Opportunities to live out your faith in action.
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Office for Social Concerns
Catholic Diocese of Columbus
I
nformation and Response NETWORK
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Latest Updates
Office for Social Concerns
Opportunities to live out your faith in action.
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Upcoming Events
Season of Creation
September 1 to October 4, 2019
The “Season of Creation,” which started on the September 1, the World Day of Prayer for Creation lasts through the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi on October 4.
Visit our
Care for God's Creation webpage
for ways to you can care for God's creation,
CLICK HERE.
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Creation Care Tips
Bulletin Insert
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Share this bulletin insert with your family, friends, and fellow parishioners. Includes a prayer and practical suggestions to live out the message of the encyclical
Laudato Si'.
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Read the U.S. Catholic Bishops' 2019 Labor Day Statement which invites us to consider how we can work together to address the persistence of low wages and inequality in our workplaces.
2019 Labor Day Statement
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Trauma Informed Justice
Monday, September 9, 2019
Lunch and Learn event at the Martin de Porres Center, 2330 Airport Dr., Columbus. “Trauma informed” is an oft-repeated phrase in many fields these days, and the justice system is no exception. The ubiquitous experience of trauma leads us to believe that all fields need to be trained to take a trauma-informed lens. This talk will present some of the lessons learned about becoming a more trauma-informed courtroom and offer some take-away practices that folks can consider using in their everyday interactions with others. Presented by Judge Paul Herbert and Hannah Estabrook of CATCH (changing actions to change habits) Court, Franklin County. Lunch is provided, but you must register
CLICK HERE
or call (614) 416-1910
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Jail, Prison, and Reentry Ministry
Evening Prayer and Conversation with Bishop Brennan
Tuesday, September 10, 2019
Tuesday, September 10, 2019, 6:30 p.m. at Immaculate Conception Church, 414 East North Broadway, Columbus. Bishop Robert J. Brennan is interested in hearing the thoughts of prison ministers on the challenges and opportunities of this important ministry. Evening prayer followed by informal conversation and refreshments. Please RSVP to the Office for Social Concerns at 614-241-2540 or
socmailbox@columbuscatholic.org
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To learn more about our
LEAF ministry
supporting families and loved ones of the incarcerated,
Click Here.
Parish Respect Life Coordinators Meeting
Thursday, September 12, 2019
The diocesan Office for Social Concerns will hold an informational meeting for parish respect life coordinators on Thursday, September 12, 2019, 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at St. Peter Church, 6899 Smoky Row Road, Columbus. The meeting will highlight the USCCB Respect Life Program and best practices. Please encourage your respect life coordinator to attend. RSVP at 614-241-2540 or
socmailbox@columbuscatholic.org
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September is
Suicide Prevention Month
#BeThe1To
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September is National Suicide Prevention Month and the Diocese of Columbus is encouraging people to join the #BeThe1To movement from the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. How can you #BeThe1To make a difference in the life of someone feeling isolated, alone, and in pain? Making a difference begins with you.
CLICK HERE FOR RESOURCES.
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Mental Health Awareness Upcoming Events
from Mount Carmel Church Partnerships and the National Catholic Partnership on Disability,
CLICK HERE.
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Shepherd’s Feast
Saturday, September 21, 2019
You are invited to the 4th Annual Shepherds Fest (formerly Field Day) on Saturday, September 21, 2019, at Shepherd’s Corner Ecology Center, 987 N. Waggoner Road, Blacklick. This open house will last from 12:00 to 3:00 pm and costs $5 per vehicle. Explore Shepherd’s Corner’s food pantry gardens, take a hayride around their property, meet their sheep, and walk the meditation trail & labyrinth. Enjoy some games and crafts. Savor delicious food from a local food truck. Meet the Jefferson Township fire department. Watch Gail Maraman, a wonderful local
felt artist
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demonstrate her art. Purchase their naturally grown produce, 2019 maple syrup, and crafts made by the Dominican Sisters of Peace and volunteers. Chat with AEP representatives about electricity savings and learn about the environmental efforts of Green Spot Columbus. Come and support the care of creation efforts of Shepherd's Corner, a ministry of the Dominican Sisters of Peace. There will be no need to register for Shepherds Fest, you can simply show up! For more information visit,
http://shepherdscorner.org
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For a listing of upcoming events,
CLICK HERE
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Understanding the Church's Teaching on Peace and Justice
Tuesday, September 24
Jerry Freewalt, Director of the diocesan Office for Social Concerns will present an overview of Catholic Social Teaching, provide examples of the Church's work living out this important message, and offer practical resources. Tuesday, September 24, 7 p.m. St. James the Less Church Ministry Center, 1628 Oakland Park Ave., Columbus. Hosted by the St. James the Less Social Concerns Committee.
