Prayer
Prayer for a Ceasefire in Gaza and an opportunity to take action.
Please join the Sisters of Providence for Prayer for Ceasefire in Gaza on March 21, 2024, at 7:00 pm (eastern). You can enter the Facebook Live feed or Vimeo Live Stream. The virtual feeds will only have sound once the service begins.
Advocacy and Action
Catholic Charities USA, the USCCB, Catholic Relief Services, and the Catholic Health Association, recently wrote a letter to the Senate urging senators to pass the "Frederick Douglass Trafficking Victims Prevention and Protection Reauthorization Act of 2023," which would provide funds for community education programs, enhance preventive measures, and support reintegration programs for survivors. Please consider contacting your senators and asking them about this.
Education
On March 25, from 7 to 8:30, Equision will present Adverse Effects of Climate Change on Human Society via Zoom. Learn about the medical consequences of climate change, and its adverse effects on human society, especially issues of migration, poverty, and food insecurity. Speakers: Kathleen Downey, MD and Caroljean Willie, SC, Ph.D. Moderator: Becca Desai You can register here.
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. It will appear as needed.
If you knew someone too discouraged to vote, would you write them a letter to ask them to reconsider? If you think you can do this, join Vote Forward, a group that organizes letter writing to eligible citizens who have not engaged in the democratic process. Sometimes, all it takes is for someone to send an encouraging word and some information on what they need to do to be able to vote. Democracy is supposed to be of the people, by the people. Our founders may not have meant ALL the people, but through the pain and bloodshed of some courageous ancestors, most citizens have the right to vote. Some may need a little encouragement!
For Review:
The USCCB has released new materials for Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship. We are invited to read and share these materials, which guide our political responsibility as Catholics and faithful citizens. The information is available in English and Spanish.
New Introductory Note to Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship: English | Spanish.
The Role of the Church in American Political Life: English | Spanish.
The Dignity of the Human Person: English | Spanish.
The Common Good: English | Spanish.
Solidarity: English | Spanish.
Subsidiarity: English | Spanish.
“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.