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Saint James Cathedral
SOCIAL Outreach
& Advocacy
Mid-September 2020
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Visit our website here, and on social media below!
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I don't have words for the horrifying severity of the wildfires that have devastated the West Coast. Dozens are dead and thousands are displaced.
The prophet Elijah stood on the mountain before Yahweh and faced a great wind, then an earthquake, then a firestorm, and then a still, small voice. It was this tiny voice that asked the prophet, "What are you doing here?"
This question is so appropriate for us today in the face of so many current crises. Perhaps we are here to be Christ's light for each other. Lyrics from the hymn The Servant Song encourage us to live the Christian mission. "We know that we are here to hold the Christ light for each other. We are here to walk the mile, to bear the load."
As an opening prayer, I invite you to listen to the Servant Song, to be with the words and message, and reflect on its meaning in these very trying times.
Luke Henkel, assistant for social outreach and advocacy
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3-Note Productions Virtual Choir: Servant Song, arr. Richard Gillard |
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Celebrate the Season of Creation (September 1 - October 4)
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Watch this invitation from Pope Francis and the Global Catholic Climate Movement.
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"This is the season for letting our prayer life be inspired anew, to reflect on our lifestyles, to undertake prophetic acts for creation...and a time for courageous decisions."
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Laudato Si' at 5 Years, and Beyond
Archbishop Paul D. Etienne, presenter
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September 28
6:30pm - 7:30pm
Join the St. James Cathedral Care for Creation team to celebrate the Season of Creation. Archbishop Paul D. Etienne will share reflections on five years of Pope Francis' encyclical on the environment Laudato Si', and offer his vision for the Pacific Northwest.
Together, may we pray in words taken from Pope Francis' prayer for Laudato Si's fifth anniversary:
"Enable us to succeed in listening and responding to the cry of the Earth and the cry of the poor."
To register for the evening and receive a Zoom link, email Patrick Barredo, Director of Social Outreach & Advocacy.
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Confronting Climate Change, Ourselves,
and Our Future with Faith
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Sunday, September 20, 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
In celebration of the five year anniversary of Laudato Si', the Peace and Spirituality Center of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace are focusing this year's International Day of Peace celebration on climate change. They are excited to have local meteorologist and fellow contemplative, Jeff Renner, facilitating the program. They hope you join them as all of us celebrate peace with many others around the world.
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Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship
"We need to participate for the common good. Sometimes we hear: a good Catholic is not interested in politics. This is not true: good Catholics immerse themselves in politics by offering the best of themselves so that the leader can govern." - Pope Francis, 9/16/13
The Catholic bishops of the United States are pleased to offer once again to the Catholic faithful Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship, their teaching document on the political responsibility of Catholics. This statement represents the bishops' guidance for Catholics in the exercise of their rights and duties as participants in our democracy. All people of good will are urged to use this statement to help form their consciences; to teach those entrusted to their care; to contribute to civil and respectful public dialogue; and to shape political choices in the coming election in light of Catholic teaching.
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Catholics Care. Catholics Vote.
We vote because we are citizens. But we vote conscientiously because we are people of faith. Our consciences are formed through studying Scripture and the teachings of the Church, examination of the facts, and prayerful reflection. This brief insert is intended as a starting point to help us respond to our choices in the current political landscape.
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2020 U.S. Election Briefs: Faithful Voting and Global Concerns
The Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns offers a series of two-page briefs and webinars on global issues to help voters prepare for the 2020 U.S. elections. Find more election resources here.
Inspired by the gospel and Maryknoll missioners' commitment to stand with vulnerable communities around the world, we urge U.S. citizens to consider the issues raised in these briefs and to vote to advance the cause of peace, social justice, and the integrity of creation.
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It's not too late to fill out your 2020 Census!
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There's still time to complete your 2020 Census if you haven't! You can complete it online, by phone (844-330-2020), or by mail. You will be asked a few simple questions about you and everyone in your household on April 01, 2020. Your response is vital in knowing where to direct the billions of dollars in federal funds that keep local schools, roads, and other public services functional and serving your needs.
