Welcome back Fall!

Greetings folks. The temps are dropping, harvest season is upon us, the kids are back in school, and football season is almost here. And pumpkin spice returns!

As you'll see below, there is a LOT going on. So sit back, grab your favorite beverage, and check out all the great things going on.

We hope your ongoing journey with Beacons of Light is going as smoothly as possible. Please know that we (and the whole Love in Action team) have been praying for you all and stand ready to support you as your family of parishes discerns how you will commit to Love in Action.

If you're wondering how your family might go about engaging in this principle, we encourage you to check out the Love in Action page on the Pathways platform - https://pathway.catholicaoc.org/love-in-action. Over time, you'll find more resources, and of course you know you can always reach out to our office for support.

We hold in prayer all of those who continue to be affected by injustice, violence, disease, and natural (human-exacerbated) disasters. God grant us the strength to stand up for peace, health, and all of your creation.

Please know that we continue to pray for and support you, and we humbly ask that you continue to pray for us.

If there's anything that we can do to support the work happening in your community, please let us know. We're trying to be more present to parishes, especially during the Beacons of Light process, and we'd love to (re)connect with you and work to build up God's kingdom of peace, justice, and kinship.

We will continue to send out Regional Updates with time-sensitive reminders and Action Alerts encouraging everyone to bring their voice and power to bear on important issues.

We wish you a wonderful fall, and - as always - we look forward to seeing you soon as we continue to stand up for justice, solidarity, and equity.

Peace,

Sara, Tammie, Sr. Christine, & Andrew

Civility & Peace During the Election Season Series

We all know how divided our society (and – even more tragically – our Church) has become. We’ve become so entrenched in our political identities that we’ve lost sight of who we are, especially who we are as sisters and brothers in Christ. In an attempt to heal ourselves and our community from these dehumanizing and demonizing behaviors, the Respect Life and Catholic Social Action offices are partnering with Braver Angels to offer a series of three on-line workshops during the election season.

On Thursday Sept. 29, we’ll offer ‘Depolarizing Within’, a workshop that teaches participants to look within and develop strategies for engaging politics without demonizing, and how to constructively intervene in social conversations with like-minded peers.

On Thursday October 20, we’ll over ‘Skills for Bridging the Divide’, a workshop to help you through difficult political conversations with people in your life, considering how to talk across the divide in a constructive, empathetic way.

And finally, on Thursday Nov. 10 (two days after Election Day and just two weeks before Thanksgiving), we’ll offer ‘Families and Politics ’, a workshop that shows how we can talk about politics with our loved ones in a way that brings us closer together – not pulls us farther apart.

You can register at the links listed above, and you can attend one, two, or all three of the sessions. All workshops will start at 6:30pm, are offered free of charge, and will be offered virtually.

If you have any questions, please reach out to Andrew Musgrave. We look forward to meeting, praying, and working with you for a more compassionate world.

Laudato Si Communities Award Presentation

Season of Creation prayer service

For the fifth year in a row, we will recognize new Catholic institutions who have successfully completed the process to become a Laudato Si' Community. We will honor them during our Season of Creation Prayer Service on the Feast of St. Francis. We'd love to have as many people join us as possible, and we'd like to close the service with a brief introduction and invitation to the Vatican's Laudato Si' Action Platform. And there will be food!

When: Tuesday, October 4 (Feast of St. Francis), 6:30pm

Where: Earth Connection, 370 Neeb Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45233

If you can join us, please let Tammie know so we can plan for food.

If you cannot join us in person, please consider joining us via Zoom:

https://catholiccincinnati.zoom.us/j/86812145367

We look forward to seeing you there!

Let us Gather in Prayer Support for Farmers, Gardeners, Rural Folks, & Rural Farms

On Friday, September 23, at 7:00 pm, Archbishop Dennis Schnurr will be celebrating a Farm Mass at the rural home (5517 Franklin Rd.) of Tim and Lori Leibreich, parishioners of St. Mary Parish, Hillsboro. This mass is a prayer support for farmers, gardeners, rural folks and rural businesses. The mass will be held rain or shine. You are asked to bring a chair and a snack to share. If you have questions, contact Patrick Hornschemeier, the Chairperson of the southern Catholic Rural Life Conference at 513-752-0647.

