| Advancing Catholic social teaching by educating and preparing parishes
to work for social justice
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| From the Director | |
The "Catholic AND . . ."
Last month I may have painted a rosy picture of life on Saltonstall Avenue in New Haven as I drew comparisons to the recent international conflicts. I can be of a "glass half-full" attitude - and certainly our local concerns are not as desperate as those emerging across the globe. However, that does not discredit the reality of domestic poverty. I cannot drive to the office without seeing somebody going through trash - collecting cans and scrap metal. I have met mothers in the neighborhood who must take multiple modes of public transportation in order to get to and from a minimum wage job. In CT we have a poverty rate of over 15%. In 2013, the poverty threshold for a family of three is $19,790. What's worse, 6.6% of the U.S. population-or nearly 20.4 million people-live in deep poverty, with incomes at only 50% of their poverty thresholds.
John Carr, former director of the Department of Justice, Peace and Human Development at the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, would often talk of the "Catholic AND." As Catholics we must support Local AND Global efforts, affirm Life AND Dignity, and provide Charity AND Justice.
While we must continue to pray and advocate for changes on global issues, the Office also continues to address local concerns. Through our Cooperative Parish Sharing program, parishes address local poverty in a variety of ways. At the Youth Spectacular you will find us educating young Catholics about domestic poverty. We continue to facilitate workshops on recently passed legislation which affects the immigrant population. Our workshops with the Malta Justice Initiative are a step in addressing a forgotten population - the imprisoned and their families.
I encourage you to attend our Annual Dinner on October 21. Our keynote speaker, Ralph McCloud, is the Director of the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD). CCHD is the domestic anti-poverty program of the U.S. Catholic Bishops. Ralph will deliver an inspiring message of how we can break the cycle of poverty by being "a Church that is poor, and for the Poor." I look forward to seeing you there!
Peace,
Executive Director
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QUOTE OF THE MONTH
Perhaps hope is like embers under the ashes; let us help each other with solidarity, blowing on the ashes to rekindle the flame.
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CALENDAR
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SEPTEMBER
September 21
September 21
September 26
Immigration Webinar: Protecting Unaccompanied Children, CLINIC/USCCB, 2-3:30 pm
OCTOBER
Fair Trade Month
October 4
Feast of St. Francis
October 12-13
October 15
"How Hyper-Incarceration Has Hijacked the American Dream," St. Peter Claver Church, West Hartford, 7 pm
October 16
"Coming to America" Immigration Forum, St. Bridget Church, Manchester 7 pm
October 21
Annual CCHD Collection in Parishes
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Join Our List
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QUICK LINKS
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ASSOCIATE FOR JUSTICE
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FREE WEBINAR
Advocating to Protect Unaccompanied Children in Your Community
Friday, September 26, 2014
2:00 - 3:30 pm E.T.
As unaccompanied children relocate from the Southern border to reside with family members across the United States and await their immigration hearings,
 communities are eager to respond. This webinar will provide updates on where the children are living, their impact on local communities and steps you can take to welcome them. Panelists will provide specific ideas for local advocacy on behalf of young migrants seeking safety in our country - how to educate community members and how to persuade policy-makers to ensure access to legal representation, education, healthcare, and other social services. For additional information on how to register, view the attached flyer.
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Climate March
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It's NOT TOO LATE to join interfaith participants and others in New York City on Sunday, Sept. 21 to show public support for climate action by being part of the People's Climate March.
On Sept.23, leaders of the world's governments will gather at the United Nations to discuss the climate crisis and to build momentum towards an international climate treaty.
The Climate March, two days earlier, offers people of all faiths an opportunity to demonstrate their support for such a treaty.
For CT organizing and transportation, visit --www.irejn.org or www.franciscanaction.org.
For general information and faith resources, visit: www.greenfaith.org.
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REGISTER TODAY
for the Annual Social Justice Dinner | |
 JOIN US on October 21st for our 46th Annual Social Justice Dinner, to celebrate a year of good work to address issues that impact our lives, in our neighborhoods, in our nation and in our world! Our engaging guest speaker, Ralph McCloud from the Catholic Campaign for Human Development, will offer insights and inspiration to support our efforts. We gather also to recognize the outstanding work of our 2014 Awardees: Father Jim Manship (St. Rose of Lima, New Haven); Sacred Heart church (Southbury); and St. Rose of Lima Church (New Haven). Their commitment and perseverance serves as a model of hope and encouragement for all of us.
