It seems as though we are met with disheartening headlines day after day. Whether it be tragic shootings, the ongoing war in Ukraine, acts of violence, or political strife there is always something in the news that requires our attention and prayers. In these times, we are called to rely on the Church and our communities to carry out the important work of justice and peace. May we continue to unite our efforts as we hope for a more just and peaceful world.
“The Church remains grateful for every expression of fraternal charity and care shown to all who have been enslaved and exploited, for in this way, God’s loving mercy becomes visible and the fabric of society is strengthened and renewed.” (Pope Francis)
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The CMSM team is seeking a full-time Program Coordinator. The job description can be found here.
The part-time Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation coordinator position is still available. The job description can be found here.
Please share these opportunities with anyone who might be interested in joining the team.
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This week is Laudato Si’ Week (May 22-29). This week marks the seventh anniversary of Pope Francis’ encyclical, Laudato Si’. Read more from Vatican News here.
The Laudato Si’ Action Platform team has been working to move forward many initiatives. We invite you to participate in their work through the following updates:
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Please share your events and resources with the LSAP Team! The team welcomes the opportunity to feature your initiatives on the website and in blog posts, social media posts, and emails over the coming months. A form to share your events is here while a form to share your resources is here.
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A new Tool Kit has been prepared by the LSAP Team to assist in your reflection, planning, and deepening of your commitment through this seven year journey of transformation. You can find that kit by clicking here: Laudato Si' Action Platform Tool Kit.
Many videos and support materials have been added to help you actualize your Ladauto Si' Goals. These can be found on our new LSAP webpage.
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Texas shootings: Pope condemns indiscriminate trafficking of arms
On Tuesday, May 24, the lives of 19 innocent children and 2 teachers were taken when an armed 18-year-old entered Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, TX. In an appeal during his Wednesday General Audience, Pope Francis said his heart was broken at the loss of innocent lives.
“I am praying for the children and adults who were killed, and for their families. It is time to say enough to the indiscriminate trafficking of arms. Let us all commit ourselves so that such tragedies can never happen again.” (Pope Francis)
The USCCB issued a statement on the Uvalde, TX school shooting, read it here.
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US Bishops pray for victims of Buffalo, Laguna Woods shootings
On Saturday, May 14, ten people were killed and three were wounded after an 18-year-old man opened fire at a supermarket in Buffalo, New York. On Sunday, May 15, a gunman attacked a lunch banquet in a Taiwanese church in Laguna Woods, California killing one person and wounding five others. Read more here.
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Department of the Interior Releases Investigative Report, Outlines Next Steps in Federal Indian Boarding School Initiative
On May 11, the Department of the Interior released Volume 1 of the investigative report called for as part of the Federal Indian Boarding School Initiative, a comprehensive effort to address the troubled legacy of federal Indian boarding school policies. The investigation identified marked or unmarked burial sites at approximately 53 different schools.
Read the Press Release here.
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Pope’s Migrants Day message: ‘Better future must be built with foreigners’
The 108th World Day of Migrants is September 25, 2022. Ahead of the occasion, Pope Francis released a message. The theme of the message is “Building the Future with Migrants and Refugees.” Read the message here.
The Migrants & Refugees Section of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development produced a video marking the release of Pope Francis’ message. In the video, Pope Francis asks the question “How do you think we can build this future together?” All are invited to respond to Pope Francis’ question! Send us your own contribution by emailing a short video or photo to media@migrants-refugees.va, or follow on social media and reply directly to the question posted on it. The best answers will be part of the campaign.
Visit the Migrants & Refugees Section of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development website here for more resources.
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Monday, June 20 is World Refugee Day
As we approach World Refugee Day on June 20, Catholic Relief Services invites us to join them in their “Lead the Way on Hunger” campaign. The current crisis in Ukraine has brought the plight of millions to the forefront of our minds. When people are forced on the move they suddenly and immediately lack access to housing, clean water, medical care, safety and more. Learn more and get involved here.
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Children of Ukraine suffering separated families, education gap
As the war continues in Ukraine, Caritas-Spes Ukraine of the Roman Catholic Church and Caritas Ukraine of the Greek Catholic Church continue to provide humanitarian aid to the people of Ukraine. Caritas is committed to protecting vulnerable Ukrainian children who are suffering and often targeted for human trafficking. Fr. Vyacheslav Grynevych, SAC, is the Secretary General of Caritas-Spes Ukraine. At a recent Vatican press conference, he outlined some the efforts of Caritas-Spes in Ukraine. Read more about it here.
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Bishop Chairmen Respond to Senate Vote on Abortion on Demand Bill
On May 11, Archbishop William E. Lori of Baltimore, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities and Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan of New York, chairman of the Committee for Religious Liberty, issued a statement in response to the U.S. Senate’s failure to advance the Women’s Health Protection Act, S. 4132.
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Stockholm 50
It will provide leaders with an opportunity to draw on 50 years of multilateral environmental action to achieve the bold and urgent action needed to secure a better future on a healthy planet. Learn more here.
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Urge Your Senators to Pass Ambitious Climate Solutions
Please join U.S. Catholics around the country urging their senators to invest $555 billion in critical solutions that prevent further damage from climate change and help communities build resilience against the impacts of climate change that are already here.
The latest report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reaffirms that we must dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions to prevent the most catastrophic impacts of climate change upon our common home and future.
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