Good Friday Events

Dayton: the Good Friday Walk for Peace and Justice in Dayton commences at 12:00 noon. It starts at Courthouse Square at Third and Main Streets and ends with a soup luncheon at First Baptist Church (111 W. Monument Ave.) with 14 stops along the way. 14 current issues have been chosen to correspond with the 14 Stations of the Cross. The walk will be held rain or shine. Contact Sara Seligmann for more information.

Cincinnati: the Way of the Cross for Justice is an ecumenical event on Good Friday starting at 12:00pm at Piatt Park (100 Garfield Place). Join for a one-hour reflection connecting the suffering of Jesus with the suffering brought about by injustice in our day. Contact Andrew Musgrave with any questions. 



Immigration Event

Wednesday, April 19, from 7:00 – 8:30 PM at Xavier University’s Cintas Center

Keynote Speaker: Bishop Mark Seitz, Bishop of the Diocese of El Paso Texas and Chairman of the U.S. Conference of Bishops’ Migration Committee.

Hear updates on refugee resettlement, family reunification, and migrants’ contributions to a stronger community.

Seeking Intern

Ever year, thanks to the tremendous generosity of Catholics across the Archdiocese of Cincinnati to our Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) collection, we're able to make grants ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 to area nonprofit organizations who are working to fight injustice and offer a hand up to the poor and marginalized. Nationally, the program has existed for over 50 years, and in that half century millions of dollars have been awarded and used to build up God's kingdom.

To learn more about CCHD - both nationally and locally - check out our CCHD web page.

Each year, we host a paid intern to support the work of CCHD in our diocese. If you know of a college-age person (or older) who might be interested in this opportunity, please share Andrew's email address with them. The internship is for the 2023-2024 school year and is located in Cincinnati.

Thanks in advance for your help with spreading the word, and thanks for continuing to partner with our office to stand in solidarity with all of our sisters and brothers in Christ.

Catholics at the State Capitol

Wednesday, April 26

The Catholic Social Action is part of the Department for Life, Human Dignity, and Charity. Our work, along with the work of the Respect Life Office, Office for Persons with Disabilities, and Catholic Charities, is grounded in the respect for the dignity of the every human person and our subsequent commitment to protect all life at all stages, especially the lives of those who are marginalized, forgotten, or oppressed. There are many direct service, charitable ways we can do that work, but it’s also critical that we work to change the systems and institutions that perpetrate and perpetuate injustice. These can take many different forms, and one of the best ways to change our community to look more like God’s kingdom is through advocacy, i.e. speaking to our elected officials and demanding that they use their power and position to care for those most in need. Our department wants to support and empower Catholics in our archdiocese to do just that, and we have thus created this great opportunity to engage in these efforts. 

After several years away, we’re finally bringing Catholics from across Ohio back to Columbus to meet with our elected officials and advocate for policies that respect life, focus on the poor and vulnerable, and recognize families as the central institution of our society. The gathering will happen on Wednesday, April 26, starting at 9:00am. Organized by the Catholic Conference of Ohio and the dioceses of Ohio, our advocacy day will focus primarily on provisions in the proposed state budget, including but not limited to legislation in support for families, education, care for creation, health care, and seniors.

If you are interested in joining us, please register here. There’s no cost to attend, lunch will be provided, and - if we have enough people interested - we’ll provide transportation. (If we’re a smaller number, we’ll arrange carpooling.) If you have any questions, please email Tammie Mers, our department administrative assistant.



Death Penalty Advocacy

We’re thrilled to share with you the exciting news that a new Senate bill will be filed to repeal the death penalty in Ohio. This bill is a significant milestone for our movement, and we are excited to take this step forward in our efforts to end capital punishment in our Ohio.

As someone who is committed to a just legal system, we wanted to share this news with you first. We are grateful for your continued support and collaboration in this effort to repeal the death penalty. This new Senate bill is the result of our collective efforts and shows the momentum and excitement around this important issue.

[Click here to thank our bill sponsors!]

With this bill, we aim to build a better, more just, and equitable justice system that values human life and provides alternatives to the death penalty. We believe that no one should have to face the ultimate punishment of death, and we are committed to fighting for a fair and just system for all.

Anti-Death Penalty Statewide Grassroots Meeting

New Session, Same Legislation

Over the past two years, the No Death Penalty Ohio Coalition built a movement that saw historic legislative progress. Though the legislation that would end Ohio’s death penalty did not pass, we are determined to keep pushing for repeal. It’s a new session and new bills ending Ohio’s death penalty are poised for introduction. Join us at a statewide grassroots meeting to learn about the campaign, ignite or reignite the spark for abolishing the death penalty, and to learn how you can play a role.

Monday, April 17

6:00-7:00pm | Zoom

No Death Penalty Ohio Presentation

Thou Shall Not Kill: A Conversation with Sister Helen Prejean about Faith and the Death Penalty - YouTube

Addressing Gun Violence

Quite horrifically, school (and other mass) shootings continue to occur in our country. The #1 cause of death for young people is now firearms. Community after community is decimated by these tragic acts, and families are forced to faced the worst nightmare imaginable. We stand in solidarity with these communities and call on all people to demand changes that will protect our children and all lives.