Click here for flyer.

Urge Congress to Pass the Afghan Adjustment Act

It has been one year since the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan and the harrowing scenes that captivated the world as aircraft rushed to depart its capital city of Kabul. Tens of thousands of Afghan nationals have now been resettled in communities across the United States, many of whom served alongside U.S. servicemembers. They are now in need of a legal pathway to real and lasting safety. They need the Afghan Adjustment Act.

The bipartisan Afghan Adjustment Act (S. 4787/H.R. 8685), patterned after similar laws, including legislation enacted after the U.S. withdrawal from Vietnam, provides an important correction by allowing recently resettled Afghans to apply to become lawful permanent residents, the same status they would have received had they been admitted through the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program. The Afghan Adjustment Act would benefit not only the Afghans themselves but also the organizations (such as Catholic Charities and Catholic Social Services) and federal agencies serving them.

As Bishop Mario Dorsonville, chairman of the USCCB’s Committee on Migration, said in a recent letter to Congress, “it is both our moral duty and in our country’s best interest to provide our new Afghan neighbors with a pathway to permanent legal status.”

Resources:

Read the recent press release from the USCCB discussing the Afghan Adjustment Act.
View the text of the Afghan Adjustment Act, as introduced in the Senate.
View a section-by-section breakdown of the bill.
The National Immigration Forum has also created a summary of the bill.
For more information about our new Afghan neighbors and the need for passing the Afghan Adjustment Act, view the Justice for Immigrants backgrounder.

Pray for integration of all newcomers.

Embracing God's Creation

A series of presentations, immersions, and prayer experiences focused on the ecological spirituality of Laudato Si

PRESENTATION

A Trinitarian Spirituality of Attentiveness

Dr. Vincent Miller (University of Dayton)

Thursday, September 15, 7:00 p.m.

Bellarmine Chapel (3801 Ledgewood and Livestream)

IMMERSION

Ecological Initiative at

St. Xavier High School

Meg Shaughnessey and the Environmental Action Club

Saturday, September 24 at 1:00 p.m.

St. Xavier High School (600 West North Bend Road)

RSVP for these and future events at

https://form.jotform.com/Bellarmine/EGC-Fall22

Contact Tim Severyn for more information

Sponsored by the Cincinnati Jesuit Family

Click here for flyer.

Ending the Death Penalty

Over the last several months, we've been part of a statewide effort to finally, after 40 years, abolish the death penalty in Ohio. Most signs are pointing towards a positive outcome at the end of the year, and we want to do everything we can to make sure that happens.

To prepare for this end of the year push, our partners at NoDeathPenaltyOhio have set up a series of gatherings and trainings. You can click this link to access the website with the details.

We look forward to celebrating this big pro-life win here in OH, but it will require all of us working together to get this across the finish line. Join us!

Inclusive Excellence Scholar Residency

Fr. Daniel Horan, OFM

Sun., 09/18, 6pm; Tue., 09/20, 6pm

Each academic year, the Office of Diversity and Inclusion at the University of Dayton welcomes a distinguished guest to campus for a multi-day series of events. The Inclusive Excellence Scholar Residency (IESR) assists the University of Dayton community to achieve a more robust integrated approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

This year the University of Dayton is proud to announce Fr. Daniel Horan, OFM, as its 2022 IESR speaker. Fr. Horan is the Director of the Center for Spirituality and Professor of Philosophy, Religious Studies, and Theology at Saint Mary’s College in Notre Dame, IN. He is a columnist for National Catholic Reporter and the author of fourteen books.

You are invited to join the University of Dayton community on

Sunday, September 18, 2022 @ 6pm - Sunday Mass (Chapel of the Immaculate Conception at the University of Dayton).

