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On a Mission from God
 The readings for the Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time can illumine for us the nature of God's calling. St. Paul says that he didn't have a choice: he is absolutely compelled to preach the gospel (cf. 1 Cor 9:16). You might think, "Of course: he got a calling from God," and move on through the reading. As if you are not being called! God has a call on your life as well, and it's not as simple as an identity that everyone else recognizes: "I'm called to be a religious sister," or, "I'm called to be a family man and provider."
Our God is a God of relationship, not of putting people into an identity like pegs in holes. Thus, God is constantly at work prodding and sending messages, strengthening and changing us, so that we too might live into our calling so strongly that we feel compelled to do it: like there was nothing else we could possibly do. And how wonderful that it is ongoing; how wonderful that it is never complete and the calling shifts and grows as we do. Sometimes we seem to be told a calling is like a successful business transaction: "God called. I said 'yes.' And now this is my life."
The story of Job reminds me that Fr. Richard Rohr says there are two ways we grow and learn: through suffering and through love. It often takes suffering to finally get our attention so that we can hear God's calling for relationship. As for love, Jesus shows us a beautiful way to love God in the Gospel: "Rising very early before dawn, he left and went off to a deserted place, where he prayed" (Mk 1:35).
It's surprising how often in the Gospels Jesus goes off to pray on mountains and in deserts. Solitude is a powerful way to deepen our love for God. It is from that centered place that we can do as I have heard it said often in black Baptist churches: Go forward boldly as if you are on a mission from God! Because...you are.
Lonnie Ellis FAN Director of Development and Organizing
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Plunging for Creation, Marching for Life  On Jan. 22, FAN staff Lonnie Ellis and member Fr. Jacek Orzechowski, OFM took the Polar Bear Plunge to raise awareness about climate change before witnessing to protect human life in particular through events associated with the March for Life. FAN staff connected with other organizations promoting a consistent ethic of life. Read a Catholic News Service article about FAN participation in the Plunge and check out photos of both events on FAN's Flickr page.  At the same time, FAN was saddened to learn of the Department of Health and Human Services final rule mandating that contraception and sterilization be included at no cost to the insured in all health care plans, including those offered by religious entities.
A USCCB webpage features statements and resources related to the HHS rule. FAN's blog includes text which FAN staff submitted to HHS during the comment period. |
| Pray for the Journey: Sisters and Brothers of Immigrants
Sisters and Brothers of Immigrants faithfully gather on early Friday mornings to pray for immigration reform and to offer a blessing to those who will be deported that day from the Broadview Detention Center in Chicago, Illinois. The prayer takes place just outside the main entrance of the detention center. Rain or shine, cold and freezing ... in whatever weather, the prayer vigil goes on. ...
Read more of Sr. Maureen McCarthy, OSF's reflection on her experience of prayer with men about to be deported. Join Sisters and Brothers of Immigrants for weekly activities. See below for information about a FAN webinar on immigration.
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Pray to Strengthen African American and African Families
February is national Black History Month, and this Sunday, Feb. 5, is the National Day of Prayer for the African-American and African Family.
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Pray to End Trafficking
 Feb. 5 is also the date of the 2012 Super Bowl in Indianapolis. FAN Action Commissioner Sr. Marge Wissman, OSF in Indiana is working with the Coalition of Corporate Responsibility of Indiana and Michigan to raise awareness of trafficking during the Super Bowl, as well as other large sports events.
The Coalition focuses on hotels as an area of investment and is asking 220 hotels within a 50 mile radius of Indianapolis for opportunities to train their employees to recognize signs of trafficking. FAN is a member of the Coalition of Catholic Organizations Against Human Trafficking, which promotes the prayer and encouraging special services on St. Josephine Bakhita's feast day, Feb. 8. |
WEBINARS GALORE!
