Peru Program for 2012!
Gate is offering a program to Peru! Join us to meet modern people of Incan ancestry and a diverse culture that dates back to the Norte Chico civilization, one of the oldest in the world. Click here for more information, and call the GATE Office at 608.791.5283 for more specific details...
2012 GATE Schedule
The 2012 GATE Schedule:
Our cultural immersion programs encompass the best part of humanity. Hope, compassion, spirituality and broadening your mind and heart to new experiences.
Our cultural immersion programs encompass the best part of humanity. Hope, compassion, spirituality and broadening your mind and heart to new experiences.
Join GATE in 2012 -- Register early!!
• El Salvador.......................January 5-14, 2012
• El Salvador.......................January 5-14, 2012
• Oaxaca.............................January 29-February 6, 2012
• El Salvador (Viterbo)..........March 3-10, 2012
• Guatemala Holy Week.........March 28-April 7, 2012
• Mexico & Countryside.........April 21-May 1, 2012
• Peru...................................May 26-June 5, 2012
• Mexico~Chiapas................July 5-15, 2012
• Guatemala........................July 20-30, 2012
** Oaxaca..........................February 23-March 3, 2013
Our mission is to create an awareness of other cultures and their realities
through people-to-people connections. We offer the opportunity to learn
from the poor, as well as from social analysts, teachers, theologians
and economists. The program connects participants with marginalized
who, despite struggle, find hope in their reality.
Join GATE today!
through people-to-people connections. We offer the opportunity to learn
from the poor, as well as from social analysts, teachers, theologians
and economists. The program connects participants with marginalized
who, despite struggle, find hope in their reality.
Join GATE today!
People Are #1
"People Are #1" a book by Roger Yockey (GATE Participant)
Share in the story of the 1989 strike and lockout of thousands of union grocery workers in the Puget Sound area of Washington State. The 81-day struggle of the workers, with support from labor, church, and consumers against corporate greed is a story you will want to know about.
The proceeds will go toward the water project for an indigenous community in the State of Veracruz, Mexico. The projected cost is $50,000. The people had been displaced from their homelands due to flooding 2 years ago. On their own, the people would never have the resources to cover the costs.
We know clean water means that everyone's health improves, and women do not have to walk kilometers every day to find water and carry it back home. Any contributions help to move the water project forward.
A signed copy of the book can be obtained by sending a check to:
Roger Yockey
40th Avenue West #4-104 15026
Lynnwood, WA 98087
Books are $12 each (paperback) plus $3 for shipping and handling. Please list the number of books, your return address, and phone number. Make checks payable to Roger Yockey. Money from the sale of the book will go to GATE's water project in Veracruz, Mexico. Roger and his wife, Marilyn, are Secular Franciscans, who have been servant learners in volunteer programs in the United States, Latin America, and Europe.
Justice Jottings:
Statement of Catholic Bishops and Participants in Regional Consultation on Migration (North America, Central America and the Caribbean) San José, Costa Rica, June 3, 2011
As Catholic bishops in charge of the pastoral care of migrants, gathered in San Jose, Costa Rica, June 1-3, 2011, with the participation of CELAM and CARITAS International and joined by religious and lay experts on issues of migration, we once again express our solidarity with our migrant brothers and sisters in this hemisphere who migrate in search of a better life.
We continue to witness great suffering among migrants in our countries and regions, who are the victims of exploitation and abuse from various elements of society (public officials, unscrupulous employers and criminal organizations). We again call upon our governments to take responsibility for the legal protection of migrants, including those searching for work, asylum-seekers, refugees, and victims of human trafficking. We ask for special protection for families, women and children.
While we acknowledge the right of sovereign nations to enact laws, we nevertheless regard as unjust and inhuman, and therefore requiring change or abolition, those laws that cause the separation of migrant families, arbitrary detention and threats to life. All of these consequences are reflected in:
The Increased Violence Against and Kidnapping of Migrants by Organized Crime. The dramatic increase of kidnappings and murders of migrants, in Mexico, by crime organizations requires an urgent response.
The massacre of 72 migrants in Tamaulipas, Mexico last year and the most recent discovery of more than 200 people-many of them migrants-in northern Mexico represent horrific tragedies which received little attention from government authorities.
