Prayer
Make a Positive Impact (current prayer from CRS)
Dear God, Grant us the wisdom to seek more than simple answers, to build meaningful connections beyond the surface, and to find you in the depths of our hearts. Inspire us with a passion for justice, a heart for equality, and the courage to act against injustice, oppression, and exploitation of your children. Bless us with compassion for those enduring suffering, rejection, hunger and conflict, so we may extend our hands in comfort and transform their sorrow into joy. And endow us with the belief in our ability to enact change, to accomplish what some may deem impossible, and to make a positive impact in Your world.
Amen
Advocacy and Action
Last week, I received an email from LCWR’s Bridget Bearss. In it she states, “Over the last year, LCWR has engaged in the inquiry, ‘What is the work that is ours to do?’ In this inquiry, we experience an ever-deepening call to seriously contemplate during this time in our country, particularly in relationship to the US National Elections.” With this in mind, LCWR invites all to participate in three virtual prayer experiences. One has already begun for the RNC. The next will be held during the DNC. The third virtual prayer space will occur on election day.
Beyond Plastics invites us to advocate with the Federal Trade Commission and to partner with them in rooting our false claims regarding plastic products. You can sign a petition calling for updated federal standards defining what products can and cannot claim. There is also a tool that can help you send an email to the FTC to report a false claim when you see one. The FTC pays attention to the number of reports coming in, so keep them flowing!
Education
Please see attached for the Archdiocese of Cincinnati Immigration Taskforce news round-up for an update on what has been happening in the last month or so.
Democracy Watch
Today is 4 years since the passing of Rep John Lewis who fought tirelessly to protect voter rights, and still we have not passed the John R Lewis Voting Rights Act. We have advocated on this before. We will likely need to do so again. But Common Cause is having a push for advocacy just before the August break. Will you sign your name?
Resources:
Faith and Public Life has started a new podcast/radio show titled Wrestling Out Loud: Faith and Liberation.
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.