Commission for Life and Justice
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COMMISSION for LIFE AND JUSTICE Saturday, March 10, 2012 Presenter/Faciltator: Registration deadline: March 1 |
Conscience Rights Denied Catholics See www.pacatholic.org (PA Catholic Advocacy Network) Direct link to the conscience alert: http://tinyurl.com/7v9nkm4 |
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Leader of US Bishops Asks for Preaching on Poverty
Says Unemployment Is More Than an Issue
WASHINGTON, D.C., SEPT. 20, 2011 (Zenit.org).- The leader of the U.S. bishops' conference is urging his brother prelates to bring the "scandal" of poverty and unemployment to public attention.
Archbishop Timothy Dolan of New York made this appeal in a Sept. 15 letter to all bishops.
"I hope we can use our opportunities as pastors, teachers, and leaders to focus public attention and priority on the scandal of so much poverty and so many without work in our society," he wrote.
The archbishop said his letter came in response to a request from the bishops' administrative committee, which reported that 46 million people (15%) now live in poverty in the United States.
Archbishop Dolan's letter requested the bishops to continue to "do all you can to lift up the human, moral and spiritual dimensions of the ongoing economic crisis."
Unemployment numbers "are not statistics," he reminded, "but people suffering and wounded in their human dignity."
The archbishop offered resources to the bishops to assist them in their preaching and educating the public. He also requested that they share their own statements and actions on this theme.
Solution
Without offering an extensive treatise on Catholic social doctrine, Archbishop Dolan did cite Benedict XVI to offer part of the solution.
"The best way out of poverty is to work at a living wage," he explained. "In the words of Pope Benedict XVI, 'Being out of work or dependent on public or private assistance for a prolonged period undermines the freedom and creativity of the person and his family and social relationships, causing great psychological and spiritual suffering' (Caritas in Veritate, No. 25)."
The New York archbishop spoke of the "political and economic behaviors" at the base of "economic failures."
But he said it is not the time for excuses or placing blame: "It is a time for everyone to accept their own personal and institutional responsibility to help create jobs and to overcome poverty, each in accord with their own abilities and opportunities. Individuals and families, faith-based and community groups, businesses and labor, government at every level, all must work together and find effective ways to promote the common good in national and economic life."
"It is an essential part of our work as Catholics to build a more just society and economy," the archbishop stated. "We feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, educate the young, welcome refugees and care for the sick and vulnerable. Our Church serves and stands in solidarity with those who are poor and jobless, helping them break the cycle of poverty and act on behalf of their own families and communities."
--- ---On the Net: Full text: www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/human-life-and-dignity/ economic-justice-economy/letter-to-bishops-on-economic-situation.cfm
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≈ Purpose-History-Members
≈ Listening & learning from what's going on
≈ We'd like to connect with your group
≈ Up-to-date, accurate information on various life and justice issues
≈ Opportunities to Learn
≈ Specific Ministry Ideas
≈ Key Papal Documents
≈ What are life & justice issues?
Purpose:
The Commission's purpose is to promote wider involvement in life and justice ministries throughout the diocese. We see our role in general as a motivating and encouraging group, an advocate and leaven for the work of serving life and justice.
History:
The Commission was created in 2001 by Bishop Joseph and reports directly to him. Over the years we have sponsored workshops, speakers and retreats in various parts of the diocese with the aim of educating about the Church's rich teachings on life and justice.
Members:
Anthony Consiglio, Chair
Rev. David J. Arseneault
Sr. Helen Marie Burns, RSM
Fr. Sean Code
J ean Johnstone
Mary Lynch
Sr. Patti Rossi, CSJ
Rev. Daniel Sinisi, TOR
Francine Swope
Susan Stith, Diocesan Liaison
Listening & learning from what's going on:
Because many good works are already happening in the diocese, we realized that the Commission could benefit from an on-going relationship to those of you actively engaged in life and justice ministry.
To that end we identified parishes, groups, and pastors whose works in life and justice issues are well-known and invited ourselves into a conversation with you in 2009. Our intent was simple:
- to build a relationship between yourselves and us so that we might serve as resources for one another
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to perform an informal needs assessment
~What might you need from us?
~Where are the gaps in our diocesan efforts?
~How do we support one another? - to identify best practices among us and pieces of good news we can share with other parishes/diocesan organizations,
- to initiate a yearly conversation with you.
We clarified that pastors and groups are not accountable to the Commission.
