Posted August 6, 2019

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia hosted a July 27 seminar to develop parish-based support for immigrants facing detention and deportation. Organized by Auxiliary Bishop Edward M. Deliman and Mary Laver of POWER Interfaith, the three-hour workshop combined presentations, prayer and reflection, drawing some 200 attendees from 30 parishes as well as the Philadelphia community at large.

(Related: Read our feature article on the July 27 seminar.)

A follow-up session has been scheduled for Sept. 7 at an as-yet undecided location. For more information, contact Mary Laver at mlaver@powerinterfaith.org. (Photos by Gina Christian)

  • Attendees join in prayer at a July 27 meeting hosted by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia to encourage parish-based support for immigrants. The session, coordinated by Auxiliary Bishop Edward M. Deliman and Catholic community organizer Mary Laver of POWER Interfaith, drew some 200 participants, including members of 30 area parishes.

  • Mary Laver, Catholic community organizer for POWER Interfaith, speaks at a July 27 workshop hosted by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia to foster parish-based support for immigrants. Laver worked with Auxiliary Bishop Edward M. Deliman to coordinate the event, which drew some 200 attendees.

  • Mary Kate Durnan (right) joined fellow parishioners from St. Andrew in Newtown at a July 27 session on developing parish-based support for immigrants facing detention and deportation. Durnan explained that her own experience as an immigrant from China prompted her to participate in the workshop, which was hosted by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

  • Joseph Fleming, director of Catholic organizing for Faith in Action, listens at a July 27 session hosted by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia to encourage parish-based support for immigrants. During his presentation, Fleming said that racism continued to play a role in anti-immigrant polemics and policy.

  • Attendees listen to presentations at a July 27 workshop hosted by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia to develop parish-based support for immigrants facing detention and deportation.

  • Sister of St. Joseph Eileen McNally speaks at a July 27 session hosted by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia on creating parish-based support for migrants and refugees.

  • Participants meet in breakout sessions during a July 27 workshop hosted by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia to develop parish-based support for immigrants.

  • Maria Turcios (left), a parishioner of Visitation BVM in Philadelphia and a staff member at New Sanctuary Movement, spoke through an interpreter while sharing her experiences on accompanying migrants during a July 27 workshop hosted by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

  • The arms of a crucifix are visible just above the projection screen at a July 27 workshop hosted by the Archdiocese to foster parish-based support for immigrants facing detention and deportation.

  • Amy Stoner, director of community-based and housing and homeless services for archdiocesan Catholic Social Services, prays during a July 27 workshop on fostering parish-based support for immigrants.