"As you know January is the month when principals give notice as to whether or not they intend to renew their agreement for the following year. The same time frame is for superintendent. Having served the Diocese of El Paso for almost 21 years and in light of my age (74 in July) and the launching of a Blue Ribbon Committee on February 1st I have submitted my letter of resignation to the Bishop effective June 30th. I had hoped to maybe stay a couple of more years but in fairness to the schools it is best I resign now so that the diocese will have time to conduct a search for a new superintendent and that person will be able to fully participate in the work of the Blue Ribbon Committee, its findings, recommendations and then be ready to implement the plan. To me it would not be fair to have to come into a process that is fully underway and implement a plan without all the background that went into the decision making.
 
I do not know what I will do yet except to get in some golf, relax and visit family that I have not had the opportunity to do. I may like to teacher part-time, do consulting work, etc. but have not made any decisions yet. I plan to stay in El Paso for the foreseeable future.
 
I have enjoyed working with you over these many years and wish all of you well in the future."
 
Sr Elizabeth Swartz, SSND
Superintendent of Catholic Schools

The Church, like Jesus, cares for people, and in a special way we care for the poor and the marginalized.  We will continue to walk with migrants and refugees and raise our voices in their defense.  

As we know from our experience serving those who have been crossing in recent years those who are coming are not leaving their homes purely for economic reasons; they are fleeing deadly violence and threats against them and their families. Although some are fleeing from parts of Mexico, the majority are coming from the Northern Triangle of Central America: El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala.  

As displaced refugees according to International law, which the United States helped to write, it is not illegal to enter another country when one is seeking asylum. It would not only be unChristian, it would be unAmerican to deny these refugees an opportunity to prove they qualify for protection.

Regarding the wall the Church in the United States has long held that it would be a much more efficient use of our taxpayer dollars if we would:
1) put in place a comprehensive immigration reform which addresses this country's need for workers and
 2) assist sending countries in their need for assistance to overcome the gang and drug violence that is forcing the departure of so many and creating such desperation.  

We would also like to remind our immigrant brothers and sisters that we live in a democratic republic.  No one person will have free reign to enforce his decisions.  We will support legislative and court actions if the fundamental human rights of anyone is threatened.

To all these actions we will add our prayers that our new President will be open to these Gospel principles and that God will continue to provide for His beloved poor.

Bp. Mark J. Seitz



Declaración Sobre los Planes Anunciados
por el Presidente Trump Sobre Asuntos Fronterizos

La Iglesia, como Jesús, cuida a su gente, y de una manera especial cuidamos a los pobres y marginados. Continuaremos caminando con migrantes y refugiados, y elevaremos nuestras voces en su defensa.
 
Como sabemos por nuestra propia experiencia al servicio de aquellos que han estado cruzando en los últimos años, los que están viniendo no están dejando sus hogares solamente por razones económicas; Huyen de la violencia mortal y amenazas contra ellos y sus familias. Aunque algunos están huyendo de algunas partes de México, la mayoría provienen del Triángulo Norte de América Central: El Salvador, Honduras y Guatemala.
 
Como refugiados desplazados, de acuerdo con el derecho internacional que Estados Unidos ayudó a escribir, no es ilegal entrar a otro país cuando se solicita asilo. No sólo sería anti-Cristiano, sería anti-Estadounidense negar a estos refugiados la oportunidad de demostrar que califican para esa protección.
 
Respecto al muro, la Iglesia en los Estados Unidos ha mantenido por mucho tiempo que sería un uso mucho más eficiente de los dólares de nuestros contribuyentes si queremos:

1) poner en marcha una reforma integral de la inmigración que aborde la necesidad de trabajadores de este país; y
 2) ayudar a los países emisores en su necesidad de asistencia para superar la violencia de pandillas y drogas que está forzando la salida de tantos, y creando tal desesperación.
 
También queremos recordar a nuestros hermanos y hermanas inmigrantes que vivimos en una república democrática. Ninguna persona tendrá manos libres para hacer cumplir sus decisiones. Apoyaremos acciones legislativas y judiciales si los derechos humanos fundamentales de cualquier persona son amenazados.
 
A todas estas acciones añadiremos nuestras oraciones para que nuestro nuevo Presidente esté abierto a estos principios del Evangelio y que Dios continúe proveyendo a sus amados pobres.
 
Obispo Mark J. Seitz

For nearly a half century, the Catholic Church in the United States has celebrated National Migration Week, which is an opportunity for the Church to reflect on the circumstances confronting migrants, including immigrants, refugees, children, and victims and survivors of human trafficking.  For more information click here.

January 9, 2017
In the death of Archbishop Patricio Flores we have witnessed the passing of one of the giants of the Church, not only in Texas, but in the United States.  As the first Mexican American named a bishop in 1970 he broke a very important ‘glass ceiling’ among the leadership of the Church.  And, then Bishop Flores assumed that role with an unassuming boldness and contagious joy.  He embraced the people he served no matter their cultural background and they loved him.  But for the long overlooked Latino community he was more than an admired Church leader, he was their father and brother and a sign of a heritage of which they could be very proud.  
For me as a priest of the Diocese of Dallas he was one who helped reveal to me the beauty and richness of Hispanic culture.  He also showed me that to be a leader in the Church did not require one to be above the people he served.  To be a leader in the Church is to be one with the people one serves, especially with those who are considered the least among us.  
Archbishop Flores will be remembered as the Archbishop of San Antonio but the members of the Church of El Paso will always remember that prior to his service there he was our bishop.  For 15 months, from May of 1978 until August of 1979, he was the Ordinary of this diocese and many still remember him fondly.  
God clearly worked in the life of Archbishop Flores.  As he takes his rightful place in Texas history we will pray that the Lord, whom he so loved, will now take him safely home.
Most Rev. Mark J. Seitz, DD
Bishop of El Paso