January 24, 2025
Archbishop Rozanski with House Chaplain, Monsignor Robert Kurwicki, and House Speaker, Rep. Jon Patterson (R-Lee’s Summit)
Archbishop Travels to the Capitol
This week, as committees began to hear bills at the capitol, Archbishop Rozanski made a trip to Jefferson City to meet with Catholic legislators in the House and Senate. The picture shows Archbishop Rozanski standing on the House floor after Speaker Patterson introduced him to House members at the beginning of the legislative session.
During the day, he had the opportunity to meet with House and Senate Catholics, listening to their concerns and hearing about their legislative priorities for the year. He also had the opportunity to meet with Governor Mike Kehoe and Lieutenant David Wassinger, both Catholics from St. Louis. He highlighted for them several of his legislative priorities, including increasing the stock of low-income housing, support for Catholic education, and discussing ways to address Amendment 3, narrowly passed by voters in November.
Next week, leaders of the ministries of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of St. Louis will be in Jefferson City for our annual lobby day and will meet with lawmakers to highlight our work and advocate for the needs of our clients. It is an important way for us to keep in touch with the people making the decisions that impact the people that we serve.
Early Changes to Immigration Enforcement Raise Fears and Concerns
The Trump administration has implemented several changes to immigration enforcement procedures that are raising concerns among social service providers and their clients. In one case, the administration rescinded a 2021 Memo, opening the door for federal agents to enforce immigration orders in churches, schools, and other places previously considered “protected areas,” since they are areas that immigrants typically seek essential services.
CCUSA, CHA, and the USCCB issued a statement about this, due to the disruption being caused by the threat of enforcement in places where people receive essential services, meet for worship, or send their children to school. “[W]e are already witnessing reticence among immigrants to engage in daily life, including sending children to school and attending religious services,” they said in the statement.
Since the administration did not issue new guidance as to this process, it is uncertain how extensively these changes will be implemented. In the meantime, please pray for those facing uncertainty and fear during this time of change, along with those who provide these essential services.
Deacon Tyler