These murders and kidnappings continue to occur with impunity. Migrants who have been kidnapped and subsequently released have experienced severe trauma and have not yet received any type of attention or care. They should receive specialized victim services either in Mexico or their country of origin. We demand that our governments work together to reduce this danger to migrants and to punish those responsible for these crimes. We call upon governments and our brothers and sisters to make migrants aware of the dangers of these organizations operating in Mexico and not to be deceived by them.
The Increase in Deportations between the United States and Mexico. The U.S. government, with support from the U.S. Congress, has deported a record number of migrants in the past two years, despite the request of the Catholic Church to work for a reform of U.S. immigration laws, which would include the legalization of undocumented workers and their families. We urge the U.S. government to change course and protect immigrants and their families regardless of their migratory status.
In Mexico, as well, deportations have increased, with migrants receiving harsh treatment and almost no access to the due process of law. The Mexican government loses credibility when it seeks protection for their citizens in other countries but does not provide the same protections to migrants in Mexico.
The Tragedy of Human Trafficking. Those who live in poverty continue to be victims of human trafficking in our hemisphere, especially vulnerable are the unaccompanied migrant children, who are often victims in the countries of transit and destination. To be sure, important steps have been made over the past ten years to address this humanitarian problem, but much more is required. We express our support for anti-trafficking efforts and for increased services to victims. We urge vigilance on the part of our governments and fellow citizens in fighting this tragedy, until it is eliminated from our hemisphere and the entire world.
Growing Economic Inequality. As we have stated in the past, the ultimate solution to migration is development and economic opportunities throughout the hemisphere, so that families can find work and live in dignity in their countries of origin. More attention must be paid to this economic inequity, especially when economic integration and free trade agreements are considered between countries of our hemisphere.
These agreements favor some economic sectors, but exclude others. A large number of workers, particularly the rural poor, in developing countries often are deprived of a livelihood because such agreements do not take into their interests into consideration.
More importantly, governments throughout the hemisphere must provide and foster social investment by giving attention to job creation and to meeting the needs of health-care, education, housing and social security. Sustainable economic development must be the most important goal of hemisphere.
The Effects of Globalization on Human Persons. We live in an era in which goods, capital, and communication are exchanged globally in a short period. However, the human beings on the move who provide the labor to keep economies growing do not receive legal protection. Our governments cannot continue to benefit from the labor of the undocumented without offering them legal protections.
Sending countries benefit enormously from the remittances sent home by migrants, but without any true commitment to transform the reality of the migrants and their families, through works of development and comprehensive human protection, for them and their communities. Receiving nations gain the benefit of the work of migrants but resist providing protection to them and at times scapegoat them in the electoral process. The authorities in the receiving countries also subject them to harsh and difficult migratory procedures and do not protect them from exploitation and abuse, permitting in this way disrespect for the dignity of the person.
As a moral matter, this situation cannot continue. We urge those nations which have not ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of Migrant Workers and their Families to approve it and bring their legislation into harmony with it, creating public policies that respect the spirit of the Convention for migrants, independent of their migratory status.
The Increasing Threats to Agents of the Pastoral Care of Migrants in their Role as Defenders of Human Rights. This is a drama that has increased in Mexico, hunting down many men and women whose pastoral work in solidarity with our brothers and sisters has become a threat, especially to the criminal gangs and some officials who collude with them, who have lost the sense of seeing the person and see the migrant as a commodity.
Despite the threats posed by these criminals, some pastoral agents have assumed their commitment of Faith with courage and have defended the migrants with zeal, even at the risk of losing their lives just as a pastor protects the sheep from the wolf who wants to swallow it.
We thank these brothers and sisters for their witness of faith, we urge them to remain faithful to the Lord Jesus; at the same time, we urge the relevant authorities to promote, respect and recognize the shelters for migrants, because the only thing they seek is to be a Big House where all are brothers and sisters, sons and daughters of our common Father.
The Process of Recovery in Haiti. As the poorest nation in our hemisphere, we urge continued support for the recovery of Haiti from the January 2010 earthquake. We urge nations to protect Haitians who reside in their territory and to continue economic assistance to Haiti. We applaud those nations who have extended protection to Haitians in their territory.
However, we are worried by the renewed deportations of Haitian migrants back to Haiti at a time of economic and political insecurity. Nations which have renewed deportations should halt them until such time as Haiti has recovered and is able to receive them.