"Catholics and the Climate: Fostering Mission-Based Sustainability"
 Wed., Feb. 8, 2012, 8-9 p.m. Central Time/9-10 p.m. Eastern Time
The Catholic Coalition on Climate Change and Loyola University New Orleans host a webinar including remarks from Most Reverend William S. Skylstad, Bishop Emeritus of Spokane, on the centrality of creation for Catholics, the importance of environmental sustainability and the link between sustainability and mission for Catholic institutions. Dan DiLeo, Project Manager with the Coalition, will share the Coalition's new resource Sustainability and Catholic Higher Education: A Toolkit for Mission Integration
Thomas Ryan, Ph.D., Director of the Loyola Institute for Ministry and Kathleen O'Gorman, Ed.D., Associate Professor of Religious Studies will facilitate questions and answers. "Understanding Compassion: A 50-State Immigration Initiative"
 Wed., Feb. 22, 4-5 p.m. Eastern Time
Register online FAN staff member Sr. Marie Lucey, OSF and FAN Action Commissioner Kent Ferris, OFS host a webinar to share what they learned at a Jan. 11-13 conference on immigration sponsored by the USCCB's Migration and Refugee Services and Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. in Salt Lake City. Sr. Marie, who oversees FAN's immigration work, and Kent, who supervises the Immigration Office for the Diocese of Davenport, will provide current information, review strategies, and answer questions. Please join us as we grow in understanding how Franciscans can bring compassion to the U.S. immigration system. Read FAN member Sr. Dorothy Moczygemba CSSF's reflection on the FAN blog on her experience of the conference. "Leaping into Public View: Training in Media Strategy"  Leap Day! Wed., Feb. 29, 4-5 p.m. Eastern Time
Register online FAN hosts John Gehring for this training on engaging the news media, using upcoming FAN press events on money in politics as the test case. John will examine important topics such as messaging, communicating with reporters and writing press releases. John Gehring serves as Senior Writer and Catholic Outreach Coordinator at Faith in Public Life in Washington, D.C. He previously worked for Catholics in Alliance for the Common Good. GreenFaith Certification Program Webinar Recording Available  If you missed the GreenFaith Certification Program introductory webinar, you can still access the webinar recording and slides online.
Through FAN, Franciscan parishes are eligible for a tuition discount for this nationally recognized two-year program that helps congregations 'green' their worship, education, facilities, and outreach. The Church of the Presentation in Upper Saddle River, N.J. is enrolled in the Certification Program; their St. Francis Ministry contributed to the installation of soclar panels. St. Mary's Parish in Pompton Lakes, N.J. (a Franciscan community) participated in a previous program. FAN member Sr. Jacquie Keefe, CSSF participates in GreenFaith's Fellowship Program. Read Sr. Jacquie's reflection on a GreenFaith Environmental Justice retreat. |
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Faithful Citizenship: Protecting Human Life and Dignity, Promoting the Common Good
FAN staff will host a table in the exhibition hall. If you plan to attend and would like to meet, please contact Patrick (pcarolan@franciscanaction.org) or stop by the FAN table.
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Civility in Discourse
FAN staff member Christy Elliott wrote an article on "Civility in Discourse" for the Leadership Conference of Women Religious. Read the article in LCWR "Resolutions to Action" newsletter.
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Preparing the Way for Lent
Lent begins in three weeks!
The Environmental Outreach Committee of the Archdiocese of Washington offers Lenten care for creation calendars in color and black-and-white.
Watch this space for FAN Lenten resources! |
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Is THIS the Fast I Seek?: Economy, Livelihood and Our National Priorities
 Every year, Franciscans join a diverse group of Christians for Ecumenical Advocacy Days in Washington, DC. This year's conference (March 23-26) addresses economic justice in U.S. federal budget priorities.
Join FAN staff, Action Commissioners, and other members for the 10th anniversary of EAD and the fifth anniversary of FAN's launch at EAD.
If you plan to attend, please contact Patrick (pcarolan@franciscanaction.org) so that we can coordinate a Franciscan gathering during the program.
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Creation, Humanity and Science in the Franciscan Intellectual Tradition
 Br. Bill Short OFM, Mary Beth Ingham CSJ, and Keith Warner OFMJuly 29-Aug. 12, 2012
Old Mission Santa Barbara, California
Three leading Franciscan scholars address environmental concerns in this two-week summer course titled. Br. Bill is the Dean of the Franciscan School of Theology, and a top scholar in the Franciscan world. Sr. Mary Beth is internationally recognized for her pioneering work in the theology and philosophy of Bl. John Duns Scotus. Br. Keith Douglass Warner OFM has written extensively about Franciscan environmental ethics.
Join them to learn about the Franciscan tradition, stewardship, spirituality and environmental justice. Timed for working professionals, this short course allows you to study with FST scholars at our summer campus at Old Mission Santa Barbara, about 100 miles north of Los Angeles.
Read the full color brochure.
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Keep your family safe, O Lord, with unfailing care,
that, relying solely on the hope of heavenly grace,
they may be defended always by your protection.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
(Prayer for the Fifth 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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