Shalom News North America
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An instrument of hope, formation, and action
concerning priority matters of social justice.
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Ecological Economics
Season of Creation
IPCC Report
SDGs
Corporate Respect for Life
Labor Day and Trafficking
Helping Afghans
National Migration Week
Immigration Reform
Hispanic Heritage Month
9/11
Peace Day
Restorative Justice
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Dear Friend,
Our goal is not to amass information or to satisfy curiosity, but rather to become painfully aware, to dare to turn what is happening to the world into our own personal suffering and thus discover what each of us can do about it. - Laudato Si' #19
There is so much pain and challenge in the world these days. Thank you for all you do to promote justice, peace, and care for our common home in the SSND spirit of Shalom.
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Shalom North America Contacts
(Click here for a pdf version of this newsletter.)
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Laudato Si' Goal 3 - Ecological Economics
As SSNDs move forward with the commitment to become a Laudato Si’ congregation, it is important to grow our awareness of the seven Laudato Si' Goals in which this initiative is rooted. This month we highlight the Goal #3: Ecological Economics.
Ecological Economics calls us to consider the following questions: Do we hold ethical investments, do we divest from fossil fuels, other fuels and any economic activity harmful to the planet and people? Do we invest in renewable energy? Do we purchase our food and clothes from Fair Trade operations? Do we aim to support sustainable production and ethical consumption?
In a European Forum address, Pope Francis stressed that economics out to become “the expression of a care and concern that does not exclude but seeks to include, that does not demean but seeks to uplift and give life.” Reflection resources on this and the other Laudato Si' goals can be found here. Learn more about the Laudato Si' Goals and the Laudato Si' Action Platform here.
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World Day of Prayer/Season of Creation
The Season of Creation kicks-off today (9/1) with the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation. Click here to download a prayer service. "A Home for All? Renewing the Oikos of God" is the theme for this year's Season of Creation, which runs through October 4, the feast of St. Francis of Assisi. How will you embrace the season? Explore this resource packet and this liturgical guide for inspiration. Consider these daily prayer intentions.
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IPCC Report - State of Our Climate Crisis
In August, a working group at the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change issued its contribution to the Sixth Assessment Report, Climate Change 2021: The Physical Science Basis. It offers “the most up-to-date physical understanding of the climate system and climate change, bringing together the latest advances in climate science.” The report issues an urgent warning to humanity to step up efforts to mitigate climate change, stating “it is unequivocal that human influence has warmed the atmosphere, ocean and land.” Read the official summary here. Read a quick fact sheet here. Check out this beautifully illustrated simple guide to climate change. Let your voice be heard - click here to sign the Catholic Petition for U.S. Climate Action and here to sign the global Catholic Healthy Planet, Healthy People petition.
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Integrity of Creation and Human Dignity |
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Sustainable Development Goals
On September 25 we celebrate the anniversary of the United Nations adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals, which offer an international framework for ensuring that all people and the earth can live with dignity. With goals including No Poverty, Zero Hunger, Quality Education for All, Responsible Consumption and Production, Climate Action, and Partnerships for the goals (among others), it is easy to recognize parallels between the SDGs and the goals of the Laudato Si’ Action Platform, which the SSND community has committed to adopting. Sadly, the Covid-19 pandemic has threatened the progress made toward these goals. Watch the 2021 video report on the state of the SDGs. Find suggested action steps here.
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Integrity of Creation and Human Rights |
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Corporate Respect for Human Rights and the Environment
KAIROS and other faith-based social justice groups have endorsed the Corporate Respect for Human Rights and the Environment Abroad Act and calls upon the Government of Canada to use it as a blueprint. The Corporate Respect for Human Rights and the Environment Abroad Act would establish a corporate duty on companies linked to Canada to prevent human rights abuse and environmental harms; require companies to conduct due diligence and publicly report on the steps taken to prevent human rights and environmental harms; and include significant consequences for companies that cause harm and/or fail to conduct due diligence. Learn more.
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Labor Day and Human Trafficking
The foundation of observing Labor Day is to pay tribute to working men and women in the U.S. and Canada. As we take time this weekend to pay tribute to all those who labor, we remember in a particular way the tens of millions who are the victims of human trafficking. This summer, Pope Francis joined religious and world leaders in calling for an end to human trafficking. “I invite everyone to work together with the victims to transform the economy of trafficking into an economy of care,” the Pope shared. Click here for a reflection on Love Gives Everything and today’s labor concerns.