Last year, the USCCB strongly supported the Safer Communities Act. Upon it's passage, Archbishop Paul Coakley, chair of the USCCB Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development, said, "I commend members of Congress for their work thus far and encourage them to continue working to confront the plague of gun violence in our nation.” 

They have also spoken out in support of extreme risk protection orders (ERPOs), banning assault weapons and bump stocks, limiting civilian access to high-capacity weapons and magazines, criminalizing gun trafficking, a more appropriate minimum age for gun ownership, and in favor of improvements on background checks.*



We offer this call to action issued by Archbishop Schnurr last year after the Uvalde shooting.

"There have been too many school shootings, too much killing of the innocent. Our Catholic faith calls us to pray for those who have died and to bind the wounds of others, and we join our prayers along with the (broader) community... As we do so, each of us also needs to search our souls for ways that we can do more to understand this epidemic of evil and violence and implore our elected officials to help us take action.”

We strongly encourage you to join this effort: seek out groups in the community who are mobilizing to protect children and all people and join their work. We must ALL step up and raise our voices for peace.

(*https://www.usccb.org/resources/letter-congress-gun-violence-june-3-2022)



COMMUNITY HOMICIDE PRAYER VIGILS

(Where two or three are gathered in my name...)

With roots going back to 1993, the Sisters of the Precious Blood held prayer vigils for homicide victims at the site of the homicides. During COVID restrictions, the on-site vigils were replaced by monthly e-mail notices.  Aware of the continued violence in Montgomery County, community members from diverse faith congregations are now gathering monthly to pray for victims of violence, their loved ones, the perpetrators, and law enforcement. The prayer vigils take place at 12:00 noon on the second Saturday of each month at Mcintosh Park, 882 West Riverview (near the Peace Bridge). Please join in the mission of being a visible presence witnessing to the sacredness of all life. E-mail notification: Visit Facebook at www.facebook.com/CHPVDayton

Farm Bill Education & Advocacy

Every five years, the Farm Bill - a massive piece of legislation which addresses farms, food, and foreign aid - is up for reauthorization. The amount of good this money does is almost immeasurable, and as our office has a special focus on rural life, poverty, and global solidarity, we are especially interested in what happens with this process, i.e. how much money is allocated and how it will be used.

This year, we are partnering with the Catholic Conference of Ohio, the dioceses of Columbus and Cleveland, and Bread for the World to offer events in each of these areas of Ohio. Each of the events will be held from 7:00-9:00pm and will be offered in person and streamed online.

• Cleveland’s presentation will be held at St. Monica Parish in Garfield Heights on Thursday 4/27.

• Cincinnati’s presentation will be held at the Community of the Good Shepherd in Cincinnati (8815 E Kemper Road) on Thursday 5/4.



• Columbus’s presentation will be held at the Martin de Porres Center in Columbus on Wednesday 5/10.

Registration to attend in person is requested, and it's required to join virtually. If you have any questions, please let Andrew know.

Our LSAP conference on March 4 at UD was an amazing success. Almost 200 people joined us for a day of prayer, reflection, learning, connecting, and mobilizing. Everyone left with a renewed spirit and commitment to caring for all of God's creation.

We're looking now for folks to join this invigorated effort. If you, your family, your family of parishes, or your community are interested in partnering with us, please let us know. There are so many great resources available and great people eager to welcome you.

You can learn more about our work here or contact Andrew Musgrave with any questions. 

Building The City of God

April 15, 2023

Sacred Heart Parish Activity Center

McCartyville

Women of the NW Families of Parishes join us for fellowship, prayer, and growth in faith and action.

WHAT TO EXPECT:  Prayer, keynote speaker Mary Anne Bressler from Catholic Charities Southwestern Ohio, brief presentations from people involved in social action ministries, free lunch, opportunity to see and to learn about outreach and social action ministries from various parishes and organizations, hands on projects.

NO CHARGE FOR THE DAY. Please bring travel size hygiene products to be used in assembling hygiene bags for people experiencing homelessness (combs, deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, skin cream, individual toothbrushes, toothpaste, individual snacks, bars of soap, wash cloths.) 

Register by Wednesday, April 5^th 

Call or Email Judy Zimmerman 937-638-2733 PUFFZIMM@HOTMAIL.COM

Click here to learn more | Click here for the save the date

Holy Week with CRS Rice Bowl



Through CRS Rice Bowl, we journeyed with members of our human family around the world, and committed our Lenten prayers, fasting, and almsgiving to deepening our faith and serving those in need.



CRS RICE BOWLS - TURN IN 

Designate a date, time and location for your community to turn in their CRS Rice Bowl donations. Send all collected funds to Catholic Relief Services, Attn: CRS Rice Bowl, PO Box 5200, Harlan, IA 51593-0700. Email Sara Seligmann sseligmann@catholicaoc.org with any questions or concerns.

Rice Bowl Local Funds

75% of the CRS Rice Bowl funds raised are used for CRS’s international development projects. 25% is distributed locally to be used within the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. Local entities working to alleviate hunger or poverty may apply to receive a grant.

