 Greetings!
"Groundhog Day" hit the screen 20 years ago, but it lives on as a metaphor for situations, usually unpleasant, that we experience over and over. The real Groundhog Day is just days away, but EFJ is focusing on other times ahead that come along like clockwork. It's up to each of us to approach these as opportunities for change. February is Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month, and Sr. Dianna Ortiz has prepared a prayer service and several outstanding supplemental resources. Among these is an exclusive interview with a dating violence survivor. Catholic Social Tradition reminds us that "Peace and violence cannot dwell together, and where there is violence, God cannot be present." These resources provide help and hope for those feeling trapped in abusive relationships, and guidance to keep God present in dating choices. Here we go again with the national debate on gun violence, and EFJ presents a more interactive resource that explores voices of the debate. It provides some fresher insights and action ideas to build on our earlier backgrounder. Mental illness, a key facet of the issue, is the focus of Jane Deren's prayer. EFJ will deepen its focus on mental illness and gun control in upcoming postings. No surprise, but Lent also is coming up, and our exploration of "The Tortured Christ in Our Midst" continues with Bob Stewart's second reflection. Bob also provides a discussion guide for the intense film "Zero Dark Thirty," now in theaters. As the philosopher Yogi Berra said, "It's like déjà vu all over again." But we pray that through exploration and reflection, our action on violence and torture might lead to lasting change and end the maddening cycles that burden society. Time, of course, does march on, and we take time to thank our departing friend Fr. Jim Hug, S.J. Jim joined the Center of Concern in September of 1985 and was our President for 24 years. Jim's wisdom, counsel and humor have been great blessings to the EFJ team, and he will be greatly missed. Please contact us if we can be of further service. If you are not already a member please join us now! If you have let your membership lapse please please renew now! Companions on the journey for justice and peace, Pat Finan, Sister Dianna Ortiz OSU, and the EFJTeam efj@coc.org "Those who teach justice shall be like the stars forever." ~ Daniel 12:3 | 
Prayer Service 
Lesson Plan
