California’s largest Archdiocese announces ‘ministry of mercy’ to help immigrant families fearing ICE

With reports of fewer immigrant Catholics at Masses across Southern California, for fear of ongoing immigration enforcement, the Archdiocese of Los Angeles is doing its part to reach out to help local families in need.

L.A. Archbishop José H. Gomez announced Wednesday that the diverse Archdiocese, which serves 4.3 million Catholics and has over 73,000 students enrolled in its schools, is launching a program aimed at helping immigrant parishioners facing financial hardships and other challenges, due to the increase in ICE activity that started in early June. A public data project found over 2,500 people across L.A. have been rounded up as part of enforcement.

L.A. Archdiocese officials and community partners outlined details of its new Family Assistance Program during a press conference Wednesday, July 23 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in South L.A.

The program will support parishes with needed services, such as groceries, meal and prescription deliveries, officials said. So far, the Archdiocese has raised over $100,000 in donations through grassroots fundraising efforts.

Archbishop Gomez, along with many local faith leaders, has condemned the ICE raids and called for solutions that center human dignity.

“These are good, hardworking men and women, people who have been in this country for a long time, making very important contributions to this country,” Gomez said on Wednesday. “Now we know they are afraid to go to work or be seen in public, for fear of being arrested and deported. This new Archdiocesan fund is designed to help our brothers and sisters in this difficult moment.”

Across the L.A. region, some areas have reported a noticeable loss of Sunday Mass congregants, by “as much as half” at some Masses, said L.A.  Archdiocese spokesperson Yannina Diaz.

The “Family Assistance Program” name symbolizes how “we are all one family of God,” Catherine Fraser, chief development officer of the diocese, said.

“Across Southern California, our parishes have seen the painful effects of families suddenly separated, parents unable to return home, children unsure of when they will see their loved ones again, and households left without income to meet their most basic needs,” Fraser said.

In early July, officials soft-launched the program to social media, pleading for monetary donations which will be available to make at all L.A. area parishes in person or online.

Each church will offer different services based on parishioners’ needs, such as delivery systems, food banks and grocery gift cards. Every dollar contributed goes directly to helping those in crisis, administered through the 200+ L.A. churches and outreach ministries, officials said.

Fraser said that local communities have been providing “much needed” food, medicine, clothing and other essentials through existing food programs, and delivering supplies to those who have asked for resources in the church.

L.A. Auxiliary Bishop Matthew Elshoff and Monsignor Tim Dyer, pastor of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, and other community partners applauded the resource program on Wednesday.

Father Dyer said that St. Patrick’s church began providing resources to its community around three weeks ago. The community has a majority-Latino congregation.

“We’re hearing a lot of requests for basic medicines because people are too afraid to go to get their meds,” Dyer said. “Volunteers and church members have said they’ll start up a second collection if it helps support others during this time. People really want to show up for their community.”

Collected donations to the program include toys for children from the Beverly Hills Teddy Bear Company, $10,000 in gift cards from Vallarta Supermarkets, and funds from the Parishioners Federal Credit Union, among others.

Businessman and philanthropist Rick Caruso announced a $50,000 upfront contribution and committed to match every donated dollar up to $50,000.

“America is a nation of immigrants, which is why I am teaming up with the Archdiocese of Los Angeles to provide direct support for families that are struggling financially because a family member has been detained in these raids,” said Caruso on Wednesday. “We need to help these families and working with the Archdiocese, we can provide much needed relief at a time when many are struggling to get by.”

The Catholic Association for Latino Leadership (CALL), a group of Latino business owners and leaders, pledged $10,000 to the assistance program, and urged its members to contribute.

“Never in my life did I think that I would see a day where Catholics were afraid to go to church, where families were afraid to send their children to school,” said board chair Michael Molina. “But this is the reality.”

Many faith leaders prayed for elected officials and the Trump administration to pass comprehensive immigration reform, and create more pathways to citizenship. The Archdiocese called the program an “urgent ministry of mercy.”

Those in need can contact their local parish. Information, donations and program resources can be found at www.lacatholics.org/immigrant-support.