Are you interested in congratulating our honorees, advertising your organization or becoming an event Sponsor? The Dinner Program Booklet offers the perfect opportunity! Check out the options and support the work of OCSJM with your ad or sponsorship donation. Your support is truly appreciated!
We look forward to sharing this evening with you!
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| Ferguson, MO: A Reflection | | |
The year was...
1963, and Martin Luther King Jr. wrote in his Letter from the Birmingham Jail:
Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.
1979, and the US Catholic Bishops wrote in Brothers and Sisters to Us:
Racism is apparent when we note that the population in our prisons consists disproportionately of minorities; that violent crime is the daily companion of a life of poverty and deprivation; and that the victims of such crimes are also disproportionately nonwhite and poor. Racism is also apparent in the attitudes and behavior of some law enforcement officials and in the unequal availability of legal assistance.
2013, and Pope Francis said:
Perhaps hope is like embers under the ashes; let us help each other with solidarity, blowing on the ashes to rekindle the flame. But hope carries us onwards. That is not optimism, it is something else. However hope does not belong to any one person, we all create hope! We must sustain hope in everyone, among all of you and among all of us who are far away. Hope is both yours and ours. It is something that belongs to everyone! (9/22/13, Pastoral Visit to Cagliari)
2014, and St. Louis Archbishop Robert Carlson preached that there is a need for honesty and acknowledgement of the harms of racism:
In the face of brokenness and shame and heartbreak Jesus calls us to come to him and encourages us so that we do not walk away. The time has come for us to acknowledge decades of hurt and mistrust and suspicion and prejudices and, yes, even a tragic death.
2014, and the Catholic Campaign for Human Development Director Ralph McCloud said in an interview:
There are systems and structures in the United States keeping people from living up to their God-given dignity. Violence has never been a solution to our problems. Without question. In Ferguson, I see folks denied access and opportunity. Violence is the reaction of a society that refuses to address the growing divide between those who have and those who are disposable, what Pope Francis calls the throw-away culture.
All of this can only happen when local communities come together in trust ... trust inter-racially, trust inter-economically, trust neighborhood to neighborhood. Sadly, Ferguson is Any City, USA and any city USA can be Ferguson.
2014, and around the world, in the United States, and within Connecticut, we recognize that society has made great strides towards equality. Yet, we still encounter injustice. We need to be hopeful, as we continue to face injustice and acknowledge places of hurt. It is important to educate ourselves and to provide opportunities to educate others about issues such as racism and discrimination. It is through education that we can learn, grow, change policies and transform society.
As a Catholic Church, we have a variety of resources available to help us become more aware:
As we begin this new school year, let us remember the importance of education and continue to work for justice.
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| OCSJM Receives Program Grant | |
OCSJM has received a grant from the Catholic Youth Foundation to create a new service and leadership development program for young adults. We are excited to announce that we will be piloting the "Two Feet of Love in Action" Summer Justice Program in August 2015.
 Young adults from around the archdiocese will gather for four days of service, prayer, and reflection with their peers. During that time they will have opportunities to learn about social justice issues within the local community from nonprofit agencies, and to participate in leadership training.
Do you know someone between the ages of 18-21 who might be interested in being part of this program? DRE's and Youth Ministers: Please encourage your alumni to apply!
Applications will become available in December. Contact Sarah at OCSJM if you are interested in receiving an application or would like more information. (203) 777-7279 or sarah.hillier@aohct.org. View the flyer here, and feel free to distribute it to interested candidates.
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| "Rights of People to Peace" | |
This is the theme of the 2014 International Day of Peace, declared by the United Nations and observed around the world on September 21. We are encouraged to devote this day to peace initiatives, both locally and worldwide, including prayers, education, actions of solidarity, and public awareness on issues related to peace. (See more information.)
 Although this Day of Peace is separate from the Catholic tradition of a World Day of Peace on January 1, initiated by Pope Paul VI in 1968, it has the same goal: to bring together people of good will who strive to build and preserve peace in the world.
Paul VI with his prophetic saying, "If you want Peace, work for Justice," made clear the connection between peace and the well-being of every person.
"A peace that is not the result of true respect for the human being is not true Peace. And what do we call this sincere feeling for the human being? We call it Justice." (World Day of Peace Message, 1972).
We are aware of many situations of extreme social injustice in the world today that are both caused by and the effects of violence and wars. What is happening to Christians and religious minorities in Iraq is evidence of the tragic circumstances facing many because of their faith. The Church teaches that "Religious freedom is a condition for Peace" (World Day of Peace Message, 1988), because it is an essential requirement of the dignity of every person.
