA

Geri Garvey, Administrator
Irish Apostolate USA

Phone/Fax: 301-384-3375 Email: administrator@usairish.org