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Upcoming Offerings
at St. James Cathedral
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Faith, Hope, and Love in 2020
A retreat for those serving in
social outreach and advocacy ministries
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Saturday, October 10
9:00am - 1:00pm via Zoom
This retreat experience, for all who serve in social outreach and advocacy ministries, offers the retreatant the opportunity to create time and space to re-connect with God during this time of pandemic and quarantine. This day of prayer will offer insights into the importance of prayer in the lives of holy men and women who worked unceasingly for peace and justice. Rooted in Scripture and meditation, the retreatant will explore the importance of faith, hope, and love, expressed through prayer and action.
To RSVP and receive the Zoom information, email Joyce Mork-O'Brien of the Life, Peace, and Justice Committee.
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Born in Syria Documentary Screening and Discussion
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Thursday, September 24
6:30pm - 8:00pm
Born in Syria is a "wrenching documentary which traces the journeys of seven child refugees being moved across Europe in search of a new life." This is a must-see, to truly understand life as a child refugee.
Please join St. James Immigrant Assistance for a discussion on this documentary, the state of migration around the world, and what you can do right now to help refugees.
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JustFaith: Faith and Racial Healing Series
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Mondays, October 12 - Dec. 14, 2020
6:30pm - 9:00pm
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Hunger and Food Insecurity
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America at Hunger's Edge
"A shadow of hunger looms over the United States. In the pandemic economy, nearly one in eight households doesn't have enough to eat. The lockdown, with its epic food banks, has revealed what was hidden in plain sight: that the struggle to make food last long enough, and to get food that's healthful ... is a persistent one for millions of Americans..."
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Help the Hungry in These Pandemic Times
Catholic Community Services and Catholic Housing Services (CCS/CHS) are asking St. James Cathedral parishioners for help with meal services. With your compassionate giving, we will continue to provide for the needs of our homeless neighbors during these extraordinarily trying times. CCS/CHS are grateful for your prayers and support and wish you and your family safe and healthy passage through these challenging times. Thank you. - Please consider offering a gift that will allow CCS/CHS to handle costs of client care during this dangerous health crisis.
- CCS operatees a drop-in center in Federal Way for 75 guests. The program is in need of hot casseroles or sandwiches. Food donations can be brought to the St. James parish office on Tuesday mornings. To coordinate, email Patrick Barredo.
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Protect Refugees, Build Back the Resettlement Program
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Urge your Members of Congress to ensure the current Trump Administration builds back the historic average of 95,000 refugees per year are allowed to be resettled in the United States.
Ask that your members to consult with the House and Senate Judiciary Committees regarding the refugee admissions goal for 2021 before September 30th
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Say NO to the Kalama Methanol Refinery.
Last week, a new analysis was released for the world's largest fracked gas-to-methanol refinery, proposed along the Columbia River in Kalama, WA. This project is dirty, dangerous, and unwise. The refinery would use a staggering amount of fracked gas - more than all of Washington's gas-fired power plants combined - making it one of our state's most significant sources of climate pollution.
At a time when wildfires are burning out of control in much of our country - a clear sign of the dangers of overconsumption of fossil fuels - it's more important now than ever to voice opposition.
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Loving God, Creator of heaven, earth and all therein contained:
Open our minds and touch our hearts,
so that we can be part of Creation, your gift.
Be present to those in need in these difficult times, especially the poorest and most vulnerable. Help us to show creative solidarity as we confront the consequences of the global pandemic. Make us courageous in embracing the changes required to seek the common good.
Now more than ever, may we all feel interconnected and interdependent.
Enable us to succeed in listening and responding to the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor. May their current sufferings become the birth-pangs of a more fraternal and sustainable world. We pray through Christ our Lord, under the loving gaze of Mary, Help of Christians.
Amen.
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