Fall 40 Days for Life
September 25 to November 3
40 Days for Life. Faithful believers are praying that this effort will mark the beginning of the end of abortion in America. 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.
Friends of the Poor Walk & 5K Run/Walk
Society of St. Vincent de Paul
Saturday, September 28, 2019
Join the Society of St. Vincent de Paul for the 2019 Columbus Friends of the Poor Walk & 5K Run/Walk on Saturday, September 28, 2019 at 9 a.m. to Noon. It will be held at St. Francis de Sales High School, 4212 Karl Road, Columbus. 100% of all proceeds go to support persons living in poverty in our diocese.
CLICK HERE for Registration - Pledge Form
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October is Respect Life Month and Respect Life Sunday is October 6, 2019.
The theme—Christ Our Hope: In Every Season of Life— highlights the Lord’s presence in every stage of our lives. The USCCB Respect Life Program includes action calendars and resources to
resources to promote the dignity of human life,
www.usccb.org/respectlife.
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Feast of St. Francis Program
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October 4, 2019
Every October 4th, the Feast of St. Francis celebrates the saint who saw all created beings as his brother or sister. Inspired by this example, Catholic Climate Covenant produces a free educational program to help your faith community explore how it can better care for creation and the poor. To learn more,
CLICK HERE.
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Mass of Inclusion
Celebrating the unique gifts of people with special needs
Sunday, October 6, 2019
Bishop Robert Brennan will celebrate Mass on Sunday, October 6, 2019, 5 p.m., at St. Catharine Church, 500 S. Gould Road, Columbus. Open to all in the diocese, the Mass will celebrate the unique gifts of those with physical and mental disabilities as well as their caretakers. A reception will follow. To encourage an inclusive, welcoming environment, there will be sign language interpretation, wheelchair accessibility, and low gluten hosts. Sponsored by SPICE (Special People in Catholic Education).
Additionally, it is hoped that lay ministry roles within the Mass can be filled by individuals with special needs. If there are individuals with special needs currently serving your parish as an altar server, Eucharistic minister, lector, or cantor please contact Mary Ginn Ryan at 614-354-6945 or Cathryn O’Connell at St. Catharine at 614-231-4509.
Journey of Hope
Promoting an End to the Death Penalty
October 11-20
Led by murder victim family members working to end executions, the 2019 Ohio Journey of Hope from Violence to Healing is bringing its message of love and compassion for all of humanity to Ohio in October 2019. The Ohio Journey will begin with a conference in Columbus during the October 11-13 weekend, titled “Cast No Stones: Standing with Victims to End Executions in Ohio.” To learn more about the Journey of Hope, visit
www.journeyofhope.org/ohio-journey
. From Monday, October 14 through Sunday, October 20, teams of Journey of Hope speakers will speak across the state to speak in churches, schools, and other public events. To invite a Journey of Hope speaker to your parish, contact
info@journeyofhope.org
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BUILDING A CULTURE OF LIFE CONFERENCE
RESPECT LIFE, BIOETHICS, AND LEADERSHIP
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2019
9 A.M. - 3 P.M.
Join us for an extraordinary event featuring dynamic speakers and offering resources to equip you to build a culture of life.
Building a Culture of Life Conference
is
Saturday, October 19, 2019, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at St. John Neumann Church, 9633 E. State Route 37, Sunbury. Topics include pro-life public policy, our response to racism, advanced medical directives, pro-life youth, and an
address from Bishop Robert J. Brennan
. Sponsored by the diocesan Office for Social Concerns, Marriage & Family Life Office, and Greater Columbus Right to Life. Cost: $25 / Students $10. Register by October 14. For a list of speakers and to register,
visit
https://bclc2019.eventbrite.com
or call 614-241-2540.
Click here for flyer.
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Put your faith into action.
You can make a difference.
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Federal Level
State Level
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Hurricane Dorian Response
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Please pray for our brothers and sisters affected by Hurricane Dorian.
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Advocacy, Upcoming Events, Resources
For online resources, visit our website at
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Sent by
Jerry Freewalt
Office for Social Concerns
Catholic Diocese of Columbus
197 E. Gay Street
Columbus, Ohio 43215
614-241-2540
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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.
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A clean heart create for me, God:
renew within me a steadfast spirit.
Psalm 51:12
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