Priority for the funds will be for efforts alleviating hunger and food insecurity.

Projects that respond to the root causes of hunger, i.e., projects dealing with economic development, anti-hunger advocacy, and organizing, etc., also meet the criteria.

Grant amount will range in size from $300-$3,500

The application must be submitted by April 28th. Click here to fill out the local fund application.

Please share this application with local organizations that might qualify. Also, please let them know about the great work of CRS!

CRS is the official international relief and development agency of the U.S. Catholic community. Working through local offices and an extensive network of partners, CRS operates in 91 countries.



CRS provides assistance to the the most vulnerable without regard to race, religion or nationality by responding to emergencies and fighting poverty. CRS has a mission oversees and one of calling Catholics in the US to Solidarity with our brothers and sisters around the world so that we can more fully live out our faith. CRS has great prayer, education, and advocacy resources for parishioners of all ages to engage in.



Charity Watch Grade: A+ | https://www.crs.org/about | Donate



Love in Action

If you're wondering how your family of parishes might go about engaging in the Love in Action principle, we encourage you to check out the Love in Action page on the Pathways platform - https://pathway.catholicaoc.org/love-in-action. There you'll find a great introductory video, as well as further explanation of the breadth of the principle. Over time, you'll find more resources and support, and of course you know you can always reach out to our office for support. If you're looking for the first tool we created - the parish inventory - you can find it here (along with the inventories from the other principles) - https://pathway.catholicaoc.org/pathway-tools. If you work for a parish or are involved in parish leadership, we'd love to talk with you through the Forums. Don't hesitate to reach out! 



Breaking Open the Sin of Racism

Engage your community in dialogue

This video series and discussion guide was prepared for the Archdiocese of Cincinnati for use by organizations in a 4-part workshop. Check out the Breaking Open the Sin of Racism site to see how your parish, school, or organization can host workshops or use the resources in other ways. 

Questions? Contact Sara Seligmann | 513-546-3143

From the Respect Life Office

The Abortion Ballot Initiative:

We Must Not Remain Silent

Last month, I mentioned the initiative pro-abortion groups are attempting to instill in our Constitution, with deliberately vague language that would nullify even reasonable abortion restrictions the vast majority of people agree with (such as parental notification laws, safety standards and abortion for reasons of disability) and replace it with essentially abortion on demand for any reason. These groups have already begun collecting the over 400,000 signatures they will need to successfully get this on the ballot in November.

Since then, a coalition of life and family leaders (including local right-to-life organizations and the Ohio Catholic Conference) have joined the CCV to launch the new website ProtectWomenOhio.com, focused on defeating this initiative. There, you can watch the first commercial aimed at educating the public on the dangers of this extreme amendment.

If you want more details on the truth behind that commercial, please check out the video or podcast versions of my latest Being Pro Life interview with Peter Range, Executive Director of Ohio Right to Life, where we go through the actual text of the amendment to explain how the language is deliberately nebulous to create a situation where laws that attempt to limit abortion could easily be interpreted as unconstitutional. 

So what can we do? First of all, we invite everyone to say a quick prayer with your family every day at 7:14 (AM and PM). That time is based on 2 Chronicles 7:14; “if my people, who are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” You should also make specific commitments of fasting related to this issue, even during the Easter Season. You can also get directly involved in efforts to stop people from signing the initiative so it never gets on the ballot. In our area, learn about Decline to Sign events through Cincinnati Right to Life or Dayton Right to Life.

As I shared last month, the Catholic Conference of Ohio already disseminated a letter to all pastors, warning the faithful about the coming initiative. A lot more will be coming from the Conference in the upcoming weeks and months, including resources on prayer, educational resources to hand out, and homily helps for pastors. May our voices be one as we pray:

God our loving Father, grant wisdom to those who govern us, compassion and courage to those who work to defend human life, and safety and care to every human being. For you alone who formed us in our mothers’ wombs, and who call us home to heaven, are God, for ever and ever. Amen 

From the Office for Persons with Disabilities

HELP NEEDED!

Interested in joining the Belonging Task Force? The BTF is a group of parents, teachers, and community members who meet monthly to discuss ways to help and support families on their faith journey. What is special about the BTF? The families we support are those families who have a loved one with a special need. We support the blind, deaf, hard of hearing, and disabled. Would you like to learn more about the Belonging Task Force? I would like to schedule a time to visit your deanery to meet with you.

Lisa L. Averion, Associate Director, Office for Persons with Disabilities laverion@catholicaoc.org

We are all one family in the world. Building a community that empowers everyone to attain their full potential through each of us respecting each other’s dignity, rights and responsibilities makes the world a better place to live. - St. John Paul II



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Andrew Musgrave - Cincinnati, Director

Sara Seligmann - Dayton, Regional Director

Sr. Christine Pratt - Eastern Area Coordinator

Program Coordinator - (open)

Tammie Mers - Administrative Assistant

Catholic Social Action Office

Archdiocese of Cincinnati

csa@catholicaoc.org