Insights: Environmental Stewardship; Suicide Prevention Day

Promoting Environmental Stewardship in California

Pope Francis, with the publication of Laudato Si and on many other occasions, has told us that: “On climate change, there is a clear, definitive and ineluctable ethical imperative to act.”

And he’s not alone.  Both Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI and Saint Pope John Paul II urged us to adopt a greater sense of “intergenerational” and international solidarity in an effort to address the human costs of environmental degradation and climate change.

California is a worldwide leader in the search for solutions and the California Catholic Conference is actively involved in many efforts.

As with any issue, we’re called to “see, judge and act” and we can start by learning about the situation in our own state.  View a sample of the bills we are tracking and learn much more about the efforts of parishes and others around the state as they work to care for our common home.

For the international perspective, visit the Global Catholic Climate Movement to learn more.

 

Video from U.S. Regional World Meeting of Popular Movements – Watch Now!

Earlier this year the U.S. Regional World Meeting of Popular Movements took place in Modesto, California. The convening brought together hundreds of faith and social justice leaders from various cultures and communities from across the United States, along with grassroots leaders from other countries. This was the first U.S. Regional convening organized in conjunction with three international world meetings that have taken place in Rome (in Oct. 2014 and Nov. 2016) and Bolivia (in Oct. 2015). The meeting called attention to important themes such as racism, migration, land, environmental justice, labor, and housing. A new video is available to help all U.S. Catholics continue to reflect on these themes and get involved.

ACT NOW – California Legislature returns to consider NARAL-sponsored bill that targets the rights of religious employers to expect employees to model their faith.

 

USCCB Faces of Migration Campaign Narrates Reality of Circumstances for Immigrants

Faces of Migration is where the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops shares stories of refugees who have made an impact in their community. Whether it is a refugee has resettled and started a business, been a member of the local parish, or had an impact on the people in the community, their stories are told.

Such is the case of the 29-year-old who came to the United States when her grandmother was gravely ill. Her father had not seen his mother in over 20 years, and the family made the trek to the United States. They remained here through her grandmother’s six-month illness until her passing, and by then her family had assumed their lives here. She has now lived in the U.S. for 20 years, and has attained degrees from Loyola Marymount and is now an engineer. Read more on her in the original article from Loyola Marymount Magazine here.

 

Suicide Prevention Day

September 10 is World Suicide Prevention Day. This weekend, the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention invites faith communities across the nation to pray for those whose lives have been touched by suicide.

There are a variety of other ways to get involved. Talk to your faith leader(s) today and encourage participation in the National Day of Prayer the weekend of September 8.

Additionally, you can stay involved all year round by utilizing other Faith, Hope, Life campaign resources aimed at helping faith communities across our nation play an active role in preventing suicide such as:

·       How to respond to a member who may be at risk for suicide

·       Worship and spiritual resources

·       Communications aids such as flyers, bulletin inserts, posters and other graphical art 

·       Other resources for mental health promotion and suicide prevention in faith communities

 

U.S. Bishops Oppose RAISE Act

In a statement by the head of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Migration, the Bishops say that the immigration proposal by the Trump Administration will weaken family bonds and impact the nation’s ability to respond to crisis.  Read the statement here.

Employment Opportunities

Diocese of San Jose

The Diocese of San Jose is looking to fill several open positions including Director, Office of Social Ministries; Director of Faith Formation; and Director, Office of Liturgy.  Click here for more info.

 

August 11, 2017
Vol. 10, No. 25

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