Diocese of Winona-Rochester Social Concerns
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"To promote and support parish social action through education"
Our committee meets on a monthly basis to discuss the issues of Social Concerns within our Diocese, and to plan opportunities to learn and explore issues of concern. Updates and information are available below. Feel free to contact us by responding to this newsletter or through the feedback button at the bottom of the newsletter with any questions or feedback.
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We were just named a
"Constant Contact All Star"
for 2018. Thanks to our subscribers (
THAT'S YOU!
) for reading and responding to our emails!
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Click on the red "take action" line to get more information and to take action today!
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The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is our nation's foremost anti-hunger program. Each year SNAP lifts millions of low income Americans out of food insecurity. On February 1, 2019 the USDA released a
proposed rule
to increase SNAP work requirements to gain access to the life sustaining program. Congress recently rejected a similar proposal during the 2018 Farm Bill reauthorization, making the implementation of the proposed rule further troubling because it bypasses the will of Congress. We need you to speak out for the millions of families that rely on SNAP during economic hardships. Tell the USDA to withdraw this harmful rule and adhere to the bipartisan policies implemented by Congress in the 2018 Farm Bill.
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Extreme flooding from the Missouri River has devastated towns and farms in several Midwestern states, including Nebraska and Iowa. Catholic Charities is working to provide ER relief to those effected.
Click the red text above to donate to the relief effort.
In January the House passed a disaster supplemental funding bill, but the Senate remains divided on where the needs are the greatest. While there is broad agreement on providing support for those impacted by disasters in 2018, and more recently with the tornados in the south and flooding in the Midwest, one of the major points of division remains whether to include additional assistance to Puerto Rico, which is still recovering from 2017 disasters.
Reach out to your Senators
and encourage them to support supplemental disaster relie
f and PRAY for those still effected by these natural disasters.
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By focusing on the first 1,000 days of a child's life -- from conception through a child's second birthday -- we can help ensure children have the care and resources needed to reach their full developmental potential. The first 1,000 days of life is a unique period of opportunity when the foundations of optimal health, growth, and neurodevelopment across a lifespan are established. By making sure children’s needs are met in the first 1,000 days of life, we can avoid a host of expensive societal problems and build a stronger Minnesota.
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On February 7, 2019 the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) unveiled the details of their
proposal
in the Federal Register that seeks to reverse the existing basis for the regulation of the emissions of mercury and other toxic air pollutants from coal- and oil-fired power plants. It asserts that such regulation is not "appropriate and necessary" because the financial costs outweigh the benefits.
Their analysis focuses only upon the benefit of regulating mercury while ignoring the co-benefits of reducing emissions of other hazardous air pollutants that occur at the same time. While the proposed rule does not explicitly roll back the existing standards, it sets the stage for such a rollback in the future, the reversal of other regulations, and significant constraints on the future regulation of other hazardous air pollutants scientifically known to harm the health of human beings.
Catholic social doctrine is devoted to the protection of all life, especially of our most vulnerable neighbors. It also affirms that "
environmental protection cannot be assured solely on the basis of financial calculations of costs and benefits
."
By isolating health benefits to just one of the many hazardous air toxics emitted from these power plants and emphasizing financial costs upon the polluters over the need to protect human health and the environment, EPA's proposed rule is clearly contrary to Catholic teaching and to the Agency's mission to "protect human health and environment."
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According to the Economic Policy Institute, Minnesota ranks 3rd highest in the United States in cost of child care, at an average of over $14,000 dollars a year for a family. Too many Minnesota families are facing economic hardship, simply because they are unable to afford child care. The Child Care Assistance Program is a critical work and child development support that provides quality care to 30,000 children and allows 13,000 parents to go to work every day. Tell our legislators to prioritize the Child Care Assistance Program as the session continues.
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Well-meaning people--perhaps even our family or friends--have chosen surrogacy and though we may be touched by the stories of those for whom surrogacy was an apparent success, we cannot ignore the many stories that did not have such a happy ending. In fact, surrogacy arrangements undermine the basic rights and well-being of women and children. For this reason, many countries and states have either banned or strictly limited surrogacy arrangements.
For years, Minnesota surrogacy proponents (surrogacy brokers, lawyers, fertility clinics, pharmaceutical companies) have been pushing for Minnesota to enact legislation that would enable a commercial surrogacy market. Unfortunately, their flawed legislation would unwittingly allow the industry to
prey upon socioeconomically vulnerable women to serve as surrogates, as well as turn children into products to be bought and sold.
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TAKE ACTION: Do your research on the MN "Freedom to Drive" legislation!
