Summary of this week’s public policy news and events.
Vital Abortion Legislative Alerts
With committee hearings in full swing and numerous bills threatening the sanctity of life in California, the California Catholic Conference is looking to the Catholic Legislative Network to engage lawmakers to help make the Catholic voice heard loud and clear in the Capitol walls this spring.
The CCC submitted letters opposing SB 1142, SB 1245, and SB 1375 this week, all bills aimed at expanding abortion services in California. Specifically, these bills would permit a nurse practitioner to perform abortions without physician oversight, establish an Abortion Practical Support Fund to provide grants for airfare, lodging, ground transportation, gas money, meals, dependent childcare, and doula support for women seeking an abortion, as well as establish the Los Angeles County Abortion Access Safe Haven Pilot Program.
So far, there are 17 bills dealing with abortion, and while the sheer number is overwhelming, the CCC will need participation on your part every step of the way as these bills advance. While it might seem like there is an endless amount of emailed alerts hitting your inbox soon, it’s more important than ever that you take action on each piece of legislation. Every committee and every vote is a chance to make a difference.
Please head to our Action Alert page to take action on these bills now and ensure lawmakers know that the State’s 12+ million Catholics are opposed to expanding abortion services.
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month
According to childhelp.org, each day, between four and seven children tragically lose their lives to child abuse in the U.S., and a report of child abuse is made every 10 seconds. This includes instances of abuse, neglect, and child trafficking in every city across America.
Since 1983, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has dedicated April as Child Abuse Prevention Month, when communities should rededicate themselves to being supportive of families, play an active role in preventing child abuse and neglect, and take positive action to promote child and family well-being.
Click here to learn the signs of child abuse and what to do if you suspect abuse.
Your participation is vital in this month-long campaign. Every child is worth the effort.
“Encounter for Our Common Home”
The Catholic Climate Covenant’s “Encounter for Our Common Home” is a broad U.S. Catholic coalition-led training and advocacy campaign to encounter and urge U.S. Senators to support climate solutions this year from a place of faith and reason.
Activities include community-building events, training, young adult materials and engagement, webinars, resources, action alerts, and more, culminating in group meetings with U.S. Senators the week of May 2 – 6, 2022.
Learn more and sign up here.
CRS Rice Bowl Lent Prayer Evening
Join CRS’s Rice Lent Prayer Evening on April 6 at 4 p.m. PDT to pray as a community of faith and encounter the stories of our sisters and brothers in Guatemala, Bangladesh, and Rwanda.
Connect with people across the country through prayer during the bilingual and virtual event.
Registration is required. Don’t miss this opportunity to join others to lift up some of our brothers and sisters most in need in prayer this Lent.
Let us #PrayTogether untiringly to the Queen of Peace, to whom we consecrated humanity, in particular Russia and Ukraine, with such a large and intense participation for which I thank all of you.
@Pontifex
April 1, 2022
Vol. 15, No. 12