Prayer
On Good Friday, the annual Way of the Cross Way of Justice will be held downtown at Smale Park along the river. Prayer will begin at noon, and the Paddle Wheel and walk will end at the Esplanade ½ miles away. There will be five stops for prayer connecting the suffering of today to the suffering of Jesus on the way to the cross.
The Laudato Si’ Movement has published their Ecological Way of the Cross. This version of the Way connects Christ suffering to the suffering of those in poverty and of the earth.
Education
The recording of the Faithful America webinar titled Giving Up White Supremacy for Lent: Taking the Logs from Our Own Eyes. The speakers discussed white supremacy in Catholic and mainline Protestant (particularly Episcopal) churches with Rev. Dr. Gayle Fisher-Stewart and Leslye Colvin. At the heart of their presentations lay this important question: What are you willing to risk?
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.