We are Strangers No Longer: Our Journey of Hope Continues is the theme for National Migration Week 2013. This year's observance and theme commemorate the 10th anniversary of the historic joint pastoral letter of the United States and Mexico bishops' conferences, Strangers No Longer: Together on the Journey of Hope. This theme reminds us of our responsibility as Catholics to help newcomers integrate in ways that are respectful, culturally sensitive, and responsive to social needs, and of the ongoing need for comprehensive and compassionate immigration reform. Learn more/take action.   

In 2010, the United Nations Member States renewed their commitment to the fight against trafficking in persons when the General Assembly adopted the United Nations Global Plan of Action to Combat Trafficking in Persons (A/RES/64/293). The global plan of action mandates that a global report on trafficking be published every two years, starting in 2012. Released a few weeks ago, the Global Report 2012 provides an overview of trafficking in persons at global, regional, and national levels.   

Anti-human trafficking organizations are inviting people of faith to join together the weekend January 11 -13 to pray for the safety of trafficking victims and to strengthen our resolve to work to end this grave violation of human dignity and human rights. 

            

Mary Ellen Dougherty, SSND has been appointed an honorary co-chair of this effort. Please join your prayers with others for this important cause. Learn more, take action.     

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The National Prayer Vigil for Life, an all-night prayer vigil held every year at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC, and many other locations throughout the country, will be held this year January 24-25. The main focus of the prayer is for an end to abortion and greater respect for all life. 

            

In a recent article in America magazine, James Martin, SJ, wishes that the same intensity that is brought to bear on abortion could be brought to bear on gun control which he says is just as much a pro-life issue. He reminds us that "Jesus asks us to love our enemies, not to murder them; to pray for them, not to take vengeance; and he commends the peacemakers among us, not those advocating for more and more weapons." How inclusive and expansive is your prayer for life?      

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January is Poverty in America Awareness Month, a time to ponder why, in the richest country in the world, more than 46 million people live in poverty, the largest number seen in the 52 years for which poverty estimates have been published. It might also be an opportune time to consider how the General Chapter's call to live more simply, responsibly, and sustainably with one another and with all of creation challenges us to reevaluate our own concept of poverty, our vow of poverty. For some startling state statistics, check out Poverty USA.  

Are your community members struggling to see the connection between social justice and their faith life? The Two Feet of Love in Action model describes two distinct, complementary, and essential ways that we are called to put love into action: Social Justice and Charitable Works. 

This educational tool has been revised and updated to reflect recent papal encyclicals. Lesson plans, handouts, and a step-by-step process for sharing this information are available (in both English and Spanish) for download here.  

National Catholic Reporter has published the following about the conclusion of the recent UN climate change negotiations in Doha: "On the final scheduled day of international climate negotiations, the reports out of Doha, Qatar, signaled little progress in advancing action on climate change beyond vague pledges and toward concrete strategies and commitments." Learn more.  

A draft of the forthcoming report by the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) says that scientists are "virtually certain" human activity is largely to blame for the warming of the planet. The draft document goes further than the 2007 UN climate study which said human influence "very likely" was behind temperature rise. By "virtually certain", the scientists mean they are now 99% sure that humanity's emissions are responsible. Read more.  

The UN General Assembly has declared 2013 as the International Year of Water Cooperation. The objective of this International Year designation is to raise awareness both on the potential for increased cooperation and on the challenges facing water management due to increased demand. Learn more. 

Building on the theme of a future planted thousands of years ago, the UN General Assembly has also designated 2013 as the International Year of Quinua (IYQ). The IYQ recognizes the contribution of the Andean indigenous peoples, who have maintained, protected, and preserved quinua as food for present and future generations thanks to their traditional knowledge and practices of living well in harmony with Mother Earth. Learn more.   

A small group of indigenous people from remote villages in Guatemala have made a long trek to Toronto. They say a Canadian mining company, Hudbay Minerals, was behind violent crimes (beatings, gang rapes) and the destruction of their villages. They have come to Canada seeking justice. Learn more.

Indigenous Guatemalans Seeking Justice in Canada