Families Are The Foundation: Proposed HUD ruling

Posted on April 17, 2026 by jatt79

As American citizens, we strongly oppose adoption of changes outlined in 24 CFR Part 5 [Docket No. FR-6524-P-01] RIN 2501-AE16. The proposed changes will have sever negative impacts on social impacts, plus being immoral and unjustified,

“The long-range future of this nation is intimately linked with the well-being of families, for the family is the most basic form of human community.”

The US department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Is proposing denying federally subsidized housing to entire families.  if one or more of a family members is undocumented.  This includes all family members regardless of immigration status. All individuals must be registered with the federal government.

HUD acknowledges that this rulemaking would adversely affect some tenants and applicants for Section 214 covered programs, especially mixed families and ineligible aliens, as well as responsible entities.

Highlights of Proposed Changes:

  • The most significant effect of this rulemaking would be to transfer assistance from mixed status families to fully eligible households.
  • § 5.216 Disclosure and Verification of Social Security and Employer Identification Numbers
  • § 5.508(b)(1): Evidence of Citizenship
  • § 5.508(b)(2) and (3): Evidence of Eligible Immigration Status
  • § 5.522 Prohibition of Assistance to Noncitizen Students

See https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/02/20/2026-03405/housing-and-community-development-act-of-1980-verification-of-eligible-status

Social Impact

Immigrant families are 28% of the US population, and half the people in immigrant families are US citizens. Potentially, 80,000 individual including 37,000 children will be adversely affected.

In Oregon, 300 families will be affected. With 10 years working with homeless youth, I have first hand experience of the negative affects. https://www.opb.org/article/2026/04/07/oregon-portland-housing-immigrant-subsidized-housing-home-forward/

Instead of a real response to the housing affordability crisis, the Trump administration is proposing to drive up family homelessness. The chose may be family unity or eviction. In the United State 1 in 4 citizen children has at least one immigrant parent.

The Depart of Housing Developmenr and Development knows US citizens will become homeless

https://pifcoalition.org/resources/library/hud-mixed-status-nprm-talking-points-for-press/

Moral Review

The proposed changes are immoral and unjustified.

Our nation will be judged on how we welcome strangers.

Economic and social policies as well as organization of the work world should be continually evaluated considering their impact on the strength and stability of family life. The long-range future of this nation is intimately linked with the well-being of families, for the family is the most basic form of human community.
(United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Economic Justice for All, no. 93)

The alien who resides with you shall be to you as the citizen among you; you shall love the alien as yourself, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God.
Leviticus 19:34

‘Cursed is anyone who withholds justice from the foreigner, the fatherless or the widow.’ Then all the people shall say, ‘Amen!’
Deuteronomy 27:19

Sincerely,

John M. Kingery, Justice At the Table, Beaverton Oregon

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HIS IS RISEN AND TRANSFORMED! BE TRANSFORMED!

Posted on April 11, 2026 by jatt79

Nearing the end of the first week of the Easter season, I have a question. Have we changed or will we slip back into “indifference” that Pope Leo and Pope Francis wrote and spoke about? Christ experienced transformation, but were we transformed?

Lenten practices of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving are meant to bring us closer to God and families and communities.

In prayer, I calmed myself to truly hear God’s voice and what I am to do with my life. Discern how I should use my gifts. Education and knowledge are not meant for me alone, but for the service of others. Start each day, asking and listening to the Holy Spirit, “How am I to use my gifts today?”

Fasting, I fasted from Facebook posting and being judgmental of others. Fasting from Facebook posting, I realized how reactive social media made me. Likes and new Facebook friends do not replace face to face dialogue and communication. Love and understanding come from human and spiritual relationships.

Almsgiving is not only giving money or items to a charity or person, but it can also be giving of yourself or both.

About a month ago, I was leaving the local grocery store and a woman as sign – “My 4 children and I need help. We have no food” standing at the parking lot entrance. Initially I was indifferent; I got in my car and drove away. My soul tugged at my heart and I turned around. I parked my car and walked over the woman. “What is your story,” I inquired.

By asking that question, we began to dialogue. She and her children were refugees from Central Europe, and her husband was still in Central Europe. We shared a common faith – Christianity. She was Orthodox and I was Catholic. My neighbors are Serbian Orthodox Christians. In 2022, I visited St. Irene Byzantine Catholic Church similarities with Orthodox rites and beliefs. We had a connection of shared faith and humanity.

As we parted, we blessed each other. I gave her some money and suggestions on who to contact for long-term help. A tenuous Relationship Through my listening to my soul, and her story.

