|
Wishing you a very HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
You might enjoy looking at a website that says, "Let's focus on what matters. Let's share, laugh, relax and stay out of the malls", http://www.newdream.org/
We can also give thanks for the many blessings God has given us.
Pope Francis has written a major "Exhortation". See the article below.
|
|
Pope Slams 'Disposable' Culture That Marginalizes Many
Around the world today, the powerful "feed upon the powerless" and too many people are treated as "consumer goods to be used and then discarded," Pope Francis writes in his first major paper since becoming leader of the Roman Catholic Church last May.
Echoing his
- The Idolatry Of Money. "The worship of the ancient golden calf ... has returned in a new and ruthless guise in the idolatry of money and the dictatorship of an impersonal economy lacking a truly human purpose."
- The Economy Of Exclusion. "Just as the commandment 'Thou shalt not kill' sets a clear limit in order to safeguard the value of human life, today we also have to say 'thou shalt not' to an economy of exclusion and inequality. Such an economy kills. How can it be that it is not a news item when an elderly homeless person dies of exposure, but it is news when the stock market loses two points? This is a case of exclusion. Can we continue to stand by when food is thrown away while people are starving? This is a case of inequality."
-- Inordinate Consumption. "Today's economic mechanisms promote inordinate consumption, yet it is evident that unbridled consumerism combined with inequality proves doubly damaging to the social fabric. Inequality eventually engenders a violence which recourse to arms cannot and never will be able to resolve."
The pope also writes, "I beg the Lord to grant us more politicians who are genuinely disturbed by the state of society, the people, the lives of the poor!"
The Guardian says that "the 84-page document ... amounted to an official platform for his papacy, building on views he has aired in sermons and remarks since he became the first non-European pontiff in 1,300 years in March."
Also on Tuesday, the pope met with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Reuters says they "discussed the Middle East and problems faced by Christians across the world, but did not touch on the strained relationship between the Vatican and the Orthodox Church."
|
|
Continuing Crisis in Philippines
|
|
Action Alerts
1. Tell Congress to Support SNAP Funding Protect the Poor and Hungry in Budget Discussions
Members of Congress seeking to reauthorize the farm bill are seeking a middle ground the competing versions of legislation. But cuts to a vital anti-hunger program could leave millions of Americans at risk of losing access to healthy and affordable food. ... Take Action
2. Support Comprehensive Immigration Reform Time to Bring Our Neighbors Out of the Shadows
As you may know, the United States Catholic Bishops have supported comprehensive immigration reform for many years. Take Action
 3. Urge Congress to protect U.S. poverty-focused international assistance as they negotiate a budget resolution for FY14 You can support families in the Philippines, and millions of our brothers and sisters around the world, right now by contacting your members of Congress. U.S. poverty-focused international assistance helps make it possible for Catholic Relief Services (CRS) and other agencies to support our brothers and sisters affected by natural disasters.
Take Action
|
|
|
The U.S. Farm Bill: Super Important
What's Happening?
Members of the Senate and House have been appointed to reconcile the differences between the bills passed by the two houses and create a bill that can be expected to pass both houses.
Why is the Farm Bill important?
The bill provides for international food aid, sets subsidies to agricultural commodities, allows ethanol as a gasoline additive, funds the food stamp program (SNAP), the school lunch program and food banks, and funds and regulates nutrition and soil conservation programs. It has major impacts on agricultural economies and on the well-being of poor people throughout the world.
What is the Social Justice perspective?
Considerations of social justice strongly favor
* International food aid
* Food Stamp (SNAP) program
* School lunch program
* Food banks
* Nutrition programs
* Soil conservation programs
and disfavor
* Agricultural subsidies, particularly for corn and cotton
* Governmental support for ethanol
Links to articles and other resources about the U.S. Farm Bill
Bread for the World, Food Aid Reform
Fact sheet
New York Times OpEd article, The Insanity of Our Food Policy (Joseph Stieglitz, New York Times OpEd, Nov. 16) link
Politico article and resources
Farm bill remains challenge
resource webpage
Two other articles
Farm bill, sausage & boondoggles
Lower corn prices may be a blessing
|
|
Archbishop urges steps to address 'ethical challenge' of climate change
Glacial lake, Huascaran National Park, Peru, in late September (CNS, Reuters, Mariana Bazo)
Climate change represents an "ethical challenge to civilization," said the Vatican's lead representative to an international conference discussing the worldwide impact of climate change.
Archbishop Celestino Migliore told attendees at a church-run conference that the Vatican would help "form consciences and ethical perspectives" on climate change in line with Catholic social teaching and encourage "fairness, impartiality and mutual responsibility" when it came to action to address the environmental threat.
By Jonathan Luxmoore, Catholic News Service
Read More
|
|
Upcoming Events
Thursday, December 5, 7:00 P.M.
Social Justice Committee meeting
"Cry Room", St. Elizabeth Seton Church
All are welcome to attend
Livermore Public Library, Community Rooms A & B, 1188 S. Livermore Ave. Free event celebrating 30 years of accomplishment, with short documentary film, everyone invited. Delicious food and drinks, music and great company. RSVP helpful but not required, 925 443 7148.
Meet in front of Pleasanton Museum, 603 Main Street, Pleasanton
|
|
Brief Links
The Heart of the Matter, a report of the Commission on the Humanities and Social Sciences of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, link
"The Humanist Vocation", David Brooks OpEd column, New York Times, June 20, 2013, link
"A Lesson From Cuba on Race", The Stone, New York Times, November 17, 2013, link
Momentum Shifts in Congo's Battle Against Rebels (slide show), link
Congo Chronology, link
|
|