Tuesday, September 20, 2022 @ 6pm - Public Lecture and Q&A (KU Ballroom, Kennedy Union) - Click here to RSVP

For questions, feel free to contact diversityandinclusion@udayton.edu

University of Dayton, 300 College Park, Dayton, Ohio 45469

937-229-1000; info@udayton.edu. Directions.

Harvest Prayer 2022

The 2022 global growing season has presented challenges and losses to many farmers, farmworkers, and others who derive a living from the land. Floods, droughts, fires, and wars have left the land and its people in dire situations for years to come. Close to home, we have experienced excessive rain. We know that the costs of production have increased affecting the prices and the outcomes farmers depend on for their families and those who work with them. All who work on the land to provide food for all are in need of our prayers, support, and participation in assuring that they and the land may be cared for and continue that all may eat.

Prayer for the Harvest

God of all creation, with unending love you brought forth the earth and shared your breath with all creatures. You sustain us and nurture us with your own hand. Bless the men and women (farmers, shepherds, ranchers, fishers, vintners) who work with you to feed and nourish your people. May all of us, growers and consumers, be faithful stewards of your creation. Keep harvesters safe and healthy as they perform their tasks. May they receive a just recompense for their work and know the respect of the human community. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Suggested Intercessions

For all who work the land, that they may be safe in their harvesting and may derive a just livelihood for themselves and their families, we pray…

God has made humans stewards of creation. That all may work to protect what God has made - land, water, forests, and beyond - for generations to come. We pray…

Share the Journey Concert: RSVP and Donate Today!

Each year, Bellarmine collaborates with local musicians Pierson-Young Project and Bobby Fisher to host the Share the Journey Concert. In the spirit of Pope Francis, this concert raises funds for immigrant-serving organizations (Kino Border Initiative, Casa de Paz, Catholic Charities, and Jesuit Refugee Services with a focus on Ukrainian refugees). This year, the concert is back in person and bigger than ever! Join us in the Chapel on September 23 & 24 at 7 p.m. to hear a variety of locally and nationally renowned musicians, including the sacramental musician ValLimar Jansen. You can learn more about the complete lineup at www.shareinthehope.com or on this flier. The performance will also be live-streamed.

Please RSVP on the Facebook event and share it with your friends! We hope to pack the house and raise $25,000 this year! You can make your donations at this link today. Contact parishioner Steve Young for additional information.

Praying and Learning Together:

An Interfaith Perspective on Immigration

September 27, 2022 – 7:00– 8:15 p.m.

Gloria Dei Worship Center

Trinity Lutheran Seminary at Capital University

2199 East Main Street

Columbus, OH 43209

Engage your community in dialogue

The 8-part video series and discussion guide were prepared for the Archdiocese of Cincinnati for use by organizations in a 4-part workshop. The videos feature presentations by scholars and professionals at the University of Dayton. The series begins with a macro global and historical examination of race and racism, and progresses to a micro examination of the interpersonal impact of race and racism. Check out the Breaking Open the Sin of Racism site to see how your parish, school, or organization can host workshops.

Questions? Contact Sara Seligmann | 513-546-3143

In the Dayton area? Consider joining the workshop in person!

St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church

Session #1 Tuesday, September 13, 2022 7-8:30pm

Session #2 Tuesday, September 20, 2022 7-8:30pm

Session #3 Tuesday, September 27, 2022 7-8:30pm

Session #4 Tuesday, October 4, 2022 7-8:30pm

Click here to register

or call Elizabeth Lush, St. Charles Parish, 937 434-6081

CRS Committee

If you have interest in promoting CRS and global solidarity across the Archdiocese then please consider joining the CRS Committee. We usually meet on zoom about once a month or less (sometimes a little more if a big event is coming up). Please email Sara sseligmann@catholicaoc.org if you have any questions or want to join us. We'd love to have more voices from across the Archdiocese.

We will be having an outdoor get together where you can come to learn more about our committee. Gathering will be September 15 at 11 am at the outdoor shelter of St. Francis of Assisi in Centerville. Please let Sara know if you're interested.

