 Greetings!
Greetings of peace! In this issue, we focus on HIV/AIDS as World AIDS Day (December 1) approaches. This destructive epidemic requires more than just a single day or a red ribbon to raise awareness. The urgency of a problem affecting 34.2 million of our global sisters and brothers, along with their loved ones and caregivers, requires all of us to explore, reflect, and act. Our Church's social teaching calls us to rise above being judgmental, and to strive for compassion and understanding. Sensitive issues such as sexuality and prevention deserve discussion, as do support for those afflicted, and advocacy on their behalf. As we pray for those working toward a cure, we must also live out God's gifts of hope, comfort, and love. Included in this posting are a backgrounder on HIV/AIDS and the Faith Community, a World AIDS Day prayer service, and helpful resources that not only clarify where HIV/AIDS is most prevalent, but also put a face on the crisis. Also included is Bob Stewart's reflection for the Third Sunday of Advent, and a fact sheet by Daniel Costie on Veterans and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
EfJ would also like to welcome our new director, Pat Finan, to our team. Pat has served as faith formation and youth ministry coordinator for the Diocese of Davenport in Iowa for the past 10 years. He has written for major catechetical publishers, and has been a contributing writer and editor for Catholic Relief Services and the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry. Pat and his spouse, Laura, live west of Knoxville, Iowa, with their three children. We are very excited to have Pat join us at EfJ!
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, Pat Finan, Sister Dianna Ortiz, and the Education for Justice Team efj@coc.org |
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World AIDS Day
| |  Prayer Service
This prayer service encourages all to treat those afflicted by AIDS with dignity and compassion as we listen to them and support them. Included as a separate attachment is description of "What is the Red Ribbon & What does it stand for? (The iconic red ribbon has raised awareness for more than three decades. Learn more about its call for care, concern, hope and support.)
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Reflections on Justice and Peace
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| Third Week of Advent 2012 
The third of our Advent series focuses on right relationships as we are invited to pay heed to John the Baptist's call to make changes in our lives, today known as the Church's preferential option for the poor.
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HIV/AIDS and the Faith Community
| | Backgrounder 
This 4-page resource explores the U.S. Bishops' 1987 statement on The Many Faces of AIDS: A Gospel Response. In this faith-centered document, we are invited to imitate Jesus-to be compassionate to those who suffer from the illness of HIV/AIDS and to be ever mindful that "discrimination or violence directed against persons with AIDS is unjust and immoral." Supplemental materials include: a global map highlighting those nations most affected by HIV/AIDS and a chart showing where the 34.2 million people afflicted with HIV/AIDS live, ranking 127 nations.
Go to resource
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Endgame: AIDS in Black America
| | Film Discussion 
Every ten minutes, someone in the U.S. contracts HIV, and nearly half of the one million people in the United States infected with HIV are African American men, women, and children. Endgame: AIDS in Black America is a groundbreaking PBS 2-hour film that explores one of our country's most urgent, preventable health crises. The film traces the history of the epidemic through the experiences of extraordinary individuals who tell their stories.
Go to resource
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Power Point: HIV/AIDS I and II
| | Interactive Resource 
These two powerpoint presentations provide basic information on HIV/AIDS. They give the audience a look at the HIV/AIDS global epidemic; who it affects; and how it is spread. The presentations then go into the preventative measures that are currently undertaken to stop the spread of the virus.
Go to resource
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Veterans and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
| | Fact Sheet 
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health issue among combat veterans who have experienced a violent event in a wartime situation. This fact sheet looks briefly at the current situation surrounding veterans suffering from PTSD and describes the challenges of treatment. It also contains important statistics on PTSD and organizations that one can contact for further information.
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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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