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October 24, 2011
TODAY IS FOOD DAY! See resources below.
TOMORROW FAN leads a prayer vigil for a Faithful Federal Budget.
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Humble Servant Leadership
 The readings for the 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time provide a portrait of humility in leadership. Christ instructs his disciples: "The greatest among you must be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted" (Mt 23:11-12). Paul describes the hard work and genuine concern through which he and his companions modeled this servant leadership in relation to the Thessalonians. He recalls "toil and drudgery," "[w]orking night and day in order not to burden any of you" (Thes 20:9) and sharing "not only the gospel of God, but our very selves as well, so dearly beloved had you become to us" (20:8). Rather than exploiting their stature in the Christian community, these apostles "we were gentle among you, as a nursing mother cares for her children" (20:7). The Psalmist grounds this humility in confidence in God's love. When we can say, "I have stilled and quieted my soul like a weaned child ... on its mother's lap," (Ps 31:2), then we find the freedom and security to say in truth, "my heart is not proud, nor are my eyes haughty" (31:1). We can encourage ourselves and others to "hope in the LORD, both now and forever" (31:3). Although the challenging words of God in the Book of Malachi and of Christ in the Gospel address religious leaders, many voices today question those in positions of political and economic power. Longing for humble leadership, they ask, "Why then do we break faith with one another, violating the covenant of our fathers?" (Mal 2:10). In their own words, participants in the Occupy Together movement accuse those in whom they see greed and corruption: "You have turned aside from the way, and have caused many to falter by your instruction" (Mal 2:8). They echo Jesus' words: "They tie up heavy burdens hard to carry and lay them on people's shoulders, but they will not lift a finger to move them" (Mt 23:4). In FAN's letter to and prayers for the members of the Congressional Super Committee on the deficit, we express the Franciscan value of respect for the poor and vulnerable and intercede that our political leaders might uphold government's responsibility to care for the most vulnerable members of society. In our response to economic and political concerns, may we model humble servant leadership and seek the same from those in positions of extraordinary power. |
Food Day: Recognizing the Gifts of God
 In this season of harvests, the world invites Franciscan engagement in the work of redemption - through food.
Today - Monday, October 24 - is national Food Day, on occasion to give thanks for the gifts God has given us and seek more just ways to cultivate the earth and honor human labor.
The Food Day website offers resources and local events. Please see what is happening near you and considering adding a Franciscan presence!
- Sr. Marya Grathwohl, OSF's interview with farmer Chris Merkel of the Sisters of St. Francis of Oldenburg, Ind.'s Michaela Farm 
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As We Continue to Celebrate the Life and Legacy of St. Francis...
Remember Il Poverello by Alleviating Poverty
Along with othe r faith-based partners, FAN staff participate in weekly (Tuesday, 12:30 p.m. EDT) prayer vigils for a faithful federal budget on Capitol Hill. On October 25, FAN will lead the prayer service. Please join FAN staff in prayer!
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
 "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.
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.
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Respond to Human Trafficking: Time is Running Out
Take Action  Although Congress missed the Sept. 30 deadline to pass the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act (TVPRA), U.S. programs to combat the multi-billion dollar human trafficking industry are running for the moment. It is important to pass this legislation before Congress adjourns for Fall recess. The Senate Judiciary Committee will reconvene this week to reconsider the legislation. Please e-mail your Senators, or call call the Capitol Switchboard (202-224-3121) and ask for your Senators' and Representative's offices. Ask their staff to support S. 1301 (for Senators) or H.R. 2830 (for Representatives), the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act.
Please Join Us!
 Human Trafficking: Epidemic Contemporary Slavery Conference Wed., October 26, 2011
9 a.m.-4 p.m. Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C. FAN and CUA's Institute for Policy Research and Catholic Studies are co-sponsoring this conference on human trafficking in cooperation with Franciscans International and the Franciscan Federation. Visit the Institute website for more information about speakers or to register.
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Block the Expansion of E-Verify
H.R. 2885, Expansion of the Employer Electronic Verification System (E -Verify), was approved by the House Judiciary Committee in September. Efforts are underway by faith communities and others to urge Speaker Boehner not to bring it the House floor. Members of the USCCB's Justice for Immigrants legislative committee (including FAN staff member Sr. Marie Lucey, OSF) are visiting the offices of Catholic Republican Representatives to convey this message. Calls to these Representatives from constituents would be positive action. For more on E-Verify and how to respond, see the Justice for Immigrants website.
OTHER NEWS: The recent Alabama law is even more abhorrent than Arizona because it particularly impacts children. Follow what is unfolding in Alabama and find out if there is similar legislation brewing in your own state as it is, for example, in Pennsylvania.
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God of power and mercy,
only with your help
can we offer you fitting service and praise.
May we live the faith we profess
and trust your promise of eternal life.
Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
(Prayer for the 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time)
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Mission Statement
Inspired by the Gospel of Jesus, and the example of saints Francis and Clare, the Franciscan Action Network (FAN) is a collective Franciscan voice seeking to transform U.S. public policy related to peacemaking, care for creation, poverty, and human rights. |
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On Oct. 6, Fr. Jacek Orzechowski, OFM (Holy Name Province) represented FAN in a meeting with Assistant Secretary of State Dr. Kerri-Ann Jones (pictured at right) on the Keystone XL, a proposed pipeline from tar sands oil extraction in Alberta, Canada to refineries in Texas. On Oct. 7, Fr. Jacek testified in a public hearing on the subject.