OKC Archdiocese Part of Transformational Program
“Since the [Recognizing the Stranger] program commenced, there's been ‘nativism, growing tensions on the border, polarized politics, the COVID-19 pandemic, a major economic recession and gun violence,’ said [VOICE Education Fund President Fr. Tim] Luschen during the convocation. The new program responded amid it all by fulfilling the pope's call ‘to listen to others, to see others.’
"‘I believe this is exactly what it means for us to be a eucharistic community, going out to the peripheries, seeing the ones who are struggling, moving closer to them, listening to them, accompanying them,’ the priest said. . . .
“Initially participants were nearly all immigrants from Mexico and Central America, but organizers learned early on it was beneficial to invite the wider parish community. Sessions then moved from being in Spanish to being bilingual, thus fostering relationships between the immigrant and local community, said Joe Rubio, national IAF co-director for the West/Southwest.
“The two-day trainings, drawing 60 to about 200 people from numerous parishes, feature large group gatherings interspersed with smaller breakout sessions.
“Parishioners first are invited to focus on church documents, Scripture and the sacraments, especially baptism.
"‘Baptism doesn't stop at the border,’ Rubio told NCR. ‘We are part of the same body, and in parish life it doesn't matter whether you have legal documentation or not. Being a baptized member of this community means we have claims and responsibilities to each other.’
“Next the trainings put the study of Scripture, tradition and the sacraments ‘all together with concrete tools to analyze how their community is doing and what it needs,’ said Rubio, adding, ‘this is not a one-time thing but an ongoing process.’ . . .
“Luschen said his involvement in community organizing and Recognizing the Stranger has helped him be ‘a much better priest and see that this is what a parish should be all about.’
"‘I feel like my Catholic faith is more alive today than it's ever been,’ he said.”