Fall is approaching, kids are back in school (in various forms and fashions), and the election season is in full swing. The fight continues for racial justice and equity, the global pandemic and economic troubles rage on, and we seem to be sinking further into division on multiple fronts. Just this morning, someone being interviewed at a political rally said (about the other party), "I firmly believe (they) hate this country." With vitriol and violence surrounding us, we MUST step up with compassion, civility, and a renewed commitment to justice. Please know that we continue to pray and support you, and we humbly ask that you continue to pray for us too.
If there's anything that we can do to support the work happening in your community, please let us know. We're trying to be more present to deaneries, parishes, schools, and neighborhoods, and we'd love to (re)connect with you and work to build up God's kingdom of peace, justice, and kinship.
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We will continue to send out Regional Updates with time-sensitive reminders as well as Action Alerts encouraging everyone to bring their voice and power to bear on important issues and COVID-19 Information as it becomes available.
We wish you a wonderful start to September. And - as always - we look forward to seeing you soon as we continue to stand up for justice, compassion, and equity.
Peace,
Becky, Sara, Tammie, Sr. Christine, & Andrew
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Coronavirus Assistance for American Families Act (CAAF) |
Catholic lobbyists have identified three Senators nationally, that are key to helping to pass the Coronavirus Assistance for American Families Act (CAAF) in the U.S. Senate. Senator Rob Portman is one of them. He is considering support of this legislation and could use our encouragement.
Senator Portman pays close attention to what people of faith communities have to say. Please consider signing on to the letter, urging his co-sponsorship of the CAAF Act and all it entails. Add a personal note if desired. Click on this link to view the letter, Ohio faith leader sign-on letter, and sign by September 4.
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National Day of Prayer for Peace in Our Communities |
On Wednesday, September 9, 2020, for the Memorial of Saint Peter Claver, the Archdiocese of Cincinnati will offer a Mass celebrating the National Day of Prayer for Peace In Our Communities. The Mass will be held at the Cathedral of Saint Peter in Chains at 11:30 a.m. Archbishop Dennis M. Schnurr will be the presider and homilist.
Since July 2016, the Catholic Church has been united in its efforts to “promote peace and healing” in response to violence and racial tensions across the United States. Please join us in person or by livestream, as we make an intentional effort to participate in creating the beloved community.
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For this election season, we are offering a seven-week discernment toolkit for parishes and families leading up to election day. We'll delve into one of the themes of Catholic Social Teaching each week and help root you in a useful stance to sort out your questions and sift through the noise swirling around. We'll explore how we can use the themes to form our consciences and determine for whom and what we will vote. This is not voting Democratic or Replublican...this is voting Catholic!
This initiative will begin on September 13th. The website will launch on August 10.
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“Our director, Andrew, was interviewed for the Being Pro-Life podcast (from our Respect Life Office) about iVoteCatholic. You can listen to it here.”
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Your Prayer Can Change the World |
Now, more than ever, the world needs Christians united in prayer. What might happen if every Catholic in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati would pray just one minute more than they already do, every day, for the specific intention of peace, justice, and goodwill? There's no better time to start this life-changing habit. |
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August 1 (Feast of St. Peter in Chains) through January 1 (World Day of Peace)
450K Catholics | 1 minute of Daily Prayer | 1 million Hours of Prayer
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The Center for Pastoral Vitality invite you to join their new web series called Back to Mission, focused on building vital parishes that radiate Christ. The first session is September 8, 1:30 – 3:00. |
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Register to Virtually Attend the Ignatian Family Teach-in for Justice |
Register to virtually attend the Ignatian Family Teach-in for Justice
The events of this year emphasize the need to gather as members of a community committed to social justice for continued education and action. From October 19-26, take a stand as part of the largest annual Catholic social justice gathering in the United States. This year’s theme is Prophetic Resilience and will feature a few different tracks to suit your needs including a professional development track and a high school classroom track and others. Register here
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Civilize It: Dignity Beyond the Debate |
9/13 Elections 2020: Voting and Catholic Social Teaching
Following the celebration of mass at St. Bernard in Spring Grove, we invite you to join a conversation connecting Catholic Social Teaching (utilizing the AOC program iVoteCatholic), our call to participate in the election process (utilizing the USCCB document Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship), and how we can approach these divisive times with civility, clarity, and compassion (utilizing the program Civilize It). Mass and the event will be live-streamed via Zoom – feel free to join for mass at
9:30 a.m. or join us at 10:30 a.m. for the conversation.
9/22 Approaching the Election with Faith and Civility
Our times are divisive, and we – as Catholics – have an obligation to engage with our community and political process and to do so with a well-formed conscience, a spirit of compassion, and the skills to enter conversations with civility and peace. In partnership with Braver Angels, we will build skills to communicate with people who differ from the politically and explore how we can do so with our faith as our guide. Join us via Zoom on Tuesday, 9/22, at 7:00 p.m. for this highly interactive event. Please contact Becky Kunkler with any questions.