As pastors and service providers, we will continue to defend the rights of migrants in our hemisphere and give voice to their needs. While we support the enforcement of law in our nations, we also work to make those laws just for all human beings, especially those without political power or representation. We ask Catholics and others of good will throughout the hemisphere to join us in this pursuit. We call upon Catholics and all people in this hemisphere to join us in this work. We call upon Catholics to welcome the migrants, an attitude that forms part of our faith and commitment as Christians.
As followers of the Lord Jesus Christ, we shall continue to "welcome the stranger," as He taught us: bringing to life the scene of the person who fell into the hands of robbers and the action of the good person, who representing Jesus bound up his wounds…and took care of him (Lk. 10, 25-37), and invite us to do the same: to care for him, because "for whatever you do to the least of my brethren, you do unto me." (Mt. 25:35, 40).
Most Rev. Angel Sancasimiro
Bishop of Alajuela
Costa Rica
Bishop of Alajuela
Costa Rica
Most Rev. Alvaro Ramazzini Imeri
Bishop of San Marcos
Guatemala
Bishop of San Marcos
Guatemala
Most Rev. Joseph Bonello
Auxiliary Bishop of Juticalpa
Honduras
Auxiliary Bishop of Juticalpa
Honduras
Most Rev. Raul Vera Lopez
Bishop of Saltillo
Mexico
Bishop of Saltillo
Mexico
Most Rev. Rafael Romo Muñoz
Archbishop of Tijuana
Mexico
Archbishop of Tijuana
Mexico
Most Rev. Pedro Varela Sever
Auxiliary Bishop
Archdiocese of Panama
Auxiliary Bishop
Archdiocese of Panama
Most Rev. Pedro Hernandez Cantarero
Bishop of Darien
Panama
Bishop of Darien
Panama
Most. Rev. Anthony B. Taylor
Bishop of Little Rock
USA
Bishop of Little Rock
USA
Guest Perspective on Immigration...
Pastor Shelly Davis shares a recent sermon with GATE about the state of affairs where immigration and
America's policies are concerned. In it, she asks some very simple but important questions of the reader: Are you where you were born? Have you moved, and if so, for what reason? How many times have you moved? Many of us move by choice, others by necessity and others by force.
These questions move straight to the heart of immigration, for “humankind’s story is a migration story. We all are, or have been, migrants, immigrants, refugees or asylum seekers” (
Davis
) within the span of our family’s history. While
America
is in the midst of a raging and volatile debate concerning immigration, what part does the individual play in this saga? The history of our country has always been that of a land open to all who seek refuge here. With recent developments and the many changes in world politics and policies, however, can
America
maintain its ideals? What part does the individual play in such a debate?
Click here to read Pastor Shelly Davis’ reflections - a bold and humane outlook that charges each individual with embracing a spirituality of solidarity with their human neighbors.
Global Awareness Through Enlightenment Retreat
August 9 - August 15, 2012
A week long retreat experience at the Christine Center, located in Willard, Wisconsin, led by the Spirit, facilitated by Theresa O’Connor.
Have you ever felt scattered or fragmented in a situation and thought to yourself: "I'm not all here?" Would you like to learn who you are when you are "all here" and how to use all of yourself within all aspects of your life and relationships? This enlightenment week is geared to consciously connecting you with your own physical and non-physical abilities and gifts, guidance and wisdom.
We know that we are made up of physical bodies, emotions, thoughts and beliefs. We are, however, much more than that. We are not only "self," we are "Self." Our most potent strengths lie beyond our five physical senses. Learning to recognize, exercise, claim and utilize our "six sensory" strengths is what transforms us, our families, our professions, and our planet.
Enlightenment is simple, but not easy. It is remembering who we fully are, the physical and
non-physical. We are not just nourished by food and external relationships. When we are fully alive, we are enlightened by our access to and utilization of our inner resources, our core clear guidance, and our connection with highest knowing. remembering who we fully are and experiencing ourselves as "all here" changes our lives, and the world. During these retreats, through fun, interactive, inspirational, experiential and creative ways, enlightenment participants will discover the depth and richness of total Self.
