Remember Il Poverello by Alleviating Poverty

Last month, USCCB President Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan wrote to his brother bishops to highlight concern for the 46 million persons living in poverty in the U.S. who represent 15 percent of the population. In his letter, Archbishop Dolan asked bishops to use their role as "pastors, teachers, and leaders to focus public attention and priority on the scandal of so much poverty and so many without work in our society." He also directed the bishops and those at the diocesan and parish level to consult USCCB online resources on unemployment and poverty "for preaching, educating the faithful and advocating on behalf of the poor and jobless."

Noting that "the underemployed and the unemployed are not issues, but people with names and faces," Dolan emphasized that "[i]t is an essential part of our work as Catholics to build a more just society and economy." 

READ MORE of Archbishop Dolan's letter

Life to the Full with Francis

 The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops promotes the first Sunday in October as Respect Life Sunday. This year, Respect Life Sunday (Oct. 2) precedes the Transitus celebration of St. Francis' birth into eternal life (Oct. 3), followed by the Feast of St. Francis (Oct. 4). The theme for the 2011-2012 Respect Life Program year comes from Jn 10:10: "I came that all might have life, and have it to the full!" St. Francis lived his life fully by following in the footsteps of Christ, is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Francis reverenced all life at every stage. 

Kent Ferris, SFO, FAN Action Commissioner and JPIC Chair for the National Fraternity of the Secular Franciscan Order, shares his reflections on the consistent ethic of life. 

Visit the USCCB Respect Life Program website for resources on this theme.

Honor Francis in Prayer

 Canticle Campus' Fall 2011 online class begins TODAY (October 3) and ends December 10. The class will study the book Franciscan Prayer by Sr. Ilia Delio, O.S.F.

"By examining Saint Francis' doctrine of prayer through the twin lens of Saints Clare and Bonaventure, this book provides us with a long overdue spiritual and theological synthesis which will be treasured by all who love the Franciscan tradition. A significant contribution, beautifully presented." -Lawrence S. Cunningham

To sign-up, e-mail Francesca Wigle, TSSF (fwigle@gmail.com) or Chris Hickman, SFO (hickmcm@hotmail.com) for access information. All are invited and there is no cost to participate.

Blessings of Animals 

Have you ever wondered why many churches offer a special blessing for animals around the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of ecology? Fr. Jacek Orzechowski, OFM (Holy Name Province) offers his reflections:

"People bring their pets for a blessing because they want to thank God for their non-human companions, for their friendship and beauty. But there is an even more important reason to bless animals, especially at this time of the unprecedented ecological crisis that we face. First, the blessing of animals reminds us that all creatures have been created and blessed by God. Their worth extends far beyond a mere commodity value that we humans ascribe to them. Second, the blessing of the animals offers us an opportunity to strengthen within us a sense of compassion for all God's creatures. It can also reawaken in us our religious responsibility to protect them - much like Noah did - from a disaster."

READ MORE of Fr. Jacek's reflection 

Be Instruments of Peace 

October 27, 2011 is the World Day of Prayer for Peace: Spirit of Assisi, which marks the 25th anniversary of the groundbreaking interreligious event in Assisi in 1986. The Franciscan Friars of St. Barbara Province (OFM) offer resources to observe this day on their website.


 

The Catholic Coalition on Climate Change offers the St. Francis Pledge and other resources in preparation for and celebration of the Feast of St. Francis on Oct. 4.

NEW resources for parishes, schools, and youth ministry include:

·    Friending Planet Earth: Helping Youth Understand Solidarity and Sustainability in Light of Climate Change, a six-session program for high school youth ministry
·    Sustainability and Catholic Higher Education: A Toolkit for Mission Integration, developed in collaboration with the Association of Franciscan Colleges and Universities
·    Catholic Parish and School Planning Guide to Take the St. Francis Pledge
·    A revised JustMatters module on care for creation in collaboration with JustFaith Ministries
·    The announcement of the St. Francis Pledge Award for elementary and secondary schools sponsored by the National Council of Catholic Women. 

Please join with us to help promote the St. Francis Pledge as part of what it means to Care for Creation and Care for the Poor: two values by which St. Francis lived and through which his example continues to inspire millions around the world.  

Learn more by going to the Catholic Climate Covenant: St. Francis Pledge to Care for Creation and the Poor website.  

A recording of FAN's webinar on hydrofracking is available online.

The webinar features Prof. Robert Jackson, Ph.D. of Duke University, who presents the findings of research on the impact of hydrofracking on drinking water, shares policy recommendations, and places hydrofracking in the broader energy context. FAN Action Commission Sr. Caryn Crook, OSF applies St. Francis' "Canticle of the Creatures" to hydrofracking.

Please visit FAN's homepage for resources related to this presentation.   

You can also learn more about opportunities for engagement in federal policy and read a personal reflection from former FAN intern Ben Feuerherd (St. Francis College) on FAN's blog.