This
law
and this approach was the law in Minnesota until 2002. According to Fox 9 there are an estimated 95,000 undocumented immigrants in Minnesota. In order to get to work, school and daily life many must drive anyway without passing a driving test or having proper insurance. That is why law enforcement is behind the bill. Other supporters of the bill include the hospitality lobby and
Archbishop Bernard Hebda, who calls the bill "a moral imperative".
Here are some links to get more info:
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Social Justice Morning of Reflection
Life and Dignity of the Human Person:
Responding with Love in a Polarized Society
Mark your Calendars for the upcoming reflection days:
Saturday, April 6 @ St. Joseph, Owatonna MN
8:30 a.m. to Noon
This event is offered free of charge. To Learn more or to schedule this event, contact Tom Parlin at 507-452-2270 ext.246 or tparlin@ccsomn.org.
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The Parish Social Ministry Office is offering a day of reflection on the Life and Dignity of the Human Person entitled
Responding in Love in a Polarized World.
This day of reflection is being offered in parishes throughout the Diocese of Winona-Rochester. Some of the topics covered include Consistent Ethic of Life, Racism, Immigration, Abortion, Peacemaking, faithful citizenship and how to live in a polarized world.
The reflection day was prepared by Tom Parlin, Director of Parish Social Ministry from Catholic Charities of Southern Minnesota. A member of the Parish Social Ministry team, which includes Tom Parlin, Richard DeBona, and Nicole Henrichs will facilitate the day. The time frame of the reflection is flexible, typically running 2 to 3 hours.
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An Ordinary Martyr: The Life and Death of Blessed Stanley Rother
Monday, April 1st
7:00 - 8:00 pm
St. Ann's Catholic Church, Slayton
Join us for a brief video documentary and discussion night about
Blessed Father Stanley Rother
. This short film captures the heart, devotion and resolution of Blessed Stanley Rother, and the ultimate sacrifice he made for his faith. He, like us, was an ordinary person. How are we called to answer God’s call? What can we learn from his story? How are we, like Father Stanley, called to be Saints?
This event is free and ALL are welcome!
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Grand Prairie Event Center in Luverne
Tuesday, April 30th
10:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Due to such a successful event last May,
#Luv1LuvAll
is one again offering this
free
, interactive simulation which guides you through realities of poverty, including the challenges of navigating the complex and often confusing world of government services and other service providers.
#Luv1LuvAll invites YOU to participate in our unique and impactful workshop. It is open to high school class groups, businesses, community groups and any individuals interested in learning more about experiencing life in someone else’s shoes.
To take part in this eye-opening experience, register by Tuesday, April 23rd by calling Atlas of Rock County at 507-449-5777!
Limited spots available and filling up quickly!
In order to make this simulation a success, we are still in need of
12 more
volunteers to be the "service providers" for the simulation. Volunteer orientation would be that same day (April 30th at GP) starting at 9 am. This is a perfect opportunity for those of you who participated in the simulation last May and want to see what its like on the other side....and help others have the same amazing, eye opening experience you had!
If you are are interested or would like to details about volunteering, please contact Nicole Henrichs: 401-500-3427 or
nhenrichs@ccsomn.org
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CELEBRATING AND PROTECTING CREATION:
Caring for our Common Earth Home
Caring for our Common Earth Home at their Parish Life Center
Date - Saturday, April 27
th
Time - 3:30-5pm.
Please join us to engage in a discussion on caring for Creation - facilitated by
Fr. Joe Fogal
who will present on Pope Francis’ encyclical on the environment, and
Briana Baker
who will share practical ideas to celebrate and protect Creation!
To rsvp and for more information, please contact Mike Logeais at 507-625-3131.
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April 1, 6:30-8:00pm
$10 preregistered/prepaid. $15 at the door.
This presentation will examine the attitudes, apprehensions, and aspirations of young adults. It endeavors to explain the relationship young adults have to their religious traditions. We will discuss some who practice their faith, others who are disconnected and/or unschooled in Catholicism, and still others who hold traditional beliefs. By understanding their spirituality and everyday lives, our approaches to evangelization can be more effective.
The program will address the current cultural and societal characteristics influencing this younger generation. It will attempt to provide effective ways of passing on the faith that we embrace. It will offer approaches to spirituality that might engage these young adults in meaningful conversations about the sacred. How can we, who are not well acquainted with the lifestyles and influences of young adults, enter into a spiritual and religious dialogue with them?
Franciscan Sister Katarina Schuth is Professor Emerita of Endowed Chair for Social Scientific Study of Religion (1991- 2017) at St. Paul Seminary School of Divinity, a part of the University of St. Thomas. Her areas of focus include Pastoral Ministry, Sociology of Religion, and World Religions.
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April 23,
6:30-8:00pm
Donations Appreciated
Preregistration suggested.
