Providing access to affordable health care is a goal in the United States and around the world. As the dust settles after challenges to the U.S. Affordable Care Act (ACA), millions of uninsured people are wandering into the insurance enrollment process. Countless more in other nations still seek the most basic balm that access to care would bring. This month, we explore what the ACA does, what faith tells us about health care, and how we can raise awareness of broader global needs.

Autumn often evokes warm images of Native Americans, but their experience over the past five centuries has been turbulent and at times tragic. Four resources this month explore the struggles and triumphs of Native peoples and raise awareness for advocacy on pertinent issues.

Disarmament Week is Oct. 24-30. Our prayer service provides a litany of church teaching woven with the wisdom of Isaiah.

Pope Francis has called us to encounter Christ in our service to the poor and people on the fringes of society. A new service connection resource includes prayers and questions to enhance youth service learning opportunities.

Save space on your fridge for the 2014 Center of Concern "Signs of the Times" wall calendar! We'll share details soon about how to get yours.

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

...And Health Care for All: The Affordable Care Act
Lesson Plan Learn more about access to the human right of health care and what faith has to say about it. Become a companion with and advocate for those in need of access in the United States and around the world. Go to resource

Native Americans: Heroes and Heroines Among Us
Backgrounders History has painted Native Americans as savage, naive or inarticulate. Sometimes they are painted with invisible strokes. Four new resources raise awareness of injustices, lift up stories of heroes, provide links to deeper learning and offer ideas for advocacy. Go to resources

A Call to Disarm
Prayer Service Disarmament Week is Oct. 24-30. This prayer service weaves the challenge of scripture with the call of the church to turn our focus from the weapons of war to the ways of peace. Go to resource

Encounter: Discovering Dignity in Those We Serve
Service Connection Pope Francis encourages us to encounter the poor and those who suffer. Service learning is a great opportunity to guide our students to encounter others and promote human dignity. Go to resource