2022 CATHOLIC IMMIGRANT INTEGRATION INITIATIVE CONFERENCE

On Sept. 13-14, the Center for Migration Studies of New York is hosting this Catholic immigration conference at Marquette University and online. Check out the website for more information and to register.

Laudato Si’ Action Platform

In May last year the Vatican launched the 7-year Laudato Si’ Action Platform (laudatosiactionplatform.org). Archbishop Schnurr has announced that the Archdiocese of Cincinnati will be joining the platform as an official partner.

As a reminder, the Laudato Si’ Action Platform focuses on seven sectors: families, parishes, schools, hospitals, businesses, organizations, and religious orders. It has seven goals: the response to the cry of the earth, the response to the cry of the poor, ecological economics, adoption of simple lifestyles, ecological education, ecological spirituality, and community involvement.

Our Care for Creation Task Force is looking for people to join the ad hoc committees we're forming (one for each of the seven constituencies: families, parishes, schools, hospitals, businesses, organizations, and religious orders) to promulgate these ideas. If you're interested in joining this effort (or know someone who might be), please contact Andrew.

From the Respect Life Office

Hopefully by now, you have heard of the USCCB program Walking with Moms in Need. With Roe and Casey overturned and abortion now illegal in Ohio at the detection of a heartbeat, it is more important than ever to be as ready as we can to support women in need who find themselves in an unexpected pregnancy.

As your parish heads more fully into the Beacons process, one of the things that we will all need to do is form a Love in Action core team for your Family of Parishes. Each family will have different starting points and work at different speeds, but part of each Love in Action team should be a person or subgroup that works on Respect Life issues. That makes this the perfect time to get the USCCB Walking With Moms program up and running at the parish level. The more parishes in your family, the more likely it is that your family will need to take more time to get this Love in Action core team up and running. Taking time with that process can be a good and necessary thing. But the work of Walking With Moms in Need at the parish level does not need to wait.

First, check out the page we put together at www.catholicaoc.org/walkingwithmoms. There, you will find the Resources for Moms page we put together on local resources for women in need. Underneath that you will find the Resources for Parishes link we made to help you navigate the Walking with Moms initiative. Thankfully, you will find that most of the work in the inventory or local resources page is already done for you, listed at the l0cal resources link for moms already mentioned.

As we have mentioned before, this isn’t about turning your parish into a crisis pregnancy center. This is about learning what resources are out there to help women in need, making a plan on how the parish might support these agencies, communicating that to everyone in your parish, and enlisting everyone’s help to work together to aid these agencies in appropriate ways in their charitable work. As Pope Francis reminded us in a 2015 address, “…our parishes and communities [should] become islands of mercy in the midst of the sea of indifference.” With many hands come light work, and we can really make a difference in not only helping women, but helping the culture understand that Catholics are not only for saving the lives of the unborn, but also equipping mothers with what they need to make better choices for themselves and their babies. Let us change the false narrative that being pro-life is exclusively about the unborn, and show the world that we have always also been about offering real help for women in need.

From the Office for Persons with Disabilities and

Deaf Ministry

^{We are a single flock under the care of a single shepherd. There can be no separate Church for persons with disabilities.}

^{Welcome and Justice for Persons with Disabilities, UCCB 1998}

^{On October 8, 2022, our office will host a mass for our Deaf Community with Archbishop Schnurr presiding and Fr. Mike Depcik co-celebrating. This will be a beautiful opportunity for our hearing and Deaf Community to come together to share the celebration of the mass. All are invited to attend. There will be an ASL interpreter available.}

^{Save the Date!}^{October 8, 2022:}

^{1:30 p.m. Confession (Deaf Community)}

^{3:00 p.m. Mass}

^{St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 6245 Wilmington Pike, Centerville.}

^{Here’s a great article about a deaf priest who is serving his community}

^{How a deaf priest is reaching a neglected Catholic community - U.S. Catholic (uscatholic.org)}

Twitter: @AoCincinnatiCsa

Instagram: @aocincinnati_csa

YouTube: @CatholicSocialActionAOC

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/csacinci