Elena Segura, director of the Catholic Campaign for Immigration Reform for the Archdiocese of Chicago, talks with attendees during the breakout session of a Jan. 26 immigration event in Kankakee.

KANKAKEE—Concerns about the shortcomings of the immigration system in the United States continue to be expressed by political candidates and legislators, along with people across the country. “It’s an issue everybody is talking about,” said Elena Segura, director of the Catholic Campaign for Immigration Reform for the Archdiocese of Chicago.

Segura’s task was to clarify the church’s position on immigration for about 100 people from across the Joliet Diocese at an event sponsored by the diocesan Peace and Social Justice Ministry. The participants gathered Jan. 26 in the gymnasium at Lisieux Pastoral Outreach Center, which is located at Kankakee’s St. Teresa Parish.

“It’s beautiful to see you all here,” said Segura, remarking about the crowd gathered for the Kankakee event. “I can see the spirit here,” she added.

“I’m very impressed” by the number of attendees, she reiterated when she talked with the Catholic Explorer afterward. “I believe God will be doing something with them” to help immigrants, added the Segura, who emigrated from Peru more than two decades ago.

Segura, a convert to Catholicism, spoke with passion about the issue. She began her speech by mentioning the ideals of Pope John Paul II on the subject of immigration. During his pontificate, the then-leader of the Catholic Church stressed “conversion of hearts,” she said.

People should recognize themselves in others and work to assist them in their trials, she said. Baptismal promises call Catholics “to be transformed by the Holy Spirit 24/7.” This “call to holiness” should benefit those enduring hardships and prejudices, she continued. Pope John Paul also encouraged the faithful to remain in communion and solidarity with each other. “That gives us the energy to fight injustices,” she added.

In her remarks, Segura referenced “Strangers No Longer: Together on the Journey of Hope,” a pastoral document composed by Catholic bishops of the United States and Mexico. The statement, which was issued Jan. 22, 2003, was a response to Pope John Paul’s call to the American bishops to educate believers about the church’s teachings on immigration, she said.

The bishops stated human beings have the right to “just wages,” said Segura. They have the right to migrate to other places in the world to support their families, she said. Meanwhile, the people of sovereign nations have the right to protect their borders “as long as it’s a just way,” said the presenter. Catholics should also offer asylum to refugees and others in need of protection, she said. “Human dignity of the undocumented should be respected,” she added, quoting the pastoral message.

Segura also spoke about practical ways people can help immigrants. Catholics ought to work to educate themselves and the general public about the struggles immigrants face in their daily lives, she recommended. Advocating on behalf of immigrants in the political arena is another way Catholics can spur reforms. “You can do it. I can see it,” said the optimistic presenter.

Speaking about the Chicago Archdiocese’s model for tackling immigration reform, Segura mentioned priests have formed a group to broach immigration concerns. And, members of religious congregations have also created programs to address the issues. The grassroots approach to advocacy is an effective means for helping immigrants, she noted.

Joyce Ruhaak, ministry associate for the Joliet diocesan Peace and Social Justice Ministry, coordinated the immigration event. “It’s such a timely topic,” the advocate told the Explorer as she reflected on the reasons for staging the program. “I hope (the participants) gain some knowledge,” she added as she described the overall aim of the event beforehand.

In an effort to reinforce the argument that immigration reforms are needed in the country, the organizers asked three undocumented residents to share their stories during the morning event.

“I’m so blessed to be part of this church,” said Alex Q. The young Hispanic man—who said he works three jobs to make ends meet—and his family worship at St. Teresa Parish. Admitting that he broke the law to enter the United States and continues to do so by living illegally, he told the assembly, “I’m guilty of desiring a better life for my wife and kids and myself.”

Father Tom Cargo, pastor of St. Teresa Parish, talked about ministering to immigrants when he addressed the people gathered for the event.

In order to create an atmosphere of welcoming at their parishes, Father Cargo encouraged the participants to make adjustments at their faith communities. Reading the Scriptures in different languages during Masses is a step in the right direction, he said. He also suggested they participate with Hispanic believers on the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe in December at parishes with large numbers of parishioners with Mexican backgrounds.

Prejudices arise when people fear others and lack knowledge of different cultures, said Father Cargo. “Love” is the answer to this problem, stressed the parish priest.

Catholic faith communities are intended to be places of welcoming for all who arrive to participate in religious functions, said Father Luis Gutierrez, associate pastor of St. Dominic Parish in Bolingbrook. But, the 52-year-old clergyman from Mexico said he knows from his own experiences that believers aren’t always friendly and compassionate to those who are different from them.

Over the years, Father Gutierrez said he has overheard parishioners who are dissatisfied with him because of his race. “It hasn’t been easy for me even though I’m a priest,” he said.