Immigration Panel Discussion, hosted by St. Catherine of Sienna Student Center

February 2, 2025 2:00 PM
Location: Catholic Pastoral Center 601 Grand Ave., Des Moines, IA 50309

St. Catherine of Siena Dialogue Series

All are invited on Sunday, Feb. 2 at 2 p.m. to the Catholic Pastoral Center to hear a panel discussion moderated by Connie Ryan, executive director of the Iowa Interfaith Alliance, on the current state of immigration. Come hear local experts share their perspectives:

  • Lori Chesser, a leading immigration attorney and shareholder at Dentons Davis Brown, speaking about the history of immigration in Iowa
  • Yer Vang, head of immigration services for Catholic Charities in the Archdiocese of Dubuque, offering “Immigration 101,” comments designed to clarify the various kinds of immigration and refugee status and legal rights associated with them
  • Catholic Charities, Lutheran Services in Iowa, Iowa Movement for Migrant Justice, representatives from these three organizations, who are deeply engaged in serving immigrants and refugees in Iowa

For more information and to RSVP, visit www.stcatherinedrake.org/dialogue-series. Questions? Contact Aimee Beckmann-Collier ataimee.beckmann-collier@drake.edu. 

Watch Livestream

 

The 2025 Dialogue Series inaugural line-up includes:

March 2, 2025 at 2 p.m.: Bishop Mark J. Seitz – Broken at the Border

Mark J. Seitz has served as the Bishop of the Diocese of El Paso, Texas since 2013.  As a leader in a borderland community adjacent to Chihuahua, Mexico, Seitz has focused his work and heart on the poor and vulnerable, including migrant families and refugees. Having spent years walking with immigrants, working with Texas elected officials, and conversing with border agents, he will share his perspective on a topic that many Americans view as critically important to the future of our country.

March 29, 2025 at 10 a.m.: Immigration Action Workshop

Because the Series focuses on listening, conversing, and then acting to improve conditions for others, this event will provide the opportunity for individuals and representatives of faith communities to learn about the specific needs of refugees and immigrants and to consider making a commitment to provide for some of those needs.  Organizations represented will include Catholic Charities, Lutheran Services of Iowa, Iowa Movement for Migrant Justice, and the Refugee Alliance of Central Iowa.

Brian D. McLaren is an author, speaker, activist, and public theologian. A former college English teacher and pastor, he is a passionate advocate for “a new kind of Christianity” – just, generous, and working with people of all faiths for the common good. He is Dean of Faculty for the Center for Action and Contemplation; a podcaster; and the author of Faith After Doubt and Life After Doom: Wisdom and Courage for a World Falling Apart, among other books.