Opportunities to live out your faith in action.
Office for Social Concerns
Catholic Diocese of Columbus

I nformation and Response NETWORK 

Latest Updates
Office for Social Concerns

Opportunities to live out your faith in action.

Good Friday Walking Stations of the Cross
April 19, 2019 

Join hundreds of Catholics from across the diocese in the annual Good Friday Walking Stations of the Cross. The walk begins with opening prayer at St. Joseph Cathedral, 212 E. Broad St., Columbus, at 8 a.m., Good Friday, April 19, 2019. Many facets of faith and justice will be the focus as participants recognize Jesus Christ’s suffering and crucifixion as well as reflect on current social concerns. Open to all ages. For more information, contact the diocesan Office for Social Concerns at (614) 241-2540 or the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry at (614) 241-2565 or visit  www.columbuscatholic.org/walking-stations .
CRS Rice Bowl
Don't forget to turn in your Rice Bowl

CRS Rice Bowl is a Lenten faith formation program to ensure the work in over 100 countries serving the poorest among us through Catholic Relief Services. For more information, contact Social Concerns at 614-241-2540 or  [email protected]  or visit the CRS website at  www.crsricebowl.org .


40 Days for Life runs until April 17

This peaceful prayer vigil will take place at an abortion facility in Columbus. Participants are asked to volunteer for one-hour shifts and sign a statement of peace. For details and to sign up for a time, visit www.gcrtl.org/40-days-for-life.html or call 614-445-8508.


Unplanned
In Theaters Now

Unplanned is a movie about Abby Johnson who became the youngest clinic director in the history of Planned Parenthood, then a life-changing experience turns her into a pro-life advocate. Please note this movie is rated R due to the graphic images of abortion and no child may be admitted without his/her accompanying parent or adult guardian. For movie details visit www.unplanned.com .


April is Autism Awareness Month

For a copy of a bulletin insert developed by the diocese to promote greater inclusion of persons with Autism in the life of the Church and society, visit www.columbuscatholic.org/persons-with-disabilities .  Bulletin Insert:  English Spanish


Autism Mythbusters
April 24

The Autism Mythbusters program on Wednesday, April 24, 2019, from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Martin de Porres Center, 2330 Airport Dr, Columbus, will be hosting an Autism Awareness Month program called “Autism Mythbusters”. The program will help identify many misconceptions people have about Autism Spectrum Disorder. It is sponsored by the Dominican Sisters of Peace and the Autism Society of Central Ohio. It is part of the center’s month-long observation AAM19 along with some art shows ( https://www.facebook.com/events/543110186189385/ ) .   For FLYER Click Here.

Opioid Epidemic Presentation
April 30
 
Bobbi Krabill will give a presentation on the opioid epidemic at St. James the Less Ministry Center, 1628 Oakland Park Ave., Columbus, on Apr. 30. 2019 at 7PM. The presentation will include information about how prescribing plays a part in preventing overdose and information about the science/policy behind naloxone use. Bobbi Krabill is the Assistant Chief in the Office of Health Improvement and Wellness for the Ohio Department of Health where she works on population health activities, as well as responses to emerging health threats. Her office works on overdose prevention strategies as a part of Ohio’s response to the opioid epidemic. She will speak about the epidemic and its history in Ohio, changes in opioid prescribing practices, strategies used to respond to individuals who experience overdose, and the state’s cooperative work with the Catholic Diocese of Columbus' Hope Task Force in addressing the epidemic. Refreshments will be available. For more information call Dave Frickey at 614-268-3828 or Pat Spires at 614-288-3827. 


Equipping the Church:
An Introduction to Trauma Informed Care

Mt. Carmel Church Partnerships is hosting two trainings. Trauma care is intricately linked to addiction and mental health issues. May 5 Training Flyer | June 22 Deeper Dive TIC Training Flyer


LEAF
Listening, Encouraging and Assisting Families of the Incarcerated

LEAF is a ministry supporting families and loved ones of the incarcerated, irrespective of faith affiliation. Meetings are the 2nd Sunday of each month. Locations: St. John Neumann Church, 9633 E, OH-37, Sunbury at 4 p.m. in the Faith & Family Center (classroom 9). Corpus Christi Church, 1111 Stewart Ave, Columbus at 2 p.m. For details, visit www.svdpcolumbus.org/leaf_ministry .
Pope Francis'
Monthly Intention
APRIL
Doctors and their Collaborators in War Zones
For doctors and their humanitarian collaborators in war zones, who risk their lives to save the lives of others.
Resources


Lenten Journey for Families

The diocesan offices for Social Concerns and Marriage and Family Life have teamed up to provide a Lenten journey for families: three ways to grow together – prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. A Family Mission Rosary can help families discover their own missions and deepen their relationships with God, Mary, and each other. The Lenten journey focuses on fasting from distractions in your home by dedicating one day of the week to a family “day of rest.” Finally, you can share your Lenten journey with members of our human family here and around the world through Catholic Relief Services’ Rice Bowl. More details can be found on the diocesan website  https://columbuscatholic.org/family-ministry-enrichment   or call 614-241-2540.  


