We have finally come to the end of the election season. It has been a difficult time; we have been challenged in profound ways, pulled apart by harsh rhetoric, violence, condescension, and vitriol.
Now that most of the elections have been called, we must double down on compassion and civility. It is time to move forward, honoring our differences and working to find areas of agreement. It is time to recommit ourselves to the building up of God's kingdom here on Earth with all of our sisters and brothers. No matter how you voted, whether you're delighted or distressed by the results (or - more likely - have mixed feelings), we need to heal the divide and return to encounter, presence, empathy, and justice.
One option for healing the divide is through the 'With Malice Towards None' program from Braver Angels. See below for more information.
November is National Black Catholic History Month. We're partnering with a couple of other archdioceses and groups to bring you a three session program on the six African-American candidates for sainthood. Again, see below for more information.
Finally, the holiday season is upon us. Once more, see below for info on our annual Fair Trade sale, brought to you virtually this year (like so many other things).
The coronavirus continues to ravage our country and our world. We are setting records daily on new infections, our hospitals are becoming increasingly overwhelmed, and too many people are failing to take the precautions we all must take to keep everyone - especially the poor and marginalized - safe.
Our prayers go out to all those affected by the coronavirus - the sick, the healthcare professionals, the public health workers, the mourning, and the scientists working towards a vaccine - and we strongly encourage everyone to remain diligent: wear your mask, social distance, wash your hands, and stay away from large group settings. We know it'll be increasingly difficult with the cooler temps and holiday festivities, but we must all make sacrifices for the common good.
Please know that we continue to pray and support you, and we humbly ask that you continue to pray for us too.
If there's anything that we can do to support the work happening in your community, please let us know. We're trying to be more present to deaneries, parishes, schools, and neighborhoods, and we'd love to (re)connect with you and work to build up God's kingdom of peace, justice, and kinship.
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We will continue to send out Regional Updates with time-sensitive reminders, Action Alerts encouraging everyone to bring their voice and power to bear on important issues, and COVID-19 Information as it becomes available.
We wish you a wonderful and safe November and Thanksgiving, and - as always - we look forward to seeing you soon as we continue to stand up for justice, compassion, and equity.
Peace,
Becky, Sara, Tammie, Sr. Christine, & Andrew
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On Tuesday, November 10, Catholic Charities Southwestern Ohio will be celebrating the 5th Annual “Champions of Mercy.” The focus of this year’s event will be to recognize our Partners in Hope – individuals and organizations who have collaborated with Catholic Charities and Su Casa throughout the year to serve those in need during the COVID-19 pandemic.
This year we will be sharing an online, livestreamed report on how Catholic Charities and our partners have responded together as a unified, positive force against the pandemic crisis and the many consequences to lives of local families.
We are counting on you, Catholic Charities’ partners, awardees, friends, supporters, volunteers and board members, to help promote this event through Facebook and Linked In. Please share the following posts with your networks and contacts:
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Celebrating National Black Catholic History Month
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The Archdiocese of Cincinnati's Offices of African American Ministries and Social Action are collaborating with the Archdiocese of Washington D.C., the United Conference of Catholic Bishops – African American Affairs; and the Tolton Ambassadors to present, “ Celebrating A Cloud of Witnesses: Race, Resilience & Renewal.
Please join us for an in-depth educational experience as we strive to inspire the Christian faithful through the witness of Catholic candidates for sainthood. We promise to have a focused dialogue in the areas of Racism, Sexism, Ageism, Poverty, Authentic Worship, and more. We will celebrate how they triumphed over tragedies and learn how we can do the same. The Event is scheduled for three consecutive Saturdays [November 7, November 14 and November 21]. Two of the candidates will be highlighted at each event. Even if you missed the first one, you're more than welcome to join for the second and third sessions.
In Preparation to Celebrate Black Catholic History, please join us in Praying A Novena: A Journey Toward Holiness, from October 24 – November 1, 2020.
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Fratelli Tutti: Pope Francis' Love Letter to the World |
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We’re still having our annual Fair Trade Sale, but we’re taking it online.
We have many great speakers that I will post more details about on the Facebook event. We also will have a Q&A with a Fair Trade partner company in India through SERRV. The person we'll speak to works with the artisans every day on designs, production, marketing for them, and social work aspects.
SERRV is offering free shipping and 10% of the proceeds will go to Catholic Relief Services for anyone that uses our special url AND promo code on the weekend of the sale.
Promo code: CINCI20
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UTILITY ASSISTANCE INFORMATION
Many utility providers, including Duke Energy, have resumed utility disconnections for non-payment. There are options for clients who are behind on their utility bills and/or have received a disconnection notice. There is real concern about individuals and families who are behind in paying their gas and/or electric bill. Duke energy has already sent notices of disconnecting utilities and will be sending more notices of planned disconnections. There may be options available and we need your help in getting this information to individuals and to families. The loss of electricity means students cannot charge their computers. Households (either renters or homeowners) will not have a working refrigerator. Households cannot heat their home without gas or electric power.
Programs begin in October and November respectively.
If there are questions please call Legal Aid at 513-241-9400.
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Your Prayer Can Change the World |
Now, more than ever, the world needs Christians united in prayer. What might happen if every Catholic in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati would pray just one minute more than they already do, every day, for the specific intention of peace, justice, and goodwill? There's no better time to start this life-changing habit. |
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August 1 (Feast of St. Peter in Chains) through January 1 (World Day of Peace)
450K Catholics | 1 minute of Daily Prayer | 1 million Hours of Prayer
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A Mask is a Sign of Solidarity |
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Make sure to join Catholic Charities and the Archdiocese Catholic Social Action Office every Monday at 11:00 AM for our Praying in Solidarity weekly prayer. It takes place LIVE on Catholic Charities' Facebook page and you will hear prayer intentions delivered by our staff for those whom we serve and empower.
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Andrew Musgrave - Cincinnati
Sara Seligmann - Dayton
Becky Kunkler - Northern Area
Sr. Christine Pratt - Eastern Area
Tammie Mers - Administrative Assistant
Catholic Social Action Office
Archdiocese of Cincinnati
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100 East Eighth Street
Cincinnati, OH 45202 USA
513-421-3131
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