Green Fire is a biographical documentary about the legendary conservationist thinker, Aldo Leopold. He is the father of a national wilderness system, wildlife management and ecological restoration. His foundation’s mission is to foster a land ethic awakening an ecological consciousness in people to care for our Common Home. Learn what it means to “think like a mountain.” The movie deals with land health, wilderness philosophy, resource management, and a ‘community’ definition of soil, water, plants, animals and humans.
Green Fire explores Leopold’s personal journey of observation and understanding. It reveals how his ideas resonate with people across the entire American landscape, from inner cities to the most remote wild lands. The film challenges viewers to contemplate their own relationship with the land. The movie is followed by a discussion with Jim Voegeli, who has a special fondness for the work of Aldo Leopold.
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Social Ministry Opportunity: Volunteer Drivers NEEDED!
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Do you have a desire to offer support to our immigrant population? Many immigrants are in the court system, but without driver’s licenses and reliable transportation, they are challenged to make their court appearances.
Volunteer drivers are needed to take Worthington area immigrants to Minneapolis for Immigration Court and/or immigration check-ins in Sioux Falls.
Gasoline and food expenses will be paid. Drivers need to be at least 21 years of age with a good driving record, reliable vehicle, licensed and insured. Spanish is helpful but not required. We offer orientation to new volunteers.
Contact Lisa Kremer at 507-360-3423. Sponsored by Familias Juntas.
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Anniversary of MLK's "Martyrdom"
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On April 4, 1967, exactly one year before his assassination, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., gave his first major public address on the War in Viet Nam at a meeting of Clergy and Laity Concerned at Riverside Church in New York City.
His speech "
Beyond Viet Nam
" was condemned by many civil rights leaders who thought it hurt their cause. It incensed President Lyndon Johnson, who revoked King's invitation to the White House. But as MLK stated,
The calling to speak is often a vocation of agony, but we must speak
.
“'A time comes when silence is betrayal,’ King told the crowd gathered at Riverside Baptist Church in New York. He indicated that his commitment to non-violence left him little choice. ‘I knew that I could never again raise my voice against the violence of the oppressed in the ghettos, without having first spoken clearly to the greatest purveyor of violence in the world: my own government.’”
To arrange a seminar on MLK, contact Richard DeBona of Catholic Charities, Mankato –
rdebona@ccsomn.org
.
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The Good Samaritan Initiative
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This Lenten season CCUSA would like to invite you to join us in the Good Samaritan Initiative. As Catholics, we are urged to pray, fast and give alms as we prepare for Easter. This Lent, take the opportunity to enhance your preparation for this holiest of seasons and embark on a journey to #BeAGoodSamaritan. Commit to act with kindness and compassion; to give of yourself and encourage others to do the same.
A great way to be a Good Samaritan is to share your favorite Lenten meal with a neighbor. Share your favorite Lenten dish with us! Tag us on Instagram @CCharitiesUSA and use the hashtag #BeAGoodSamaritan - your recipe might be featured on our website!
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Click
here
to learn more and sign-up!
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Our Living Stones Cry Out!
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As we prepare to walk with Jesus through Jerusalem’s Via Dolorosa, let us also walk with our Palestinian Christian sisters and brothers, THE LIVING STONES OF OUR FAITH, suffering under Israeli military government’s APARTHEID REGIME and OCCUPATION of their land and lives, from Bethlehem and Nazareth through the invaded neighborhoods of Jerusalem and the ever-decreasing open-air prison of Gaza – where Holy Family church struggles to survive:
“’
Compared with a year ago, we’re worse off. Although a truce stopped the war, the blockade of Gaza by Israel has grown more intense. This has direct consequences for the population,’ said Fr Jorge Hernandez, parish priest of Holy Family Catholic parish in Gaza City.
” -
Read full article
HERE!
And to read more about HOLY FAMILY PARISH IN GAZA click
HERE!
To join our Holy Land Ministry, send an email to Richard DeBona of Catholic Charities, Mankato –
rdebona@ccsomn.org
.
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Fight Global Poverty one Easter Basket at a time with CRS and SERRV. You can mix and match...something perfect for every-Bunny with CRS' Ethical Trade Easter selections!
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Social Justice Resource Center
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Check out the Social Justice Resource Center's April Newsletter for articles related to Global Hunger, Domestic Abuse, Restorative Justice, Environmental Justice and much more.
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What are you doing in your community?
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Is your community doing a project or working on an issue that you would like to share? We would love to highlight your efforts, events and ministry!
Let us know what you are doing.
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We would love to hear your feedback on this newsletter. What do you like? What is helpful? What would you like to see? We can't wait to hear from you!
Send Feedback
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Looking for past editions of our newsletter? You can access them ALL on Catholic Charities of Southern MN's
Parish Social Ministry Page.
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