Greetings! Dear (Contact First Name),
Greetings of peace!
In this posting, our resources focus on issues related to migration. Catholic social teaching has a long and rich tradition in defending the right to migrate as well protecting those who seek refuge at our door. In popular discourse, we are often given uniformed "causes" for migration.
Our faith dares us to ask hard questions: For example, why are people migrating to the U.S. in significant numbers? Does U.S. foreign policy play a pivotal role in the flow of migration to this country? Whatever may be our conclusions, let us hold before us St. Paul's challenge of putting aside our policy of fear and of judging those who speak, dress, or think differently. Let us seek to offer hospitality to strangers -- for by doing so we may be welcoming angels without knowing it.
Included in this posting are the following new resources: a bulletin insert on international development and the 2012 elections; a discussion guide on the film, abUSed: The Postville Raid; a backgrounder on Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals; a prayer service on welcoming the stranger in our midst; a prayer on consumerism; and the first reflection in our 2012 Advent series.
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 justice and peace, Sister Dianna Ortiz and the Education for Justice Team efj@coc.org |
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International Development and the 2012 Elections
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 Bulletin Insert
In an increasingly interconnected and interdependent world, our concern for the common good and human development must also extend globally. This two-page bulletin insert explores CST reflections on global poverty and authentic human development.
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Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals
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Background Information on DACA 
This six-page fact sheet highlights what we need to know about the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program launched by the Obama Administration in June of 2012. This program provides a temporary measure that lasts for two years and can prevent the imminent deportation of many immigrant youth.
Go to resource
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"I Was a Stranger and You Welcomed Me"
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Prayer Service 
This three-page prayer service is an invitation to reflect on what it means to welcome the stranger in our midst. It concludes with suggestions on ways to put one's faith in service to action by serving as "bridge builders" in welcoming immigrants to our churches, communities, and country. Included as a separate attachment is a prayer dialogue between a migrant woman and an immigration official which can be incorporated into the service.
Go to resource
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abUSed: The Postville Raid
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Film Discussion Guide 
abUSed: The Postville Raid explores the devastating effects of U.S. immigration enforcement policies on children, families, and communities. This two-page film guide includes questions for discussion and reflections on the film by EfJ associate Daniel Costie.
Go to resource
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Prayer
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Consumerism 
This prayer by Jane Deren responds to the consumerism often experienced during the holiday season, and invites us to move us
beyond the poverty of mindless consumption.
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Reflections on Justice and Peace
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First Week of Advent 
The Scripture readings and prayers of the Church during Advent provide us direction in preparing ourselves for the celebration of the coming of our God in human form. This three-page reflection by Bob Stewart opens our Advent series for 2012.
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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