Immigration

As catechetical leaders we are called to animate conversations in our parishes to help adults critically grapple with their attitudes, experiences and values concerning immigration. We are called to shed the light of church teachings (see the USCCB statement on Immigration and Catholic Social Teachings) upon these experiences, attitudes and values. We are called to facilitate the sharing of real life stories of the immigrant that captures our imagination and shapes our desires. Could you imagine a world where our greatest desire is to serve others? Our desires inform our values which in turn influence how we make our decisions. As we decide so we behave. As we behave, so we relate. As we relate so we create networks of meaning. Start the conversation with a story, encourage people to express their thoughts, feelings, struggles, experiences. Facilitate a dialogue rather than a discussion based upon the common values we all hold as people, for example, the value of supporting one's family.

Principles of Dialogue

1. “Dialogue” suggests a flow of meaning between and among individuals and groups.

2. Dialogue is not discussion or problem solving.

3. Dialogue fosters relationships between individuals and groups.

4. Dialogue is a way of communicating that engages the whole person- mind, heart, and
body.

5. Dialogue assumes the desire to connect to the spirit in one another and to act for the
higher good of all.

6. Dialogue requires the suspension of assumptions.

7. Dialogue is based on a desire to understand and be understood.

8. Dialogue requires respect for self and others.

9. The learning and development of dialogue skills is progressive.

10. Dialogue builds authentic community.

Skills for Dialogue

1. The ability to evaluate and articulate one’s attitudes, values, and position on issues

2. The ability to temporarily set aside one’s own views and feelings in order to be more
sensitive to what the other is saying.

3. The ability to learn how to respond to questions in ways that help others understand the
answer or meaning

4. The ability to learn to tell with different points of view while maintaining one’s own
integrity

5. The ability to learn to deal with others from a position of mutual trust, based on an
expectation that others come to the dialogue in a spirit of honesty and sincerity