Stay up to date and learn how you can make a difference during Lent. |
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Office for Social Concerns
Catholic Diocese of Columbus
Information and Response NETWORK
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Lenten Updates
- Lent 2021
- CRS Rice Bowl
- March is Developmental Disabilities Month
- Walking with Moms in Need Update: Prayer
- Health Care and Human Dignity Conference - April 24
- Bishop Brennan's Statement on Johnson & Johnson COVID Vaccine
- From the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
- Church Teaching on the Death Penalty
- Hope Letters to the Incarcerated
- Missionary Discipleship and Social Concerns: St. Gabriel Radio
- Real Presence Real Future
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Have a personal encounter with Jesus Christ. Bishop Brennan has asked the faithful of the diocese to join him in 40 Days of Adoration for the launch of the Real Presence Real Future initiative. This is a great opportunity to place yourself in the real presence of our Lord, to ponder his love, present your heart, and renew your heart and mind to live out the days to come as a missionary disciple. Visit www.columbuscatholic.org/40days and the Diocese of Columbus Facebook Page.
Bishop Brennan also is inviting us to renewal in receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation. An examination of conscience is a good way to prepare for the sacrament. Our office suggests the Examination of Conscience in Light of Catholic Social Teaching found on the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ website.
Here are a few questions listed in the examination:
- Do I recognize the face of Christ reflected in all others around me whatever their race, class, age, or abilities?
- Do I give special attention to the needs of the poor and vulnerable in my community and in the world?
- Do I live out my responsibility to care for God’s creation?
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the annual diocesan Walking Stations of the Cross will not be offered in-person on Good Friday. However, the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry and the Office for Social Concerns are working with local parishes and the Diocesan Youth Council to provide video and audio reflections for small groups, families, and individuals. There also will be a guide provided with a map of the Walking Stations route for those interested in making a self-guided pilgrimage in downtown Columbus. For details, CLICK HERE.
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CRS Rice Bowl during Lent |
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Each Lent, Catholic families across the country unite to put their faith into action through prayer, fasting and almsgiving. Through CRS Rice Bowl, families learn about how our sisters and brothers across the globe overcome hardships like hunger and malnutrition, and how through Lenten alms, we have the power to make the world a better place for all. Your supports helps local hunger programs as well. |
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March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
All persons with disabilities have gifts to contribute to the whole Church. Embrace. Welcome. Participate. We All Belong. For resources available to individuals, families, and parishes to work towards the goal of full participation, CLICK HERE.
NCPD Resources:
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Walking with Moms in Need Update:
Participate in Walking with Moms through Prayer
Walking with Moms in Need is a time of service in which Catholic parishes and communities "walk in the shoes" of local pregnant and parenting women in need.
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Upcoming Conference
Converging Roads Medical Ethics: Health Care and Human Dignity. Saturday, April 24, 2021, at the Pontifical College Josephinum, Columbus. Presented by the St. John Paul II Foundation, the Diocese of Columbus, and the Catholic Medical Association of Central Ohio. Continuing education credits for healthcare professionals will be offered. Registration $69 - $149 based on CME/CNE inclusion. For more information, CLICK HERE.
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Guidance for Vaccines to Combat COVID-19
COVID-19 Response
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From the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
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As the Catholic Church and an increasing number of public officials are calling for an end to the death penalty, the Catholic Conference of Ohio offers Church teaching resources to help each of us contribute to the ongoing dialogue and policy changes at the state and federal levels, CLICK HERE.
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Write HOPE Letters to the Incarcerated
ARCH - Accompanying Returning Citizens with Hope is participating in an ecumenical letter writing ministry to the incarcerated. HOPE Letters is a pathway to safely developing healthy mentoring relationships through correspondence with individuals who are experiencing some type of incarceration or temporary removal from the greater community. CLICK HERE to learn more.
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Missionary Discipleship and Social Concerns
Listen to the Conversations on Discipleship podcasts aired on St. Gabriel Catholic Radio. Fr. Adam Streitenberger recently interviewed both Mark Huddy, Episcopal Moderator of Catholic Charities & Social Concerns and Jerry Freewalt, Director of the Office for Social Concerns. CLICK HERE TO LISTEN.
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Real Presence, Real Future is a two-year diocesan-wide consultative process that invites participation from clergy, lay ecclesial ministers, parish volunteers, and all the faithful.
By listening to the needs of our people and hearing your ideas, concerns and desires, this process will help determine the best path forward to increase the presence of the Church throughout the Diocese of Columbus. LEARN MORE.
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Resources, Upcoming Events, Advocacy
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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