We have an opportunity to promote religious freedom and the right to peace by supporting the passage of a Congressional bill that protects International Religious Freedom.
Take Action:
Urge your US Senator to act quickly to pass HR 4653, so that USCIRF (US Commission on International Religious Freedom) can continue its vital work to protect religious freedom around the world. For more information, visit the USCCB Action Center.
Mary, Queen of Peace, pray for us
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| Personal Profile: Bob Appicelli | |
Bob Appicelli is a member of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish in Hamden. He is a retired Naval
Officer, Teacher and Guidance Counselor, who now spends his time as a full-time dynamic volunteer, constantly working on numerous projects at the same time. In addition to
 | | Bob Appicelli |
organizing volunteers for worthwhile projects
at his parish, he has been involved in pro-life activities, fundraising, the parish social justice ministry committee, Knights of Columbus, and as a retreat coordinator.
Bob Appicelli is a member of our Cooperative Parish Sharing Committee. The committee reviews grant applications, visits applicant parishes, and makes funding recommendations.
View the video clip to learn more about Bob and his passions.
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October 4 - Feast of St. Francis
Pray, Celebrate, Learn and Act to Protect All Life | |
Pope Francis, in his first homily, urged Catholics:
Please, ..let us be 'protectors' of creation, protectors of God's plan inscribed in nature, protectors of one another and of the environment. Let us protect with love all that God has given us!
He is currently writing the first encyclical on care of creation, expected next year.
2014 marks the 35th anniversary of St. John Paul II's naming of St. Francis as Patron Saint of those who promote ecology. He and Pope Benedict spoke many times of the moral nature of protection of the environment, including reducing the effects of climate change on the poorest, and on the whole community of life that God created.
How will you and your parish observe and celebrate the Feast of St. Francis?
If you do the traditional Blessing of the Animals:
Ask your pastor/deacon to include the whole community of life, especially other creatures that provide essential services for us and local ecology. See Expand Your Celebration of the Feast of St. Francis for ideas.
For your parish or small group:
From St. Francis to Pope Francis to You! Creating a Climate for Solidarity is an online, self-facilitating, multimedia presentation created by the Catholic Climate Covenant. Use the resource on October 4 or anytime to pray, learn and discuss what you can do to reduce the impacts of climate change and to protect the poorest and most vulnerable. For other action ideas, contact Jeanie Graustein or Sarah Hillier at OCSJM.
On October 4:
On October 12-13:
Attend the Interfaith Climate Stewardship Summit in West Hartford, sponsored by the Interreligious Eco-Justice Network. All major faith traditions see climate change as a spiritual, moral and ethical issue of great concern. Learn faith-based ways of telling the climate story; experience speakers and many workshops on direct action and advocacy opportunities to make a difference. Attend either day or both.
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| Hyper-Incarceration and the American Dream | |
 On October 15, St. Peter Claver will host a program for parish members and the broader community addressing an issue which is of vital significance to all of us: criminal justice reform. - Did you know that between 1970 and 2005 the prison population grew over 700%, far outpacing the population growth rate and the crime rate?
- Did you know that nearly 85% of inmates have drug and/or alcohol addictions or mental health issues?
We have a system of incarceration that does not reflect or respect the dignity of the human person, and we are incarcerating individuals at an alarming rate.
The Office for Catholic Social Justice Ministry of the Archdiocese of Hartford will sponsor this workshop on the need for criminal justice reform on Wednesday October 15, 7:00 pm at St. Peter Claver Church, 47 Pleasant St., West Hartford. The workshop will feature members of Malta Justice Initiative who will provide insights from their new book, "The Justice Imperative: How Hyper-Incarceration Has Hijacked the American Dream." The discussion will explore the current situation and what opportunities exist for us to respond, as Catholics and as informed citizens. Advance registration is requested. Use the form here or call/email OCSJM: (203) 777-7279 or info.ocsjm@aohct.org. Malta Justice Initiative is a sponsored work of the Order of Malta. |
| Coming to America: Immigration Forum | |
 Coming to America is the theme of an Immigration Forum scheduled to happen at St. Bridget Church, 80 Main Street in Manchester on Thursday, Oct 16, at 7 pm. Do you understand the reasons that immigrants are flocking to our shores? Are they only coming to get the "free services"? Our ancestors came to America years ago before severe restrictions applied, like quotas and visas. Only those in steerage class had to go through Ellis Island; those who had the money for first or second class passage proceeded directly into NYC. It was similar in other ports, but New York was the main entrance point for millions of Europeans. Walking over the borders from Canada and Mexico was unrestricted. Assimilation into American culture was difficult then, as it is now. Immigrants have made enormous contributions, despite rampant discrimination! And even then the streets were not paved with gold, as they soon discovered. Indeed, they were expected to pave them! Join us on October 16 to learn more and share insights. All are welcome! Questions? Contact Diane at (860) 649-9827. |
| Speak UP - For JUSTICE! | | |
INTERNATIONAL ISSUE
Advocating to Protect Unaccompanied Children in Your Community
We remain faithful in our commitment to advocate on behalf of unaccompanied children fleeing violence in Central America. We encourage you to contact President Obama today, using the updated action alert on the Catholics Confront Global Poverty Website.
