Greetings! 
Our theme for this posting is PEACE; and so, let us begin by sending blessings of peace for you and your loved ones.
In his 2012 message for World Day of Peace, Pope Benedict XVI reminded us that, "Peace for all is the fruit of justice for all, and no one can shirk this essential task of promoting justice, according to one's particular areas of competence and responsibility." One might fairly ask how is it possible to achieve peace in a world where waves of social (structural) sin seem ready to rush over us at any given moment. The question is not (so much) the achievement of a permanent peace-but of a continual commitment to bringing it into being.
This posting includes a prayer service for the International Day of Peace, as well as exciting new resources on Whistleblowers, faithful citizenship, National Hispanic Heritage Month, and the film Step Up Revolution. In addition, Father Joseph Nangle, OFM contributes a reflection on the 1968 Latin American Bishops Conference at Medellin, Colombia.
It is our hope that these resources will serve as guideposts as you walk the road to bringing peace and justice to all God's people and creation.
Please feel free to contact us if we can be of further service to you and your ministry. If you are not already a member please join us now! If you have let your membership lapse please renew now! Companions on the journey for peace with justice , Sister Dianna Ortiz and the Education for Justice Team efj@coc.org |
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Whistleblowers
| | Speaking truth to power 
In a world of global Goliaths, there are many Davids who dare to speak truth to those in power. This five page resource examines what it means to be a whistleblower, and includes brief bios of modern-day whistleblowers and questions for discussion.
Go to resource
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Remembering Medellin
| | Latin American Bishops Conference 
This two-page resource provides background on the Latin American Bishops' conference held in Medellin, Colombia in 1968. The conference marked a sea-change in the Latin American church, denouncing unjust social structures and embracing the concept of the 'preferential option for the poor.' The resource also includes a personal reflection from Father Joseph Nangle, OFM, who served as a pastor in Lima, Peru at the time of the conference.
Go to resource
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Immigration and the 2012 Elections
| | Welcoming the Stranger 
The U.S. is a nation of immigrants, yet immigration remains one of the most contested issues in the current national debate. This bulletin insert includes reflections from Catholic Social Teaching on immigration and questions for candidates to public office.
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International Day of Peace
| | Prayer Service 
The International Day of Peace is commemorated on September 21 each year. This prayer service reminds us that we are all part of one human family, and asks us to commit ourselves to the realization of peace in a broken world.
Go to resource
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Examination of Conscience
| | Election 2012 
Amidst the chaos of the 2012 election season, the USCCB offers questions for personal reflection on our role as active and engaged citizens guided by the principles of Catholic Social Teaching. This two-page resource also includes a prayer for conscience and courage in times of struggle.
Go to resource |
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National Hispanic Heritage Month
| | September 15 - October 15 
National Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated September 15 through October 15. This three page resource includes reflections from Catholic Social Teaching, questions for discussion, and an activity on identity and naming.
Go to resource
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Step Up Revolution
| | Film Discussion Guide 
This two page film discussion guide for the movie "Step Up Revolution" looks at how art can be an effective form of nonviolent resistance.
Go to resource
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Sunday Lectionary Reflections
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Readings, Reflections, Connections and Prayer
The Lectionary Reflections by Fr. John Bucki, S.J., provide an excellent resource for personal or communal reflection on the Word as well as ideas for homily preparation. Each reflection includes a list of the readings, quotes for reflection, connections to Catholic Social Teaching, Prayers of the Faithful/Petitions, links for action and more.
Go to Lectionary Reflections
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