 Greetings!
So many movie previews begin with the cliché phrase: "In a world where..." No need to cue the brooding music and haunting voice, for we live in a world where mentally ill people are unfairly stigmatized, where girls and women struggle through life with inadequate education, where state-sanctioned executions lower us to the same complicity as those we punish, and where torture rolls on unchecked. Who needs Hollywood? Well, actually, it does provide drama that supports two of our many resources this month. Mental illness continues to be a focus of concern across our nation, both in the gun violence debate and in popular culture. Our lesson plan raises awareness of mental illness and offers ways to support those touched by it. Our discussion guide on the movie "Silver Linings Playbook" explores a support community that emerges as two people find new ways of living with mental illness. Several other helpful resources support these documents. Please note the need to take quick action to prevent funding for mental health initiatives from being cut in looming sequestration. March is Women's History Month, and our litany prayer lifts up the names and causes of dozens of women who are beacons of hope in our world. Jane Deren's backgrounder explores the need to empower and educate millions of girls and women around the world so that they might make history of their own. March 1 is Death Penalty Abolition Day, and our prayer service weaves together the wisdom of Scripture, Catholic Social Tradition, and a litany that lifts up the names of those scheduled for execution this year. It also provides facts, resources, discussion questions and action steps. Our Lenten series continues with a focus on how we are called to rescue "The Tortured Christ in Our Midst" by demanding accountability for U.S. tortures and ending indefinite detentions. Please visit the site often during March, as some Lenten resources may come between normal posting cycles. This month we've provided more than twice our normal content in this single posting. We will return to a regular twice-monthly cycle in March. May God bless you on your Lenten journey! 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 renew now! Companions on the journey for justice and peace, Pat Finan, Dianna Ortiz OSU, and the EFJTeam efj@coc.org "Those who teach justice shall be like the stars forever." ~ Daniel 12:3 | 
Lesson Plan
Multimedia Discussion Guide
