The "O Antiphons," sung in the Roman Catholic church since at least the 8th century, have long been a way to anticipate the Word becoming flesh at Christmas. Yet rippling underneath the names of Christ they invoke is also a demand for right action: the Sun of Justice shall shine on those who dwell in darkness, the Key of David shall free the prisoners of darkness, the Giver of the Law shall save us!
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Catholic leaders in Kenya appeal for help to address climate induced famine
Kenya’s Catholic bishops have spoken out about the climate crisis affecting their country: drought. “The church fears that the country's development model, which has created a culture of environmental destruction and depletion of natural resources, is part of the problem,” reports Catholic News Service. The bishops have suggested tangible action, such as tree planting to redress deforestation and to switch to renewable energy. In addition, they have appealed to the Kenyan government and others to assist with humanitarian relief in the form of food to combat the famine that has accompanied the drought.
“A common fraternity of all as children of God”
In early November, public remarks made by USCCB President, the Most Reverend Jose H. Gomez, who also serves as the archbishop of Los Angeles, were quickly contested by some Catholic theologians, advocates for racial justice, and leaders of Catholic organizations who identify social justice as a foundational part of their mission. Black Catholic scholars like Fr. Bryan Massingale expressed dismay at what seemed to be his intentional and unfair mis-characterization of what Pope Francis frequently refers to as “popular movements,” those socially engaged groups that seek to address injustices at the margins of society. A counter perspective then emerged, that Gomez was only criticizing movements that “reject a common fraternity of all as children of God” and thus “they not only fail to address the real problem of social injustice and division, but they also perpetuate the problem.”
CCHD names Ogechi Akalegbere the 2021 Cardinal Bernardin award winner
The Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD), the anti-poverty program of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), has named Ms. Ogechi Akalegbere of the Archdiocese of Washington as the recipient of the 2021 Cardinal Bernardin New Leadership Award. Each year, this prestigious award from the CCHD recognizes a young adult between the ages of 18 and 40 who demonstrates leadership in fighting poverty and injustice in the United States through community-based solutions. Ogechi Akalegbere is a Nigerian-American, Catholic young adult leader who is passionate about the faith's call to do justice. With Action in Montgomery (AIM), a CCHD-funded organization in the Archdiocese of Washington, Ogechi trained low-income and immigrant parents to advocate for equitable access to resources in schools so their children could thrive. Now an AIM board member, she continues to help local communities give witness to the needs of their members.
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The planning team for the Religious Orders Laudato Si’ Action Platform promoters in the United States welcomes all to a special Advent prayer gathering on Zoom on Wednesday, December 8 at 1PM EST. Register here.
Catholic Relief Services offers daily messages to prepare for the coming of Christ. Sign up here to receive Scripture, quotes and images filled with hope as we reflect on the needs of our displaced global family.
The Ignatian Solidarity Network is once again offering virtual posadas from December 16-24 for an experience of music, art, prayer, reflection, and action as we journey with the Hoy Family and migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border in search of shelter and protection. Sign up here.
Pax Christi USA has released an Advent booklet that serves as an historic retrospective, gleaned from the past 40+ years of Advent booklets and including over 30 different authors, including Dianna Ortiz, OSU; Marie Dennis; Dr. Arturo Chávez; Jamie T. Phelps, OP, PhD; John Dear; Joan Chittister, OSB, and more. Both print and digital versions are available here.
Catholic Health Association has created a Visio Divina reflection series to support its members through their Advent journey. Each week participants are invited to consider the hope, excitement, wonder and confusion of the story from a unique perspective. Built around five newly commissioned works of art, imaginative prayer and invitations to reflection, the series is offered digitally as well as in print. Click here to learn more.
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Laudato Si' Action Platform |
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The Laudato Si’ Action Platform officially launched on Sunday, November 14, just after the conclusion of the international climate change conference known as COP26. Religious orders, represented in the United States by CMSM and LCWR, had eagerly joined educational institutions in the early planning efforts as a way to respond to harmful climate change. According to the Dicastery for Integral Human Development, there are now over 200 religious orders committed for this first year. Family, parish/diocese, healthcare, business, and community organization sectors have also mobilized to craft concrete action to Care for our Common Home.
Those enrolling in the platform have been asked to share public commitments. Statements from CMSM members describe a wide range of proposed action, including simplifying lifestyles in local communities, reducing carbon footprints, theological reflection, and advocating for public policies that assist those most harmed by climate change. Examples from our members:
LSAP Promoters within CMSM are invited to attend a webinar on Friday, November 19, 1-2 pm ET to learn about the platform enrollment process and the next steps, including the required self-assessment. Register here.
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All are invited to experience four virtual visits along U.S. rivers to hear from those ministering with people impacted by some of society’s most difficult situations. Presenters will share how they find hope and strength. Opportunities will be provided for prayer and small group conversations. The first session, held December 7 at 6-7:30 pm CT, focuses on immigration and will be facilitated by leaders from the Mexican American Catholic College (MACC) and the Asociación de Hermanas Latinas Misioneras en América (AHLMA). To learn more and to register for these virtual events, click here.
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CMSM JPIC Coordinators Quarterly Meeting
The December meeting will be held on Tuesday, December 7 at 3 pm ET on Zoom. The meeting link has been sent to JPIC Coordinators. If you are new to this role in your institute, please email Bethany Welch to receive the link.
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Economic Justice for All at 35
This month marks the 35th anniversary of Economic Justice for All, the US Bishops’ pastoral letter on the economy. On November 22 at 2 pm ET, join Fr. David Hollenbach, SJ, Roxana Bendezú of Pax Christi, Meghan Clark of St. John’s University and Clayton Sinyai of the Catholic Labor Network for a look back at the landmark letter and a reflection on developments in Catholic Social Teaching on the economy since that time.
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Catholic Mobilizing Network launches a new webinar series on restorative justice
Join CMN for a four-part webinar series starting on November 23 that explores practical components of restorative justice approaches within Catholic ministry settings. Each session will highlight a particular “Opportunity in Ministry”, drawing out themes and learnings that are applicable to all settings. Through interactive exercises and conversations with restorative justice practitioners and fellow Catholic leaders, participants will glean practical wisdom and develop a customized engagement roadmap for their parish or ministry. There will also be opportunities for reflection, discernment, and discussion.
Learn more and register here.
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World Aids Day talk with author Michael J. O’Laughlin
World AIDS Day, observed each year on December 1, is an opportunity for people around the world to come together in the fight against HIV, to show support for people with HIV, and to remember those who have died from an HIV-related illness. Catholic Health Association of the United States is sponsoring a free event on December 1 at 2 pm ET with Michael J. O'Loughlin, an award-winning journalist and national correspondent for America Media will share his reporting on Catholic healthcare's response to AIDS. Michael is the host of the podcast "Plague: The Untold Story of AIDS and the Catholic Church," and the author of the new book Hidden Mercy – AIDS, Catholics and the Untold Stories of Compassion in the Face of Fear.
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Short term, research position to look at Native students & boarding schools
The Jesuit Conference of Canada and the United States is offering a one-year full-time contract for a researcher to begin an examination of the history of Jesuit boarding schools for Native students in the United States. The position is in St. Louis to enable access to the Jesuit Archives and Research Center (JARC). The researcher will report to the Jesuit Conference Secretary of Justice and Ecology, based in Washington, DC.
Job posting is available here.
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