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Office for Social Concerns
Catholic Diocese of Columbus

Information and Response NETWORK 
Latest Updates

  • Season of Hope: Fostering Hope Through Listening
  • Season of Creation
  • Labor Day Statement
  • Day of Prayer for Peace in our Communities
  • 40 Days for Life
  • Building a Culture of Life Series
  • Faithful Citizenship - General Election
  • Death Penalty & Restorative Justice Video
  • Action Alerts
  • COVID-19 Response
The Season of Hope

Monthly Topic: Fostering Hope Through Listening

In order to overcome a poverty of hope that is experienced by many of our brothers and sisters during these challenging times, the Diocesan HOPE Task Force has developed a bulletin insert and homily helps on the topic of fostering hope through the art of listening. For additional resources, visit www.columbuscatholic.org/season-of-hope. 
Season of Creation

Pope Francis has called for an annual World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation on September 1, marking the beginning of the “Season of Creation,” which lasts through the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi on October 4. For resources on how you can care for God's creation, visit www.columbuscatholic.org/care-for-creation.  


The USCCB issues a Labor Day Statement on rebuilding a dignified post-COVID word.  To read the statement, CLICK HERE.
Day of Prayer for Peace in Our Communities

In light of recent incidents of violence and racial tension in communities across the United States, the president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops invited all dioceses across the country to unite in a Day of Prayer for Peace in Our Communities. For resources, click here.
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 from September 23 to November 1, 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 Greater Columbus Right to Life at www.gcrtl.org/40-days-for-life.html or call 614-445-8508.
Dimes for Diapers

Just a few dimes can help a family in need make it through a month with the diapers they need for their baby. Bottoms Up Diaper Drive donates free diapers to food pantries, child care facilities, and domestic abuse shelters. Learn how to help.
BUILDING A CULTURE OF LIFE SERIES

October, Respect Life Month

Join us in October, Respect Life Month, for an extraordinary virtual series. Topics include: Raising the Next Pro-Life Generation, Walking with Moms in Need: A Year of Service, and Making End of Life Decisions. Bishop Brennan will conclude the series with a Respect Life Mass. Sponsored by the diocesan Office for Social Concerns, Marriage & Family Life Office, and Greater Columbus Right to Life. No Cost. To register and for speaker details go to www.bclc.life. Click here for flyer.

For resources to promote the dignity of human life and more about the USCCB Respect Life Month Program Materials, visit our Respect Life Program page.
General Election 2020

USCCB’s teaching document on the political responsibility of Catholics in light of the upcoming election on November 3 Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship is available online with a new Introductory Note. Supplemental resources such as a video, bulletin insert summaries Part 1 and Part 2, and do’s and don’ts guidelines are also available at www.faithfulcitizenship.org.  

The Catholic Conference of Ohio offers "Reflections on Choosing Political Candidates" based on the USCCB Faithful Citizenship statement and information about polling times, absentee ballots, etc., at www.ohiocathconf.org. 

Death Penalty and Restorative Justice

In a new video, Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann of Kansas City shares his personal story of his father’s murder, and compassionately advocates for the families of murder victims and the abolition of the death penalty. To watch the video and for additional resources click here. 


"When we talk about migrants and displaced persons, all too often we stop at statistics. But it is not about statistics, it is about real people!"

- Pope Francis, Message for World Day of Migrants and Refugees 2020


World Day of Migrants and Refugees is Sunday, September 27. Take action as Congress negotiates the next COVID-19 emergency package. We must care for our human family here in the U.S. and around the world. Urge your members of Congress to include funding for the international aid in this next package. ACT NOW.


Hurricane Laura and California Wildfires Response

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has requested that a voluntary special collection for the humanitarian, long-term recovery, and Church needs arising from the California wildfires and Hurricane Laura.  Lean how you can help.

Anchored in Christ, our hope, we can help overcome that poverty of hope that is experienced by our brothers and sisters. May God give us the ability and determination to be salt and light in the world.


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
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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.