Stephen Yates PhD

Clinical researcher, patient focused clinical development, outdoor enthusiast, traveler, husband, father, grandfather, and Catholic Deacon - living the dream

[Stephen Yates PhD @deacstephen]

In Jesus’ famous parable of the Good Samaritan, we are challenged to consider what it truly means to be a good neighbor – someone who offers help and compassion without hesitation. Who are we called to help? Who deserves our care?

https://t.co/IpVCFRjE4l

[Stephen Yates PhD @deacstephen]

I just signed a @theactionnet petition: Mercy for Christa: Stop the Execution of Christa Pike in Tennessee. Sign here: https://t.co/8JlUph2j4i

[U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops @USCCB]

"War is back in vogue and a zeal for war is spreading." - Pope Leo XIV

[U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops @USCCB]

“What Does It Mean To Be a Drum Major for Justice,” Asks Archbishop Coakley

In a reflection commemorating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Archbishop Coakley focused on a portion of Dr. King’s sermon, "Drum Major Instinct."

Read the full reflection at: https://t.co/tui2l3M1JH

[Archbishop Sample @ArchbishpSample]

Special Pastoral Message on Immigration by the Bishops of the United States

As pastors, we the bishops of the United States are bound to our people by ties of communion and compassion in Our Lord Jesus Christ. We are disturbed when we see among our people a climate of fear and anxiety around questions of profiling and immigration enforcement. We are saddened by the state of contemporary debate and the vilification of immigrants. We are concerned about the conditions in detention centers and the lack of access to pastoral care. We lament that some immigrants in the United States have arbitrarily lost their legal status. We are troubled by threats against the sanctity of houses of worship and the special nature of hospitals and schools. We are grieved when we meet parents who fear being detained when taking their children to school and when we try to console family members who have already been separated from their loved ones.

Despite obstacles and prejudices, generations of immigrants have made enormous contributions to the well-being of our nation. We as Catholic bishops love our country and pray for its peace and prosperity. For this very reason, we feel compelled now in this environment to raise our voices in defense of God-given human dignity.

Catholic teaching exhorts nations to recognize the fundamental dignity of all persons, including immigrants. We bishops advocate for a meaningful reform of our nation’s immigration laws and procedures. Human dignity and national security are not in conflict. Both are possible if people of good will work together.

We recognize that nations have a responsibility to regulate their borders and establish a just and orderly immigration system for the sake of the common good. Without such processes, immigrants face the risk of trafficking and other forms of exploitation. Safe and legal pathways serve as an antidote to such risks.

The Church’s teaching rests on the foundational concern for the human person, as created in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:27). As pastors, we look to Sacred Scripture and the example of the Lord Himself, where we find the wisdom of God’s compassion. The priority of the Lord, as the Prophets remind us, is for those who are most vulnerable: the widow, the orphan, the poor, and the stranger (Zechariah 7:10). In the Lord Jesus, we see the One who became poor for our sake (2 Corinthians 8:9), we see the Good Samaritan who lifts us from the dust (Luke 10:30–37), and we see the One who is found in the least of these (Matthew 25). The Church’s concern for neighbor and our concern here for immigrants is a response to the Lord’s command to love as He has loved us (John 13:34).

To our immigrant brothers and sisters, we stand with you in your suffering, since, when one member suffers, all suffer (cf. 1 Corinthians 12:26). You are not alone!

We note with gratitude that so many of our clergy, consecrated religious, and lay faithful already accompany and assist immigrants in meeting their basic human needs. We urge all people of good will to continue and expand such efforts.

We oppose the indiscriminate mass deportation of people. We pray for an end to dehumanizing rhetoric and violence, whether directed at immigrants or at law enforcement. We pray that the Lord may guide the leaders of our nation, and we are grateful for past and present opportunities to dialogue with public and elected officials. In this dialogue, we will continue to advocate for meaningful immigration reform.

As disciples of the Lord, we remain men and women of hope, and hope does not disappoint! (cf. Romans 5:5)

May the mantle of Our Lady of Guadalupe enfold us all in her maternal and loving care and draw us ever closer to the heart of Christ.

https://t.co/wQrOVq8kIJ

[Governor Josh Stein @NC_Governor]

Our office is aware of reports that the Border Patrol is bringing its operation to Raleigh. Once again, I call on federal agents to target violent criminals, not neighbors walking down the street, going to church, or putting up Christmas decorations. Stop targeting people simply going about their lives because of the color of their skin, as you are doing in Charlotte.

