Prayer
Sr Caroljean Willie, SC, director of the Sisters of Charity’s Earth Connection, will once again provide a daily photo reflection during Lent. The following photos in the series are attached. May we journey through Lent, remembering our commitment to Justice, Peace and Care of Creation. In addition, the Laudato Si’ Movement is asking Catholics in North America to focus on fossil fuel reduction this Lent. You will see their Lenten Suggestions and Actions here.
Advocacy and Action
We were asked to call Congress about the FOREST Act a few weeks ago. The Sisters of Mercy of the Americas has provided a follow-up opportunity to either THANK or CALL OUT our Congresspersons for their decision to sponsor or not respond to the FOREST Act. Remember, The FOREST Act is a bipartisan bill that aims to prohibit importing products sourced through illegal deforestation into the U.S. Please continue to engage. This has the potential to be very impactful on a global scale.
Education
Initiative on Catholic Social Thought and Public Life, the Jesuitical podcast from America Media, and Leadership Roundtable will host a podcast and dialogue with Cardinal Wilton Gregory titled A Listening Church in a Divided Nation with Cardinal Wilton Gregory on February 28 from 7:00 - 8:00 PM (ET). The dialogue will engage young leaders in the question of how the Church can better listen as a community of faith and how young people can live their faith in a divided nation. RSVP here.
The University of Dayton’s Human Rights Center will host a live Immigration Simulation on February 27 from 4:30 to 6:30 PM (ET). Registration is required.
Democracy Watch
More and more justice advocates are paying attention to several concerning our democratic process. It is something I have frankly tried to ignore. It seems so big and so frightening. However, ignoring concerning things has never helped anyone. I have added a section to the Weekly Update. Just so you know – it will appear as needed.
Have you made your plans for the primary election? IN OHIO, the primary is March 19. Check your voter registration status today! You can vote early in person now. Find early voting locations in Ohio or get your absentee/mail-in ballot for Ohio. The deadline to request an absentee ballot is March 12, so don’t delay! You can see a sample ballot by visiting the website and clicking on your county. Your information is just a Google search away from those in other states. Type in “my voter registration status {state}” “Early voting {state}” “Mail-in ballot {state}” Or simply “county Board of Elections {county, state}” for all the information. You can also consider signing up to be a poll worker. There is a shortage across the country. Or, if you prefer, check out the non-profit Protect the Vote to help keep our elections true.
“In the Catholic Tradition, responsible citizenship is a virtue, and participation in political life is a moral obligation.” — Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship, No. 13. The USCCB encourages us all to form our conscience and vote! It is a call of our faith.