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.
|
|
Statement from Bishop Brennan on Virginia Beach Shooting
June 4, 2019
We are extremely saddened by the recent shooting in Virginia Beach this past Friday. I join with all members of the Diocese of Columbus in praying for the victims of this terrible act and all who have been impacted. We are thankful for the swift action of those first responders who prevented further bloodshed and loss of life. But in a deeper sense, we must all be troubled by this ever-increasing occurrence of random violence in our communities. As followers of Jesus Christ, we must join together to consider all solutions to replace the overpowering feelings of hopelessness and despair among those who commit these acts with healing and hope, while supporting those necessary efforts to maintain the safety and security of all in every aspect of our daily lives. We pray not only for those impacted from this horrific and senseless attack, but for the wisdom and fortitude to find effective remedies to this terrible trend in our society.
|
|
Upcoming Events
The Pro-Life Doc
Greater Columbus Right to Life
June 10, 2019
Greater Columbus Right to Life will hold a benefit on Monday, June 10, 2019, at Villa Milano, Columbus. Featured speaker is Dr. William Lile, known as the Pro-Life Doc. Dr. Lile has always had a passion for educating the church about the personhood of the unborn. His expertise in the medical filed couple with his bold faith has informed his entire career. For details and registration,
CLICK HERE.
Emanuel Movie
In Theaters June 17 & 19
Emanuel is a movie featuring intimate interviews with survivors and family members of the the Charleston, SC, church shootings. It is a powerful story of faith, forgiveness, and hope. It also brings to light the issues of race relations and gun violence. It will only be shown in theaters for two days. We hope you have an opportunity to watch this movie. For details and a listing of theaters, visit
www.emanuelmovie.com.
Diocesan Senior Citizens Celebration
June 18, 2019
Diocesan Senior Citizens Celebration is Tuesday, June 18, 2019, at St. Mary Church, 61 S. Paint Street, Chillicothe. Bishop Robert J. Brennan will celebrate Mass at 10:30 a.m. Mass will be followed by a luncheon. This annual event is a great opportunity of prayer, food, and fellowship with senior citizens from the 23-county Catholic Diocese of Columbus. Registration for the celebration is $15. To register, please send a check payable to the Office for Social Concerns, Catholic Diocese of Columbus, 197 E. Gay Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215. For more information, call 614-241-2540 or email us at
socmailbox@columbuscatholic.org
.
Registrations are requested by June 13.
Flyer/Bulletin Insert
Wednesday, June 19, 2019
6:30 PM
Join Most Rev. Robert J. Brennan, Most Rev. Shelton J. Fabre (Bishop of Houma-Thibodaux & Chairman of the USCCB Ad Hoc Committe Against Racism), and other members of the Ad Hoc Committee to discuss the new pastoral letter Open Wide Our Hearts. The cost is FREE! Reception to follow! Sponsored by Catholic Ethnic Ministries. To register,
CLICK HERE.
Religious Freedom Week
June 22-29
The U.S. Catholic Bishops remind us of our call to follow Christ as missionary disciples by serving others and living our faith in all we do. During Religious Freedom Week June 22-29, we are asked to pray, reflect, and take action on religious liberty, both here in this country and abroad. For resources, visit
CLICK HERE.
Equipping the Church:
An Introduction to Trauma Informed Care
Saturday, June 22, 2019
Mt. Carmel Church Partnerships is hosting a training on Trauma Informed Care which can help in the response to addiction and mental health issues. Please equip your family and parish community with this knowledge. Sponsored by Mount Carmel Church Partnerships.
June 22 Training Flyer
JOIN Mass
Monday, June 24, 2019
JOIN Mass (Joint Organization for Inner-city needs)
for friends, benefactors, and volunteers will be Monday, June 24, 2019, 6 p.m. at St. Joseph Cathedral, 212 E. Broad Street, Columbus. For more information, contact JOIN at 614-241-2530.
Saturday, June 29, 2019
8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Join Bishop Robert J. Brennan & the Latino Ministry of the Catholic Ethnic Ministries Office as we discern, discuss, and share best practices for Faith Formation, Family Ministry, Youth Ministry & Evangelization in the Hispanic/Latino Community. Lunch will be provided. Accommodations will be made for English speaking attendees. THIS EVENT IS FREE! Sponsored by Catholic Ethnic Ministries. To register,
CLICK HERE.