We also encourage you to participate in a FREE Webinar offered by Catholic Legal Immigration Network, on Friday, September 26, 2014; 2:00 - 3:30 pm. See more information above and click here to register.
EWTN News Nightly spoke with Joan Rosenhauer, Catholic Relief Services' Executive Vice President for U.S. Operations, about the factors causing unaccompanied children to leave their homes in Central America and cross into the United States. Rosenhauer just returned from Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador, the countries with the highest number of children crossing the U.S. border. Visit this link to listen to Joan's interview and to learn more about how CRS is working to address the root causes of this migration.
DOMESTIC ISSUE
TELL YOUR ELECTED OFFICIALS TO SUPPORT SHRINKING OUR CARBON FOOTPRINT.
In a July 30, 2014 letter to the EPA, leading U.S. Catholic bishops voiced support for a national standard to limit carbon pollution in order to protect people from climate disruption and toxic pollution. The Environmental Protection Agency has proposed a national standard to drive down carbon pollution, particularly from power plants. The plan gives a lot of flexibility to the states, so governors will be critical moving forward.
Learn more, and add your voice by clicking this link.
Visit the Catholic Climate Covenant webpage for more information and resources.
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| Resource Review | | |
Jesus: A Pilgrimage
James Martin, SJ. HarperOne, 2014
Our book club has read more than one book by James Martin, SJ, and this newest book about Jesus has to be our favorite. What makes it so engaging? I think it is the fact that as many facets of experience as possible are used to more fully appreciate episodes in the life of Jesus, including both sensual and imaginative experience.
Ignatius teaches that the imagination is a valid and valuable form of prayer. One reads a scriptural passage and then imagines and elaborates the scene. If you actually travel to the places where these episodes in scripture occur, your prayer can be that much more vivid and rich. James Martin takes us on his tour of the Holy Land to some unfamiliar places, like the Bay of Parables. The story Fr. Martin unfolds of how these places were located includes some alternative translations of the original language, as well as archaeological evidence, and shares spiritual experiences and revelations.
Perhaps the most valuable thing this book offers, beyond enlightenment about the life of Jesus, is the example of a full and vibrant spiritual life lived by a single person, James Martin, SJ. Paradoxically, the more personal you can be, the more universal. Let his story, and the story of Jesus, touch your life.
Submitted by Pam Hardiman, Farmington
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| Resources and Opportunities | | |
2015 CCHD Multimedia Youth Contest for Schools and Parishes
Schools and parishes can engage youth (grades 7-12) in learning about the causes of poverty and our Catholic response through the 2015 Multimedia Youth Contest. This year's theme is, "Do Justice, Love Goodness, Walk Humbly with God" (Micah 6:8). The grand prize is $500 and a trip to a national awards event, plus matching gifts of $500 for the winner's Catholic school or parish and a CCHD-funded group working to fight poverty. The contest is sponsored by the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (the domestic, anti-poverty program of the U.S. Catholic bishops) and by RCL Benziger, and is managed locally by the Office for Catholic Social Justice Ministry. Learn more about the contest here, and contact Sarah Hillier at OCSJM for more information.
A New Blog: ToGoForth.org Pain. Injustice. Brokenness. Hope. Love. Faith. Wisdom. ToGoForth.org will confront the issues of the day with the insights of the Catholic social teaching tradition, human stories and the perspective of the bishops of the United States. The USCCB Department of Justice, Peace and Human Development invites you to join us as we wrestle for meaning in a conflicted world and respond to Pope Francis' challenge to go forth and reach "all the peripheries in need of the light of the Gospel." You can also join the dialogue on Twitter with @togoforth. |
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