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Seeking Volunteers to Help Welcome and Process Afghan Evacuees
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' Migration and Refugee Services (MRS) is deeply involved with the reception and welcome of Afghans who are being evacuated from Afghanistan. Many are arriving at one of several army bases around the country for processing before they are sent to sites that will help to establish them in local communities. The initial reception and welcome is significant and requires robust staffing. MRS is seeking assistance in recruiting and staffing welcome centers across the county. They are looking for individuals who can make at least a two-week commitment. Learn more.
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National Migration Week
National Migration Week (9/20 - 9/26) and the World Day of Migrants and Refugees (9/26) provide opportunities for us to express concern for different vulnerable people on the move; to pray for them as they face many challenges; and to increase awareness about the opportunities that migration offers. Click here to read Pope Francis' message, Toward an Ever Wider We. This year, in particular, we pray for our Afghan brothers and sisters, 18 million of whom are in need of humanitarian assistance. Resources for National Migration Week are available here. Consider volunteering with a local resettlement agency or explore these options to make a difference.
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No More Delay: Positive Immigration Reform Needed Today
It’s been almost five months since a bipartisan majority in the U.S. House of Representatives passed the:
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American Dream and Promise Act (H.R. 6), which would provide legal status with a path to citizenship for millions of Dreamers, Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders, and Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) recipients; and
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Farm Workforce Modernization Act (H.R. 1603), which would create an earned legal status program for undocumented agricultural workers and improve the existing H-2A temporary agricultural program.
It’s time for Congress to recognize the sacrifices and contributions of our immigrant neighbors by building a pathway to citizenship. Click here to join us in urging the Senate to take action today.
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Hispanic Heritage Month
The United States observes National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15, by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. The day of September 15 is significant because it is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September 18, respectively. For fact sheets, lesson plans, and prayer resources, check out the Education for Justice Toolbox of Resources (don’t forget to use our SSND login).
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National Day of Truth and Reconciliation (9/30)
In June, the Canadian federal government passed legislation to mark September 30, 2021 as a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is designated as an opportunity to ‘recognize and commemorate the legacy of residential schools.’ Since 2013, Canadians observed September 30 as Orange Shirt Day, to recognize the colonial legacy of residential schools and commit to the ongoing process of reconciliation. The date of September 30 was chosen because it was the time of year when Indigenous children were removed from their families and forced to attend residential schools. Learn more.
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September 11 - Changing the Climate of Conflict
This year marks the twentieth anniversary of September 11 - a tragic event that has led to profound changes the world over. Students entering college today have never known an America that was not at war. How has September 11 shaped their perceptions of religion, global affairs, and democracy? Is it possible to turn the page and change the conversation twenty years hence? Join the Notre Dame Keough School of Global Affairs for a series of discussions exploring the history leading up to September 11, the present crises that flow from it, and future policy options for promoting peace and human dignity. Learn more/register to attend webinars.
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Building Peaceful Communities (9/19)
Our friends with Pax Christi USA invite us to attend a free online screening of The Third Harmony: Nonviolence and the New Story of Human Nature on September 19 at 7 pm (Eastern). This video tells the story of nonviolence, the greatest overlooked resource in human experience. Revealing the convergence of modern science and the world’s great wisdom traditions, the film explores the important role that nonviolence plays in the wider struggle to develop a “new story” of human nature, contrary to the “old story” that scarcity, competition and violence are inevitable. Rather, the universe is conscious and purposeful; we are spiritual beings, and cooperation and collaboration are our natural way of interacting. View video trailer below. Learn more/sign-up to participate here.
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International Day of Peace (9/21)
Established in 1981, the International Day of Peace is a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace through observing 24 hours of non-violence and cease-fire and to otherwise commemorate the Day through education and public awareness on issues related to peace. This year’s theme is “Recovering better for an equitable and sustainable world”. We are challenged to think creatively and collectively about how to help everyone deal with and recover from the pandemic; to transform our world into one that is more equal, more just, equitable, inclusive, sustainable, and healthier. Learn more, SSND prayer resource.
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Virtual Restorative Circle Intensive (9/25)
Catholic Mobilizing Network invites ministry leaders to an online workshop in which participants will experience restorative circles and gain an understanding of their applications in criminal justice and ministry settings. This introductory workshop in circle process is ideal for those who are new to the concept of restorative justice and looking to explore the applications of circle process in criminal justice and ministry settings. Learn more.
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The SSND Shalom Network witnesses to the Gospel with audacity and hope as we collaborate to build just relationships and respond to the urgent needs of our times. |
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Shalom News North America is an e-publication of the Shalom North America Contacts (SNAC) of the School Sisters of Notre Dame - Arlene Flaherty, Ethel Howley, Jeanne Wingenter, Kathleen Bonnette, Rose Mary Sander, and Tim Dewane. Your comments, suggestions, and feedback are always welcomed. Email us at [email protected].
Please only print this e-publication if necessary.
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