Our bishop sent a message this past week to all the pastors writing about how deeply troubled we are as a nation, or ought to be deeply troubled by the tensions, cruelties, killings and merciless demonstrations of raw power not only in the world, but in our nation as well. This is happening about the issue of immigration. Tensions are high, human intolerance has reached the boiling point, giving rise to governmental force and fear. Human dignity of every person is being undermined. This is nothing less than a grave sin against God and neighbor. The bishop is encouraging all Catholics in this diocese to stay calm and do not respond to cruelty or force with the same kind of reaction to those who act this way. There are copies of the bishop’s letter in the back of the church if you wish to read it, and I believe everybody should. This past Thursday, I went to a meeting with interfaith clergy which was held at St. Andrew’s Episcopal church here in Manchester. All the pastors were reporting how many people are afraid of being seized and deported, even though they are valid citizens. The clergy’s response was to write or call your local congressmen or officials and state your feelings about this injustice. One pastor made a strong statement saying how he had given up on contacting politicians of either party, because he found they do not have the moral strength to stand up against any evil being perpetrated. This pastor said it is better to let the churches handle this situation, because at least among the church people you will find moral courage to speak up. But the overall message they wanted us to bring back to our parishioners is: don’t try to fight any cruelty by being cruel in return. Reacting that way is not relying on the power of God, which we as Catholics firmly believe in. So please feel free to contact me if you are troubled by what is going on around us that is frightening. Do not try to handle it yourself; that could only escalate a volatile situation. I am confident in our parish and in our parishioners that you will use your head, and your faith, to help you during these difficult times. There have not been any incidents here and I hope there never will be. The only concern that has arisen is that some people who come for help with food are fearful of being mistaken for being undocumented, so they have not been coming for food.

                                                                       ~ Fr. John