Saturday, August 3, 2019
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Walking with the Saints: A Day with Bishop Joseph N. Perry Catholic Ethnic Ministries invites you to join His Excellency, The Most Rev. Joseph N. Perry, auxiliary bishop of Chicago, to discuss five America causes for canonization: Fr. Augustus Tolton, Mother Mary Lange, OSP, Sr. Thea Bowman, FSPA, Ven. Pierre Toussaint, Mother Ven. Henriette DeLille, SHF, and Julia Greely, OSF. Let all rejoice when they hear we have members of the Church in America on the road to Sainthood! ALL ARE WELCOME. Sponsored by Catholic Ethnic Ministries. To register,
CLICK HERE.
ARCH
Accompanying Returning Citizens with Hope
ARCH (Accompanying Returning Citizens with Hope) is a program aimed to minister to and meet the needs of the formerly incarcerated and their families. ARCH is sponsored by the Office for Social Concerns and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. To learn more about ARCH, call 614-643-2140 or visit
www.svdpcolumbus.org/arch
.
ARCH Summer Newsletter
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
.
If your parish is interested in starting a LEAF ministry, please contact the Office for Social Concerns at 614-241-2540 or
socmailbox@columbuscatholic.org
.
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
jfreewalt@columbuscatholic.org
.
Building a Culture of Life Conference
Save the Date
October 19, 2019
Save the date for our upcoming Building a Culture of Life Conference to be held on Saturday, October 19, 2019, at St. John Neumann Church, Sunbury. We are lining up great speakers including our new bishop, Bishop Robert Brennan! Schedule and registrations information will come out in the summer. Hope you can join us for this life-affirming and inspirational day.
|
|
CRS
Rice Bowl
Local Funds Grants
25% percent of CRS Rice Bowl funds collected by the diocese can be applied for local programs for smaller soup kitchens and pantries that are supported by our diocesan Catholic community. Grant requests should be $200 to $2,000 range. Grant applications for due Monday, June 17. For a grant application, see below or contact Erin Cordle, diocesan CRS director, at 614-241-2540 or
socmailbox@columbuscatholic.org.
|
|
Put your faith into action.
You can make a difference.
|
|
Federal Level
U.S. Bishops’ Pro-Life Chairman Strongly Commends Trump Administration for Discontinuing Fetal Tissue Research at NIH
More
U.S. Bishops’ Chairman Expresses USCCB’s Concern that the Strengthening of the Embargo Against Cuba is Counterproductive to the Development of Civil Society on the Island
More
Chairman of U.S. Bishops’ Committee on Migration Applauds House for Passing Legislation That Gives Permanent Legal Protection to Dreamers and Temporary Protected Status (TPS) Holders
More
Bishop Chairmen Welcome HHS Aligning Health Care Nondiscrimination Regulations with Federal Law
More
U.S. Bishops’ Chairman Applauds States Passing of Pro-Life Legislation
More
U.S. Bishop's Chairmen Respond to U.S. House Vote on Equality Act
More
State Level
Ohio Budget
We continue to make progress on the Ohio Budget. Please contact your Ohio Senator and urge them to support measures endorsed by the Catholic Conference of Ohio. See details in the link below.
Multi-System Youth
Your advocacy is helping. Catholics are calling, emailing, and visiting their Ohio Senators this week. It is making a difference. Please continue to keep it up and stand for Ohio families. Let's end child custody relinquishment for the sole purpose of accessing needed services. See details in the link below
Numerous Catholic Conference of Ohio Issues
Your advocacy is needed on a wide-range of issues regarding life, human trafficking, gun violence, poverty, and care for God's creation. Please see details in the link below.
Death Penalty
This week the Ohio House of Representatives passed HB 136 which would prohibit the execution of persons with serious mental illness. Thank you for your advocacy. There are promising signs this measure will be adopted by the Ohio Senate. Please contact your Ohio senator and urge passage of this bill.
Working Immigrants
The Ohio House passed a troublesome amendment to HB 80 the Worker's Compensation bill requiring all claimants to check one of three boxes; I am a citizen; I have legal standing; I am an illegal alien. The Catholic Church does not condone illegal immigration however it is solidarity with the plight of all immigrants and concerned about the safety and welfare of all who work in our community. This troublesome provision may hinder the ability of workers to claim Worker's Compensation benefits. Please contact your Ohio senator and express this concern.
|
|
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
|
|
The Office for Social Concerns is the central diocesan resource for Catholic Social Teaching, reaching out through prayer, education, service, and advocacy.
|
|
A clean heart create for me, God:
renew within me a steadfast spirit.
Psalm 51:12
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