To the people of Raleigh: remain peaceful, and if you see something wrong, record it and report it to local law enforcement. Let’s keep each other safe.

[Christopher Hale @ChristopherHale]

NEW: Following Pope Leo XIV's lead, the U.S. bishops release a new video condemning the Trump-Vance White House’s “inhumane” deportation raids.

[CatholicRelief @CatholicRelief]

#HurricaneMelissa’s intense winds destroyed homes and buildings, uprooted trees, and left tens of thousands of people without shelter, clean water or electricity. Please give today to help families in #Haiti & #Jamaica stay safe & recover: https://t.co/mpobaFnE4b.

[U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops @USCCB]

Archbishop Broglio Urges Funding of Lifesaving Programs and an End to Federal Government Shutdown

“As this government shutdown continues, the U.S. bishops are deeply alarmed that essential programs that support the common good, such as SNAP, may be interrupted.”

Read the full release at: https://t.co/IiBhBkmIjr

[CatholicRelief @CatholicRelief]

A rare Cat 5 #hurricane may be the strongest ever to hit Jamaica. CRS teams in #Haiti & #Jamaica are prepping shelter, water & aid. Families face deadly flooding, landslides & displacement. Your gift can help provide lifesaving support: https://t.co/VnXVe0b4tD.
#HurricaneMelissa

[Pope Leo XIV @Pontifex]

In a world where arrogance and violence seem to prevail over charity, we are called to bear witness that life triumphs over death, that love conquers hatred, that forgiveness overcomes revenge, and that mercy and grace overcome sin. We can do so by nourishing our hearts with the Sacraments, the Word of God, prayer, and spiritual formation.

[CatholicRelief @CatholicRelief]

When emergencies happen, local organizations are often the first to help. That’s why CRS created EMPOWER—a program that gives national and faith-based groups the tools and training they need to lead humanitarian efforts in their communities: Learn more: https://t.co/iFkLnS87dq.

[CatholicRelief @CatholicRelief]

CRS provided porridge made from local and affordable ingredients to young children suffering from moderate malnutrition in #Nigeria.

The result? A 98% recovery rate from malnutrition for just $50 to $66 to feed each child. Learn more here: https://t.co/eFn12oCSYQ.

[Stephen Yates PhD @deacstephen]

Pope: Justice must be animated by wisdom, love, and mercy - Vatican News https://t.co/kMTMw51j5Q

[CatholicRelief @CatholicRelief]

Today, as we celebrate the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, let us reflect on #PopeLeoXIV's words, which call us to safeguard God's creation. We must work together and act now to protect our #planet so our sisters and brothers can thrive.

[CAFOD @CAFOD]

We are praying for all those affected by the devastating earthquake in eastern Afghanistan, killing hundreds and toppling homes.

Please join us in prayer 🙏

[CatholicRelief @CatholicRelief]

A 6.0-magnitude #earthquake struck eastern #Afghanistan on August 31, leaving thousands displaced. Homes are destroyed, roads blocked, and water systems severely damaged. CRS and our local partners immediately responded. Please give a vital gift today! https://t.co/KwsiiaobHZ

[Stephen Yates PhD @deacstephen]

Pope Leo sets Friday as day of prayer and fasting for peace in Ukraine and the Holy Land https://t.co/ik7YlGj8JL

[U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops @USCCB]

Today, on Juneteenth, we commemorate the end of slavery and reflect on the history of racism in the United States. Learn more at: https://t.co/MgOFYYrgBe

[CatholicRelief @CatholicRelief]

CRS President and CEO Sean Callahan spoke to @NewsHour about the impact humanitarian aid cuts are having on families and communities in the 100+ countries where CRS works.

Click to watch the full interview: https://t.co/WZ8chuE87j.

[Vatican News @VaticanNews]

Pope Leo XIV greets the world for the first time to grant his Urbi et Orbi blessing. Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected as the 267th Successor of Peter by the 133 Cardinal electors on Thursday, May 8.