We reviewed closely the summary of these interviews and listened attentively to the recounting of experiences by the various members who conducted the interviews. We tried to see clearly the common threads-the issues, the areas being touched, the challenges and questions that emerged. It was noted that the experience of these interviewers- in person or on the phone- was that of being on holy ground.
Your honest and insightful reflections inspired us and helped us more clearly discern ways the Commission can assist you and the entire diocese in this important and essential ministry. As a result of our reflections on our conversations with you, we decided to hold "Discover Life & Justice Ministries" Gatherings in June 2010 as a way to showcase and celebrate the ministry happening in the diocese, to promote networking, and educate others as to ministry opportunities they might begin in their parishes.
We'd like to connect with your group:
Our attempt to get to know those involved in life and justice ministry was limited. If your group would like to connect with us, please contact the Commission. Our desire is to build wider our relationships in all areas of the diocese.
Up-to-date, accurate information on various life and justice issues:
U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) website http://www.usccb.org/
PA Catholic Conference (PPC) website http://www.pacatholic.org/
Opportunities to Learn:
JustFaith Groups http://www.justfaith.org/
(Small group study; mainly issues surrounding poverty)
JustFaith Ministries provides programs that transform people and expand their commitment to social ministry. Through these life-changing opportunities, members of a church or parish can study, explore and experience Christ's call to care for the poor and vulnerable in a lively, challenging, multifaceted process in the context of a small faith community. JustFaith is partnered with Catholic Charities, Catholic Relief Services, and Campaign for Human Development.
To talk to persons in our diocese who have taken part in a JustFaith group, contact the Commission.
Specific Ministry Ideas:
"Pastoral Plan for Pro-Life Activities-A Campaign in Support of Life"
A 47 page pamphlet with rationale and specific pro-life project ideas from the U.S. Bishops' Conference - order from http://www.usccb.org/ or borrow a copy from the Family Life Office, 814-886-5551; familylife@dioceseaj.org.
"Communities of Salt & Light: Reflections on the Social Mission of the Parish"
A 27 page booklet written by U.S. Catholic Bishops; lots of practical examples of what various parishes are doing; not available online; order from http://www.usccb.org/ or Family Life Office, 814-886-5551; familylife@dioceseaj.org.
Key Papal Documents:
"Gospel of Life" (Evangelium vitae)
http://www.vatican.va/edocs/ENG0141/_INDEX.HTM
"On Hope" (Spe salvi)
http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/encyclicals/documents/hf_ben-xvi_enc_20071130_spe-salvi_en.html
"Charity in Truth" (Caritas in veritate)
http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/encyclicals/documents/hf_ben-xvi_enc_20090629_caritas-in-veritate_en.html
"God is Love" (Deus caritas est)
http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/encyclicals/documents/hf_ben-xvi_enc_20051225_deus-caritas-est_en.html
Life and Justice Issues
~Abuse ~Health care
~Arms control ~Human trafficking
~Assisted Suicide ~Immigration
~Capital punishment ~Labor issues
~Cloning ~Poverty
~Embryonic stem cell research ~Racism and other forms of prejudice
~End of life issues
Fifty Attended Commission Retreat IN 2010
Fifty people from throughout the diocese attended a morning retreat entitled “Sharing the Spirit-Buildingthe Kingdom” on Saturday, March 12, 2010 at St.FrancisUniversity. The event was sponsored by the diocesan Commission for Life and Justice. Anyone interested in praying and reflecting on the Church’s Social Teaching and especially those involved in respect life or justice ministries were invited.
The presenter, Msgr. Michael Becker, pastor of St. Johnthe Evangelist Parish in Lakemont, Altoona, spoke of the temptation to isolate works of justice from our life of faith. Just being a nice person so I can get to heaven is not enough. We are called to collaborate with Jesus, alive among us, and with His Spirit to renew the face of the earth, to bring a new world into being “on earth as it is in heaven.”
In his talk, Msgr. Becker mentioned themes from various modern papal encyclicals, all flowing from the dignity of each human person, from conception to death. He reminded participants that these life and justice issues must be at the center of our lives as Catholic individuals and parishes. Jesus told us in Matthew 25, “what you do to the least of my brethren, you do to me.” That “you” is not a singular “you” but “you the church, you the community.”
The retreatants were offered time for silent prayer followed by small and large group discussion opportunities to reflect together. Many mentioned how re-energizing the retreat was. They appreciated the opportunity to meet and share with others who are laboring to build God’s Kingdom in daily works of respecting life and promoting justice and charity.