HIS IS RISEN AND TRANSFORMED! BE TRANSFORMED!

Peace,

John Kingery

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Judgement of the Nations: DHS Funding

Posted on February 11, 2026 by jatt79

Congress has a deadline of Friday, February 13 at midnight to vote on DHS funding.

Jesus taught, ‘ For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, whnen I was naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me.’ Matthew 25:35-36.

Contact your Congressional delegation – Senators and Representatives to vote against further funding for ICE, CBP and USCIS until changes are made.

Edit the following to meet your needs.

Thank you.

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Help Us Father

Posted on February 2, 2026 by jatt79

Envíanos el Espíritu Santo para que nos guíe.

¡Ayúdanos, Jesús! Hay tanto dolor y oscuridad.

Necesitamos tu luz.

John Kingery (c) 2026

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WALKING IN PORTLAND

Posted on October 6, 2025 by jatt79

See the Reality

Oregon and the Portland Metro is not “War ravaged and full of domestic terrorists.”

 The FBI’s own Crime Data Explore indicates that violent, property and individual offense are at their lowest level since 2020. Portland ranks seventy-two in the nation in violent crime according to the FBI’s National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS).  Crime is not addressed via tweets or executive orders.

 As elected, business, faith, and community leaders have stated, “Do not respond with violence or anger. Do not take the bait.”

Doctor Appointment, lunch and movie too!

Last month, my wife and I were in northwest Portland for a doctor’s appointment. All went well; I am going to live another day.

We finished early around lunchtime. With our canes, we walked to the Gastro Mania Mediterranean restaurant about four blocks away. Arriving we said people eating and laughing outside the restaurant basking in the sun. My wife ordered a chicken burrito, and I ordered a chicken gyro.

After lunch, we saw Downton Abbey movie at the Family Room Theater on Burnside Avenue and 10th. Not being sure if the bus or trolley would get us there on time; we walked the one ½ miles to the theater. We arrived 5 minutes early. Our walk was uneventful walk except for the uneven sidewalks and me losing my balance coming to the corner ramps of the sidewalks.

Downton Abbey’s message is social barriers that must change; there are no upstairs or downstairs upper or lower class.

 Looking at a flat, Lord Grantham inquires, “Where is the upstairs to retire to for the evening and the downstairs for the servants’ quarters?’ His daughter Lady Mary replies, “You do not go up or down. You go to bed.”

There is a shady financial advisor and embezzler; he is shown his way. Others are conflicted by Lady Mary’s divorce; they come around because of the good she has done.

Actual Issues and Solution:

In the Portland area there are uneven sidewalks, cuts in mass transit, rising gas and grocery prices, strained healthcare access, and homelessness increasing in our area, etc.. Together government, faith, human rights, legal, community leaders, and citizens can address these issues.

For the Catholic members of the current Federal Administration, were you introduced to the principles of subsidiarity and solidarity in your adult faith formation?

Subsidiarity: “a community of a higher order should not interfere in the internal life of a community of a lower order, depriving the latter of its functions, but rather should support it in case of need and help to co-ordinate its activity with the activities of the rest of society, always with a view to the common good.”

Solidarity: “‘is manifested in the first place by the distribution of goods and remuneration for work. It also presupposes the effort for a more just social order where tensions are better able to be reduced, and conflicts more readily settled by negotiation. CCC:1940

Common Good:Let us put our time, talent, treasure, and spirit together working for the common good through:

  • Dignity of Persons: 
    The common good is founded on the intrinsic value and dignity of each human person, meaning that social structures must serve the flourishing of all individuals. 
  • Social Well-being: It emphasizes the need for social conditions that enable people to achieve their full potential, including access to essentials like food, health, education, and meaningful work. 
  • Peace and Stability: A just social order requires peace and security for all members of society, achieved through morally acceptable means. 
  • Solidarity: Recognizing humanity’s interconnectedness, the common good requires individuals and nations to work together for the well-being of others, extending beyond national borders. 
  • Universal Destination of Goods: All created things are intended for the benefit of all people, fostering fair sharing of resources and emphasizing care for the environment. 

Let us get to working together for the

Common Good!

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To Bishops, Priests and Deacons in Oregon and the United States

Posted on October 6, 2025 by jatt79

Greetings:

Greetings as you journey with your fellow priests joyfully and hopefully led by Archbishop Sample along the path of Mission Renewal.  A Mission Renewal not only for you, but a path you are to lead the People of God entrusted to you.

