Elliot, Maria, & Rudy
This is the first in a series of profiles on our co-workers here at Christ the King Priory & Saint Benedict Center. These women and men are more than just staff or employees – they are co-workers in the vineyard of the Lord, assisting the monastic community in fulfilling our mission of reaching out to God’s people and extending our Benedictine hospitality to the world.
One of the more distinctive ministries of our community is El Puente (Spanish for “the bridge”), an office which provides immigration services at a minimal cost to families and individuals in need. Our confrere Fr. Paul began this ministry, with the support of the monastic community, after having done similar work during his time as a priest of the Archdiocese of Omaha. El Puente is a member of the Catholic Legal Immigration Network (CLINIC), an organization which provides support and resources to its member agencies. CLINIC works in collaboration with the United States Conference of Bishops to advocate with the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Justice to improve immigration policies and practices.
A dedicated team of co-workers keep the work of El Puente going while Fr. Paul completes a Masters in Sociology at the University of Texas – Austin:
- Rudy Salazar – Rudy, a proud father of two beautiful daughters, met Fr. Paul as a student at Central Community College during a presentation on immigration. He began volunteering at El Puente in August 2007 and has worked with us full-time since July 2008. Having recently received an Associates Degree in Business Administration, he is in the process of completing a Bachelors in Business Management from Bellevue University and would eventually like to attend law school. Rudy is a Board of Immigration Appeals accredited representative, allowing him to accompany clients to such things as citizenship interviews. He is passionate about immigration work and enjoys the challenge of keeping up with ever-changing immigration laws and the opportunity to educate and strengthen families through this ministry.
- Maria Davila – Maria is originally from Guadalajara, Mexico and has been living in Columbus, Nebraska for the past 15 years. She is the mother of a daughter and two sons. Maria was first acquainted with El Puente at an immigration clinic in Columbus where she met Fr. Paul. She had been involved with immigration services since 2003, volunteering at twice-yearly immigration clinics sponsored by Connect Columbus, a local volunteer and human services organization. Maria began working at El Puente four months ago. She finds joy in helping a lot of families, especially those would normally not be able to afford an attorney.
- Elliot Jacobson – Elliot is a native of Omaha, Nebraska and is currently completing his undergraduate studies in Spanish Translation & Cultural Studies from Midland Lutheran College. Following his graduation this coming may, he plans on attending the Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago to begin a Masters in Divinity program in preparation for ordination as a Lutheran pastor. Elliot’s interest is Spanish language and culture began when he took his first Spanish class in the second grade. Many of his friends are of Hispanic origin, and hearing their life stories and the issues they face sparked an interest in immigration work. A member of his church in Omaha and an Oblate of our monastery, Sheri Rose, suggested that he contact our monastery to inquire about volunteer opportunties. Elliot will be volunteering at El Puente throughout the fall semester and will depart for a study abroad program in Mexico during the spring semester.
The monks of Christ the King Priory appreciate the ministry of our co-workers at El Puente and their dedication to building a more just society and improving the lives of countless families in need!
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