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By J.D. Long-García, The Catholic Sun

Jesuit Father Peter Neely talks to a group about the Kino Border Initiative Sept. 20 at St. Paul Parish.

Jesuit Father Peter Neely visited St. Paul Parish last month to spread the word about the Kino Border Initiative.

“This message needs to get our to lots of parishes,” he said Sept. 20. “This is a Catholic program based on the dignity of the human person.”

The Kino Border Initiative, a bi-national effort headed up by the California Province of the Society of Jesus, will staffs a care center for a growing number of deported migrants, serves as a contact point for numerous humanitarian organizations working on the border and educates the community on immigration issues.

“Hopefully this is a stimulus for others to get involved in some aspect of the immigration issue,” Fr. Neely said.

The initiative, which began last January, works closely with the bishops of the Diocese of Tucson and the Archdiocese of Hermosillo, Mexico, as well as with Jesuit Refugee Services.

“We as Catholics really need to join in this, regardless of what we’d like to see happen with immigration reform,” said Lisa Laliberte, coordinator for the Catholic Campaign for Human Development in the Phoenix Diocese.

She noted the Kino Border Initiative emphasis on protecting the dignity of every human person, specifically through direct service. Many undocumented immigrants are deported with no money and consequently have few options when they arrive at border towns.

“St. Paul’s is a community that’s very involved with helping social justice projects,” said Fr Mike Straley, the parish pastor.

A diverse group showed up the informational session, he said. “They wanted to hear another side of the issue.”