I humbling offer the following as points of reflection on this week’s Convocation and upon your return. If you do not receive this before your departure, please read and reflect upon your return.

Who am I?

My wife and I were married at one of your parishes, served with your music, and RCIA ministries.  I have served Social Justice Ministries, and Knights of Columbus.

Mom and Dad and extended family instilled in me the love of God’s word in its practical application in the world.  Mom was severed as a Salvation Army captain and youth ministry in downtown Chicago during the 1940’s.  Dad taught me the dignity of work and helped First Nations in northern Saskatchewan develop their own wild rice and rock quarry businesses.

My Franciscan uncle was Librarian at St. Joseph Seminary and Law Library of the University of Chicago.  His longest tenure was as Quincy College’s Librarian.  One of my younger cousins is area director for Catholic Charities where she lives in Illinois.

Professionally, I worked for Providence Health and Services IS and served as its Mission coordinator.  Subsequently, I served the poor and marginalized at Outside In.  In retirement, I supported individuals applying for their citizenship in Philadelphia PA for Catholic social services. In the Portland metro area, I accompany immigrant families and individuals to Immigration Court Hearing through the Interfaith Movement for Immigrant Justice. Educationally, I graduated from Villanova VIISTA DOJ compliant immigration legal advocacy program (2020)   I possess lay ministry certificate from the Archdiocese of Portland/Notre Dame University (2015). My Seattle University BPA (1981) gave knowledge of effective public policy, plus Catholic Social Teaching from theology to real world application.

Priest, Prophet, and King:

You and all People of God are anointed as priest, prophet and king at our baptism.  In receiving the Sacrament of Holy Orders, you are ‘… enabled to act as a representative of Christ, Head of the Church, in his triple office of priest, prophet, and king.’  CCC 1581

As priests, you fulfill the first office by celebrating the Eucharist with and for the People of God, and Penance, Anointing of the Sick, Holy Matrimony and Holy Orders,

You serve as king/shepherd along with your parish councils and ministries.

In your role as prophet, you share the Word, preach on it, and call your congregations to be the light in the world through their actions. “In the same way, your light must shine so that it can be seen by others; this will enable them to observe your good works and give praise to your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16

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Make Us a Channel of Your Peace

Posted on September 12, 2025 by jatt79

We no longer continue with the winner take all in the public square words and actions. Let us become the sons and daughter of God. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” Matthew 5:9 NRSVCE

If we are angry, do not resort to violence or encourage other to violence. “You must understand this, my beloved: let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger; for your anger does not produce God’s righteousness. James 1:19-20

Hear and follow the word of Jesus. ” I say to you that if you are angry with a brother or sister,you will be liable to judgment; and if you insult a brother or sister, you will be liable to the council; and if you say, ‘You fool,’ you will be liable to the hell of fire.” Matthew 5: 22

I try to be a peacemaker, but have a tough time with being listening, slow to speak, not getting angry. Most importantly thinking or saying “You fool”. They are all fruits of Pride Always Right. Par is great on the golf course, but not in the public square. Wait, pride, anger, and rough are part of golf. Par is the face amount or average. We are called to be better because we are made in the Image of God (Imiego Day).

COMMUNION AND STEWARDSHIP: Human Persons Created in the Image of God

Over a year ago, USCCB in “Pursue What Leads to Peace” (Rom. 14:19) A Christian Response to Rising Threats of Political and Ideological Violence. calls us to pursue peace through dialogue and justice.

Peace, John

© John Kingery 2025 Justice At The Table

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Den of Iniquity: Hearing God’s Spirit

Posted on August 17, 2025 by jatt79

I wrote the following a few years ago and came across them as I was cleaning my den of iniquity.  Pray for me.

Den of Iniquity (c) John Kingery 2025

Growth in the Spirit means ever changing ideas, ever deepening understanding of God and how God works in our lives and in the world. That means change.

When people are smothered with fear, the delicate voice of God’s Spirit cannot be heard. Jesus provides the portal to hear that voice.

Ministry should help others to determine what God is attempting to tell them, and when e is attempting to lead them.  It is at its best when it comforts, helps and listens.

Do not be smothered. Reach out to Jesus.

Peace, John

© John Kingery 2025 Justice At The Table

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Who Builds Our House – Whose Voice do We Hear?

Posted on August 11, 2025 by jatt79

Psalm 127: 1-2

If the Lord does not build the house,

in vain do its builders labor;

if the Lord does not guard the city,

in vain does the guard keep watch.

