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October is Respect Life Month. During this month, we are invited to reflect on the dignity of every human life from conception to natural death. We are called to recognize that life is a sacred gift deserving of protection and reverence in all its stages.
“[Jesus] calls each of us to respect that gift of life in every human person. While we live in a society that often rejects those who are weak, fragile, or vulnerable, they are the most in need of our care and protection,” he continued. “Through the graces of this revival, may we witness, work, and vote so that all children in the womb will be protected in law and welcomed in love, and that all mothers and families will be strengthened by our support and accompaniment.” (Bishop Michael F. Burbidge of Arlington)
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CMSM has a compilation of JPIC resources available for JPIC coordinators or leaders of communities in the Member Content area of our website. If you are interested in gaining access to these resources, please email David Rohrer Budiash (drohrerbudiash@cmsm.org) for instructions on how to sign up. | |
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Letter to Congress Regarding the PROVE IT Act, October 16, 2024
On October 16, 2024, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) Committees on Domestic Justice and Human Development and International Justice and Peace wrote a letter to Congress regarding the "Prove It Act." The USCCB supports the legislation, which will provide the "US government with reliable information about the emissions intensity of numerous important products produced in the United States compared to those abroad."
Learn more here.
Bishop Burbidge Calls on Catholics to Renew Commitment to Life
Chairman of the Committee on Pro-Life Activities, Bishop Michael F. Burbidge of Arlington, calls on Catholics to renew their commitment to the legal protection of human life, to support policies and service ministries that assist mothers, and to extend compassion to those suffering from participation in abortion.
Learn more here.
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Catholic organizations pray, reflect, offer Resources as election approaches
Several Catholic organizations are offering the opportunity to pray and reflect as elections near this fall. Beginning on Sunday, October 27, the Eternal World Television Network (EWTN) will launch a nine-day novena in anticipation of the U.S. election on November 5. The nine-day prayer initiative invites Catholics to pray for divine guidance and for the nation to be united in truth and justice. In addition, the Franciscan Action Network is offering a non-partisan, pre-election prayer vigil on October 29, which "will be a moment for people of all political persuasions to gather and recall our shared commitment to nonviolence, the common good, and properly functioning democracy as a way to resolve inevitable political differences."
Finally, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has a set of guidelines for Catholic entities to consider as they develop their own approach to this election season.
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Catholic leader promotes interfaith unity through charity work in Yemen
Bishop Paolo Martinelli, OFM Cap., a bishop in Yemen, along with two groups of sisters from St. Teresa of Calcutta’s Missionaries of Charity, are working to build interfaith unity through charity work in Yemen. The initiative, led by Archbishop Paul Hinder, focuses on providing humanitarian aid and fostering cooperation between Christians and Muslims in a war-torn region. By addressing critical needs such as healthcare, education, and food security, the project aims to build bridges between religious communities and promote peace amidst the ongoing conflict. The archbishop emphasizes that charity is a powerful way to bring people together, regardless of faith.
Read more here.
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Pope calls for Mideast cease-fire; prays for peace in Ukraine, Haiti
In his Angelus address on October 13, 2024, Pope Francis called for an immediate ceasefire in the Middle East and prayed for peace in both Ukraine and Haiti. He expressed deep concern over the escalating violence and humanitarian crisis in Gaza and Israel, urging an end to hostilities and respect for international law. The Pope also highlighted the suffering in Ukraine, encouraging dialogue and diplomatic efforts to end the war, while remembering the ongoing instability in Haiti, which is struggling with violence and poverty. He appealed for global solidarity and prayers for peace, emphasizing the need for compassion and justice for all affected communities.
Read more here and here.
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World Day of Migrants and Refugees
September 29, 2024, was the 110th World Day of Migrants and Refugees. The theme was “God walks with his people.” Pope Francis, in his message for the day, emphasizes God's presence with migrants and refugees, acknowledging their struggles and offering spiritual support. He highlights the need for solidarity, protection, and inclusion of displaced people, calling on societies to respond with compassion and empathy.
Read more here. Read Pope Francis' full message here.
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- Faith in Democracy Prayer/Information Session (Virtual)
- Tuesday, October 29 at 7:00 pm ET
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Register here.
- Election 2024 and Beyond: Things to Watch in the Area of Migration (Virtual)
- Thursday, October 31 at 2:00 pm ET
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Register here.
- Laudato Si Action Platform Film Screening: “Ecosophia: Ecological Wisdom” (Virtual)
- Tuesday, November 12 at 6:00 pm CT
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Register here.
- Laudato Si' Action Platform Annual Celebration (Virtual)
- Thursday, November 14 at 8:00 am ET
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Register here.
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