Greetings all!
Happy New Year (only a month late)!
If you were like us, you were looking forward to a much different 2021. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem like much as changed: there was a violent, deadly protest in our nation's capital; the pandemic continues to rage (more vaccines - yea!, more dangerous strains - no!); deep divides still exist across political lines (not to mention economic, racial, economic, and cultural lines): and big snow storms are moving across the country.

Thankfully, we remain hopeful thanks to our faith in a God who is always with us, offering mercy, grace, and a passion for a better world. We join with you in that hope, striving for greater peace, justice, and compassion; seeking to encounter those who are on the margins, recognize their dignity, listen to their voices, and walk arm-in-arm towards the kingdom God intends for all God's children.

Our prayers go out to all those affected by the coronavirus - the sick, the healthcare professionals, the public health workers, and the mourning. And while we have two vaccines available and more are on the way, we're still a long way from putting this behind us. Therefore...

We strongly encourage everyone to remain diligent: wear your mask, social distance, wash your hands, and avoid large groups.

We know it's challenging with the cold weather, but we must all make sacrifices for the common good and especially the most vulnerable among us.

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

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 deaneries, parishes, schools, and neighborhoods, 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, Action Alerts encouraging everyone to bring their voice and power to bear on important issues, and COVID-19 Information as it becomes available. 

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

Peace,
Becky, Sara, Tammie, Sr. Christine, & Andrew
BUY LOCAL FOODS SEMINAR 2021

Did you know that at least one of every seven people in our region struggles with food insecurity?

Join us virtually on Zoom or by phone this year for the 13th Annual
Buy Local Foods Seminar
Sunday, February 21, 2021 from 1:00-4:00 pm

Sponsored by Catholic Rural Life (CRL) and the Adams-Brown Diabetes Education Coalition

Keynote Session: “The Benefits of Having a Local Food Council”.
Michaela Oldfield, Director, Greater Cincinnati Regional Food Policy Council and Anne Schneider, GCRFPC Farm to School Coordinator.

The Keynote Session will be followed by virtual breakout sessions on topics of interest to consumers, producers, and especially anyone with an interest in actively engaging in the formation of a Brown County Food Council.

Presenters for the two breakout sessions on Food Council formation come to us from OSU Extension, Adams and Brown County organizations, Hope Emergency Pantry, and the Adams County Food Council.

Other breakout sessions and presenters are:
"Easy Gourd Growing and Crafting”- Christine Tailer, Local Farmer
“Safe Food Preservation”- Lisa Barlage, Ross County Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Ohio State University (OSU) Extension
“Direct Marketing Local Foods During a Pandemic: Lessons Learned and Best Practices Shared”- Christie Welch, Program Specialist for Direct Marketing, OSU Extension South Centers

To register for this event, follow this link to Eventbrite: https://tinyurl.com/yytlenko
Once you register, you will receive an email with the link to join the seminar.
 
For questions, call Julie Kline @ 937 515-1807, Sue Basta @ 937 515-6900,
or Pat Hornschemeier @ 513 752-0647
A Lenten Journey through Black History in Rural Ohio

The Catholic Rural Life Conferences and Anti-Racism Task Force of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati Social Action Office invite you to join us for a series of three presentations looking at three unique aspects of African American history in southwestern Ohio.
The talks will operate independently so attendees can join for the whole series or simply the one or two that work for their schedules. All talks will take place over Zoom.

Monday, Feb. 22, 7:00pm
The Community Within: Discovering African American History in Rural Ohio
Presenter: Professor Ric Sheffield, Chair of the American Studies Department at Kenyon College

Thursday, March 4, 7:00pm
Carthagena—Ohio’s Largest Free Black and Mulatto Settlement
Presenter: Mary Ann Olding, President & Owner of Old World Research Company

Thursday, March 11, 7:00pm
Gist Communities—Settlements of Freed Slaves - How They Worked and Continue Today
Presenters: Neil Snarr, Professor Emeritus at Wilmington College, & Peggy Mills Warner, 7th generation descendent of the Gist Community in Brown County

If you have any questions, please let us know. All are welcome, and we'd appreciate you spreading the word. This series can provide a great Lenten reflection series for parishes and other faith groups.