 Sirach 35:12-17

Give to the Most High as he has given to you,  generously, according to your means. For he is a God who always repays and will give back to you sevenfold.

But offer no bribes; these he does not accept! Do not trust in sacrifice of the fruits of extortion, For he is a God of justice, who shows no partiality. He shows no partiality to the weak but hears the grievance of the oppressed. He does not forsake the cry of the orphan, nor the widow when she pours out her complaint.

Reflections: Who is our house built upon? Are we generous with our gifts or hold them back?  Do we perform a cost/benefit analysis? Do we engage in extortion through monetary means, or physical, or mental coercion? Whose cry do we hear the oppressed, the orphan, window?  Instead, do we hear the voices of the rich and powerful?  Are our eyes, ears and hearts blind to suffering?

HEAR, LEARN, AND ACT!

Peace, John

Monday, August 11, 2025

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Public Education: Under Attack

Posted on August 10, 2025 by jatt79

I’m a product of public-school education (elementary through high school), and Catholic universities and public community colleges.  Those experiences provided me with knowledge, tools to critically apply that knowledge, and reinforced the values learned from my family.  Education has utilitarian functions – employment, etc. Importantly, education is a gift to be used in the service of others. 

Arlington HS 1976
Seattle University 1981
Seattle University 1981
Seattle CC 1982

That was not the view of Adolph Hitler in 1925.

The question of “nationalizing” a people is among other things primarily a question of creating healthy social conditions to make possible the education of the individual. Only when upbringing and school training have taught a man the cultural and economic, but, above all, the political greatness of his own fatherland can and will he acquire an inward pride in the privilege of belonging to such a people. And you can fight only for something you love, love only what you respect, and respect only what you at least know.”  Adolph Hiller, Mein Kampf, Volume 1, Chapter 2, Par 46,  1925 https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Mein_Kampf_(Stackpole_Sons)/Volume_1/Chapter_2

Donald Trump in September 2020 proclaimed a similar view at White House Conference on American History his educational vision and by extension the MAGA movement’s.

Our mission is to defend the legacy of America’s founding, the virtue of America’s heroes, and the nobility of the American character. We must clear away the twisted web of lies in our schools and classrooms and teach our children the magnificent truth about our country. We want our sons and daughters to know that they are the citizens of the most exceptional nation in the history of the world.

https://trumpwhitehouse.archives.gov/briefings-statements/remarks-president-trump-white-house-conference-american-history

The Nation article 2024 Five Key Themes of Fascist Education contains the following identified by Jason Stanely:

  1. National greatness,
  2. National purity,
  3. National innocence,
  4. Strict gender roles,
  5. Vilification of the left.

https://www.thenation.com/article/society/fascist-education

One hundred years later in 2025, President Trump, VP Vance and 15 cabinet/department directors are putting those themes into practice throughout the American Publication education system. 

Examples are

Educational InstitutionsFederal Dollars (millions) Held or Cancelled
Columbia221
Brown50
Penn175
Cornell1000
Northwestern790
Duke108
UCLA584
Oregon Schools & CC73
Washington Schools & CC*137
Total2954

Sources: Colleges with federal money targeted by Trump administration; 

https://www.oregonlive.com/education/2025/07/oregon-schools-brace-for-cuts-as-trump-administration-withholds-tens-of-millions.html;

https://www.kuow.org/stories/wa-school-officials-exhale-trump-un-freezes-billions-in-education-funding   *Funds released

Recently, the Trump administration is seeking $1 billion from UCLA for antisemitism charges in exchange for releasing the $584 million for medical and grant funding.  https://edsource.org/updates/trump-seeking-1-billion-from-ucla-amid-antisemitism-charges.   This sounds like extortion to me – “forcing someone into giving you something through threats.”  “Extortion.” Vocabulary.com Dictionary, Vocabulary.com, https://www.vocabulary.com/dictionary/extortion. Accessed 10 Aug. 2025.

Linda McMahon, Secretary of Education stated on March 3, 2025 – “We must start thinking about our final mission at the department as an overhaul—a last chance to restore the culture of liberty and excellence that made American education great” https://www.ed.gov/about/news/speech/secretary-mcmahon-our-departments-final-mission.

My response is education should prepare to contribute to our communities, states, country and world.

Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon / Notre
Dame McGrath Institute 2018
Villanova University 2020

May we honestly say, “We will be known by the difference we make in truth, love and unity through effective compassion and service to others.”

John Marshall Kingery Sunday, August 10, 2025

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