Word of Life

is a monthly resource for parishes produced by USCCB to promote the Gospel of Life. Each month’s issue includes a feature of the month, intercessions for life, bulletin quotes, and bulletin art. To subscribe or for a listing of current and past issues, visit www.usccb.org/about/pro-life-activities/word-of-life/index.cfm .


Sacraments for Persons with Disabilities

A recorded video of our March Sacraments for Persons with Disabilities program is available on our diocesan YouTube Channel. This is a great resource for parents, catechists, clergy, and parish leaders.

 
Death Penalty Speakers 

Ohioans to Stop Executions is offering speakers for parish presentations. Speakers include exonerated death row inmates, murder victim family members opposed to the death penalty, and OTSE staff. A connection to Catholic teaching on the death penalty is part of the program. If interested, please contact Jerry Freewalt of the Office for Social Concerns at 614-241-2540 or [email protected]


Pastoral Letter on Racism  

The U.S. Catholic bishops issued a new pastoral letter on racism, Open Wide Our Hearts: The Enduring Call to Love . The letter asks us to confront the evil of racism and recall that we are all brothers and sisters, all equally made in the image of God. For the full text, as well as many accompanying pastoral and educational resources, visit www.usccb.org/racism .   


Earth Day Resources

Catholic Climate Covenant’s 2019 Earth Day Program is now available for download. The one-hour educational program is grounded in scripture, Catholic Social Teaching and Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’.  To download the program, visit, www.catholicclimatecovenant.org/program/earth-day .
Disaster Response

You help can go a long way to help rebuild a community.
Catholic Charities USA responds to flooding in Iowa, Nebraska, and Missouri
Catholic Relief Services responds to Tropical Cyclone Idai in Africa
News and Advocacy


United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

Pro-Life Chairman for U.S. Bishops Urges Passage of Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act
Please urge members of U.S. Congress to pass this bill. < more>

Chairman of U.S. Bishops Pro Life Committee Issues Statement on Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act
Although this measure failed in the U.S. Senate, please urge members of U.S. Congress to continue to work toward passage of this bill. <more>



Migration Chairman and CRS Urge US Government to Designate Temporary Protected Status for Venezuela <more>

Catholic Bishops' Pro-Life Chairman Praises Trump Administration for Expanded Mexico City Policy <more>

Concern Over New Mercury Rule Expressed by Chairmen of U.S. Bishops' Domestic Justice and Pro-Life Activities Committees; Bishops Call it "Troubling"
Please contact your members of Congress to express your concerns about this rule. <more>

Bishops' Conference Committee Chairman Welcomes Governor of California's Declaration of Moratorium on Death Penalty <more>


Speak Up and Tell USDA to Protect SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) Recipients <more>



Catholic Conference of Ohio

Yesterday, the Heartbeat Bill passed in the Ohio Senate 18-13, shortly after the House approved the bill 56-40. The measure will now head to Gov. Mike DeWine for his signature.

Governor DeWine Announces a Halt on State Executions
Please write a note of thanks to Governor DeWine. <more>

Urge Support for the "Protect Trafficked Minors Act": SB 13
Contact your Ohio legislators to urge for passage of this bill. <more>

Governor DeWine Releases Executive Budget Proposal. The bill is Currently in the Ohio House
The Catholic Conference of Ohio is currently examining the budget and will provide recommendations including advocating on behalf of the poor and vulnerable and for support of Catholic schools. The conference is advocating for funding for Multi-System Youth. <more>
Advocacy, Upcoming Events, Resources

For online resources, visit our website at

Sent by
Jerry Freewalt
Office for Social Concerns
Catholic Diocese of Columbus
197 E. Gay Street
Columbus, Ohio  43215
614-241-2540
Email:  [email protected]  
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The Office for Social Concerns is the central diocesan resource for Catholic Social Teaching, reaching out through prayer, education, service, and advocacy.