Bring Lent to Life with CRS Rice Bowl

In times of upheaval our faith is an anchor. During Lent, prayer, fasting, and almsgiving strengthen us for the challenges ahead and bring us closer to God.  Please remember that CRS Rice Bowl offers online prayers and reflections that families, schools, and parishes can use to support Lenten spirituality and reflection in the home. As always, your involvement in CRS Rice Bowl this Lenten season provides for those in great need and your compassion is very much appreciated. Please find ideas for online giving and activities here https://resources.catholicaoc.org/offices/catholic-social-action/task-forces-committees/crs.
Blessings to you all! Contact Sara Seligmann with questions or concerns.
2021 World Day of Peace Message

January 1st was the 54th World Day of Peace. You can read Pope Francis' 2021 World Day of Peace Message A Culture of Care as a Path to Peace, and visit the USCCB World Day of Peace webpage for additional resources. 
COVID-19 Vaccine Information 

There have been questions about the current Covid-19 vaccines and any moral issues that Catholics might have with taking them. The Ohio Bishops and the Vatican's Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith have both issued statements that address and support the moral use of these vaccines to save lives by fighting the Covid-19 pandemic. 


Ohio Bishops Issue Letter on Vaccines. Vaccines developed by Moderna and Pfizer to combat COVID-19 may be taken without moral reservations. 
Federal Death Penalty Petition (from the Catholic Mobilizing Network)

Sign the CMN petition urging President Biden to honor the sanctity of life by prioritizing an end to the federal death penalty. By Jan. 20, the outgoing administration had executed 13 people in a 6-month, never-before-seen torrent of federal executions.

SOLARIZE CINCY 2020

Ever wonder if rooftop solar panels could help you save on your energy bills? Signing up to join the Solarize Cincy 2021 co-op could help answer that. Throughout the spring of 2021 the City of Cincinnati is partnering with Solar United Neighbors to launch Solarize Cincy, a residential solar campaign bringing Greater Cincinnati residents together to purchase solar at a group discount. Joining the co-op is FREE and gets you access to expert support to help you understand if solar is a good fit for you and your home. Learn more and sign up today!


"Whatsoever you do to the least of my brothers..."

The annual HELP breakfast will be virtual this year on March 6. Join us from the comfort of your home to learn how the HELP program lives Christ's message of forgiveness and redemption. Hear directly from those who have served their time in prison and turned their lives around. For details, check out the flyer. You can register here.


Dismas Task Force

On a related note, our Dismas Task Force, the collaborative group (of which HELP is a key partner) that works to serve and support those re-entering the community after incarceration, is hosting a Lenten virtual Dismas Journey which is a great chance to hear directly from folks who work on the front lines with folks re-entering as well as folks who are themselves re-entering.
The journey will take place on Wednesday, March 17, at 6:30pm over Zoom. You can join the meeting by clicking here. If you have any questions, please let Andrew know. All are welcome, and we'd love to have you share the word and invite folks from your parish, neighborhood, business, or community group.
If that time doesn't work and/or you'd like to have a session specially scheduled for your group, we can do that too. Contact Andrew to schedule.


Catholic Campaign for Human Development

Our annual CCHD collection weekend was Nov. 21-22. To all of those who gave, we offer our sincere thanks.
For those who weren't able to make a donation but would still like too, we would most certainly appreciate it. Simply click here to access our online giving portal.

Remember: CCHD is the U.S. bishops' primary method through which we fight domestic poverty, empowering those who are disadvantaged to take control of their lives and enjoy the blessings God intends for them. It is a hand up, not a hand out.
Fratelli Tutti
Pope Francis' Love Letter to the World
UTILITY ASSISTANCE INFORMATION

Many utility providers, including Duke Energy, have resumed utility disconnections for non-payment. There are options for clients who are behind on their utility bills and/or have received a disconnection notice. There is real concern about individuals and families who are behind in paying their gas and/or electric bill. Duke energy has already sent notices of disconnecting utilities and will be sending more notices of planned disconnections. There may be options available and we need your help in getting this information to individuals and to families. The loss of electricity means students cannot charge their computers. Households (either renters or homeowners) will not have a working refrigerator. Households cannot heat their home without gas or electric power.



Programs begin in October and November respectively.

If there are questions please call Legal Aid at 513-241-9400.
A Mask is a Sign of Solidarity
Praying in Solidarity
Make sure to join Catholic Charities and the Archdiocese Catholic Social Action Office every Monday at 11:00 AM for our Praying in Solidarity weekly prayer. It takes place LIVE on Catholic Charities' Facebook page and you will hear prayer intentions delivered by our staff for those whom we serve and empower.

To request prayer intentions for our Praying in Solidarity Facebook Live events, please visit: https://ccswoh.org/prayers.
Andrew Musgrave - Cincinnati
Sara Seligmann - Dayton
Becky Kunkler - Northern Area
Sr. Christine Pratt - Eastern Area
Tammie Mers - Administrative Assistant

Catholic Social Action Office
Archdiocese of Cincinnati