Francis' First Encyclical and New EFJ Calendar!

"Christmas in July" is an overused cliche, but there's a buzz of New Year's excitement as EFJ shares its 2013-14 Justice & Peace calendar! We're also unwrapping the first encyclical from Pope Francis.

Our new calendar is broader and deeper than ever, with more events transcending the boundaries of faith traditions and more names of prominent peacemakers and hidden heroes.

Fr. Jim Hug SJ, former COC president, prepared a summary of "Lumen Fidei," and we've added some outside commentary and discussion questions to help get the discussion started.

We revisit two important issues, climate and immigration, this month. First a review of President Obama's latest climate action plan, then an immigration reform legislation update - both from the perspective of Catholic Social Tradition. Lastly, we provide a book discussion guide on "The Good Bishop," a recent biography of noted peacemaker Bishop Walter Sullivan.

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 EFJ Team

efj@coc.org

"Those who teach justice shall be like the stars forever."

~ Daniel 12:3

2013-14 Justice and Peace Calendar
Interactive Materials As August nears, we introduce our newest justice and peace calendar, more comprehensive than ever and full of links to EFJ resources . Go to resource

Lumen Fidei: Pope Francis' First Encyclical
Backgrounder Lumen Fidei (The Light of Faith) is the first encyclical signed by Pope Francis. Fr. Jim Hug SJ, former Center of Concern president, provides a summary, and we've added a few questions to help begin the discussion. Go to resource

Climate Action: Broadening the Circles
Article with Discussion Questions President Obama's recently released Climate Action Plan responds to key challenges facing our nation and world. This resource explores his plan through the lens of Catholic Social Tradition and offers suggestions for action. Go to resource

Immigration Reform:
Backgrounder The push for comprehensive immigration reform appears stalled in the House of Representatives. This update includes insights from Pope Francis along with a call for advocacy. Go to resource

The Good Bishop: The Life of Bishop Walter Sullivan
Book Discussion Guide Phyllis Theroux has written a comprehensive story of the courageous life of Bishop Walter Sullivan of Richmond, Va. This guide explores his ministry and how he lived out Catholic Social Tradition among the flock he shepherded. Go to resource

Prayer on the Anniversary of the Atomic Bombings
Prayer We keep alive through prayer the memory of the horrific bombings 68 years ago of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. May peace be the restitution we offer humanity. Go to resource