Participation in this Enlightenment Retreat is not limited to those who have traveled with GATE. Anyone who is serious about personal growth and making a real difference in the world is invited to come and be counted. For registration information, please see the Christine Center at: www.christinecenter.org or christinecenter@tds.net or contact Theresa at Theresa@oconnor-associates.net.
Welcome to The Christine Center
The Christine Center offers an exquisite hilltop facility overlooking a meadow of wildflowers, a still pond, and a tranquil forest setting of 120 secluded acres. Nestled in the quiet woods, you'll be reminded to slow down, to know the limitless opportunities of life, to simply be. Here you can leave behind your usual routines, refresh your senses and allow the luxury of silence to renew your body, mind, heart and spirit.
The Center has served the spiritual needs of thousands of people from all over the world for almost thirty years. Since 1980, people from all spiritual paths and walks of life have come here with a desire to move inward to a place of quiet reflection, and outward to a place of timeless connection in search of their deeper spiritual identities. All are welcome to enjoy our natural sanctuary and to partake of its quiet beauty.
Click here for more Retreat information.
To contact the Christine Center: www.christinecenter.org
and go to the "Contact Us" link...
To contact the Christine Center: www.christinecenter.org
and go to the "Contact Us" link...
Keep up with current news from abroad...
Visit our Links Section which provides current articles and links to alternative news sites and current information.
An Essay on Immigration
In a recent publication Marie Des Jarlais, FSPA, has written on the immigration debate. She shares her experience on the economic and political realities of immigration.
El Salvador Blog
Journey to El Salvador, without ever leaving your desk! Simply click here to experience the El Salvador GATE trip with traveler Charish Badzinski in a day-by-day account of her experiences.
A freelance writer and editor, Charish Badzinski posted regular updates throughout her trip in June of 2007. Check out her experiences and welcome a small piece of El Salvador into your busy day...
Need Coffee?
If you would like to support the indigenous effort to produce and sell their own coffee, we suggest you buy from Juan Ana. 100% of the proceeds go to the growers, you can't get any more fair trade than that! For those of you travelers that have visited the San Lucas Toliman Mission with us, you know what a difference it makes for the people--and how good it is! Here is the link to order and learn more: http://www.juananacoffee.com/
Survivor of El Mozote Massacre Passes
Rufina Amaya, human rights activist and survivor of the El Mozote Massacre passed on Tuesday March 6, 2007 due to heart failure. She was a mother, grandmother, friend and hero to many.
In 1981 an SOA-trained Salvadoran army battalion known as the Atlacatl Battalion swept through the region of Morazon in a campaign to root out guerillas and their sympathizers. In a shocking turn of events, nearly one thousand peasants were slaughtered in the village of El Mozote.
As the sole survivor, Rufina's brave testimony of the massacre shed light on the atrocities committed by the Salvadoran military and uncovered the Reagan administration's role in providing training and millions of dollars in military aid to a government with a complete disregard for human rights.
The Atlacatl Battalion continued to commit atrocities in El Salvador, including the murder of six Jesuit priests and two Salvadoran women at the University of Central America on November 16, 1989.
"God saved me because he needed someone to tell the story of what happened." Rufina Amaya continued to be an outspoken and compelling witness to what may have been the largest massacre in modern Latin American history until the day of her death.
Rufina's legacy will live on in the hearts of the people of Latin America and the world.
Tragic Loss of Safe Passage Director, Hanley Denning
GATE has recieved tragic news of the loss of Hanley Denning, founder of Project Safe Passage in Guatemala. The mothers and children of the dump have lost a real friend. Some of you may have met Hanley personally when we visited Project Safe Passsage in the Guatemala City dump. Others of you only heard about her heart being so touched by the plight of the single mothers and their children who lived and worked in the dump where Hanley found her unique mission in life. Her short time in Guatemala has made a significant difference. We know that Hanley is at peace, but we ask for consolation and peace for Hanley's family in Maine, and all of the people she worked with and served in Guatemala.
Visit their site to learn more about Project Safe Passage.
Peru for 2012!
2012 Gate Schedule
People Are #1...
Check out this unique publication and learn of the struggle for rights and equality in the work place!
Read More...
Justice Jottings:
Solidarity with our migrant brothers and sisters in this hemisphere...
Read More...
Guest Perspective
Check out our guest article concerning immigration, and the consequences and issues rising from recent policies...
Read More...
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