From Archbishop Bernard A. Hebda:
As Christians prepare to celebrate Christmas, I ask all people of good will – no matter their faith background or practice – to take a moment to pray. We are at a moment in this country when we need to lower the temperature of rhetoric, stop fear-filled speculation and start seeing all people as created in the image and likeness of God. That is as true for our immigrant sisters and brothers as it is for our elected officials and those who are responsible for carrying out our laws.
For centuries, Catholic churches have been places of refuge, where the old, the young, the rich, the poor, the saint and the sinner can all come together to worship God. I’m hoping that many will join us at Mass throughout the Christmas season and experience the sense of community for which our hearts long. Local Department of Homeland Security officials have recently reiterated to Archdiocesan representatives that they do not intend to conduct enforcement actions at churches and K-12 schools, unless there is an imminent public safety threat. We are unaware of any enforcement actions in our parishes and schools in these past weeks and months and have no reason to believe that will change.
Please know that you will be most welcome to worship with us at any of our Catholic parishes this Christmas, to celebrate the birth of the Prince of Peace long ago in Bethlehem, and to reaffirm our ties as brothers and sisters, all children of our loving God. Blessed Christmas!