On 9/29 at 7:00 p.m., our director, Andrew, will participate in a panel discussion with the Diocese of Camden (NJ) on Civility and Voting our Consciences. Please check out the pdf for more information and instructions on how to register.
10/6 Faithful Citizenship
St John West Chester and the Social Action office are hosting a Faithful Citizenship presentation on Tues. 10/6 at 7:00 p.m. With another election cycle in full swing, we are faced with the challenges of living our faith, loving our neighbors, and being good citizens in a divisive political climate. This presentation will explain why Catholics must be engaged in the political process and provide guidance on how to do it faithfully and with civility. To register, please send an email to amesewicz@stjohnwc.org by 10/1.
10/21 Faithful Citizenship and Civilize It
Our country is deeply divided, and we – as people of faith – are struggling to find ways to both live out our beliefs and find tools to heal the wounds.
On Wednesday, October 21, at 7:15 p.m., we invite to you come and learn some ways to accomplish these goals. The US bishops have published a document, Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship, which offers guidance on how we can live out our call to be engaged in our community, participate in the political process not from a partisan perspective but led by our faith, and thereby help build up the kingdom on earth. We’ll look at the tools we have to guide both the formation of our consciences and how we interact with our brothers and sisters with civility, clarity, and compassion. Link forthcoming
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Anti-Racism Listening Session
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In light of the deep divisions facing our country around racism and racial justice, it seems that one of the first and most important ways we can work towards healing is to listen. Hearing someone’s personal story can be a powerful antidote to the othering and prejudice that is so pervasive. To that end, the Archdiocesan Anti-Racism Task Force invites you to join us on Mon. 9/21 at 7:00 p.m. or Sun. 9/27 at 2:00 p.m. via Zoom to hear the testimonials of two people – one a person of color and one white – about their experiences of racism. We’ll also take time to reflect and share our own experiences.
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Laudato Si' Communities
2020 Recognition Event
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On Sunday, October 4th – the Feast of St. Francis – at 2:00 p.m., the Care for Creation Task Force will recognize our third class of Laudato Si’ Communities. These parishes and schools have committed themselves to the care of God’s creation, and we will honor them for their hard work. Please join us via Zoom to join us in celebrating these communities and learn more about the program. Contact Andrew Musgrave with any questions.
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A Mask is a Sign of Solidarity |
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United States Census 2020 |
If you haven't completed the census, do so now! |
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Make sure to join Catholic Charities and the Archdiocese Catholic Social Action Office this Monday, August 24, at 11:00 AM for our Praying in Solidarity weekly prayer. It will take place LIVE on Catholic Charities' Facebook page and you will hear prayer intentions delivered by our staff for those whom we serve and empower.
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The Trump Administration is currently preparing to set the goal for the number of refugees that will be allowed to be admitted to the United States for the coming fiscal year (FY). This process is called the "Presidential Determination" (PD). Before setting the new refugee Presidential Determination, the President is required by federal law to consult with House and Senate Judiciary Committees.
Nearly two hundred organizations, including USCCB and many JFI member organizations, already sent a letter to President Trump urging him to build back the U.S. resettlement program by setting a goal of 95,000 refugees.
As Catholics, we recognize the inherent dignity of each person, and hear the call of Jesus, who was part of a refugee family, to welcome immigrants and refugees. Refugees contribute greatly to the United States in ordinary times and have continued to contribute as essential workers during the COVID-19 crisis, including 176,000 refugees serving in the healthcare field and 175,000 laboring as part of the food supply chain. Resettlement will continue to be done safely as all refugees must and do undergo medical checks for COVID-like symptoms prior to entering the United States and are required to quarantine for 14 days upon arrival.
TAKE ACTION
Join us by contacting your Members of Congress to ensure the Trump Administration honors its legal obligation to meaningfully consult with Congress about this year's refugee admissions level before September 30th.
Ask your Members to urge the Administration to build back the refugee resettlement program by setting the goal at the historic average of 95,000 refugees allowed to be admitted this year.
Click here to send a message to your Senators, and reach out to Rep. Jim Jordan, (OH-04), Ranking Member, House Judiciary Committee: (202) 225-2676 / @Jim_Jordan.
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Andrew Musgrave - Cincinnati
Sara Seligmann - Dayton
Becky Kunkler - Northern Area
Sr. Christine Pratt - Eastern Area
Tammie Mers - Administrative Assistant
Catholic Social Action Office
Archdiocese of Cincinnati
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100 East Eighth Street
Cincinnati, OH 45202 USA
513-421-3131
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