Monday, September 29, 2008

MONDAY MORNING MISSION MEDITATION, week of September 28, 2008

VISION: Believing in the presence of God in our midst, we proclaim the sanctity of human life and the dignity of the person by sharing in the mission of Jesus given to the Church. To this end, Catholic Charities works with individuals, families, and communities to help them meet their needs, address their issues, eliminate oppression, and build a just and compassionate society.



MISSION: To provide service to people in need, to advocate for justice in social structures, and to call the entire Church and other people of good will to do the same.


GOALS: Catholic Charities is devoted to helping meet basic human needs, strengthening families, building communities and empowering low-income people.




KEY VALUE: Hospitality





On Sunday (26th Ordinary Time Sunday Cycle A) we read in the Gospel of Matthew about Jesus' story challenging us about how we think about those who do not "deserve" to be believers. In fact, these perceived "undesirables" are the very ones that are radically open to God's call to a conversion of heart and mind to be more like God. They are transformed. In the first reading, we are challenged by the prophet Ezekiel to remember that God's way in the manner of justice differs from our own. St. Paul's Letter to the Philippians give us the proper attitude to have: "Do nothing out of selfishness or out of vainglory; rather, humbly regard others as more important than yourselves,each looking out not for his own interests,but also for those of others.Have in you the same attitude that is also in Christ Jesus..."


At Catholic Charities, we are sometimes blamed for or accused of helping people that some believe are not worthy of our services. We are called to witness to the message of Jesus: that persons are made in the Image and Likeness of God and deserve deep and great respect. Thanks for all the work being done to those who many consider unworthy of love or support.

Some important date(s) this week:




SATURDAY, OCTOBER 4. St. Francis of Assisi. (1182-1226) Francis of Assisi was a poor little man who astounded and inspired the Church by taking the gospel literally—not in a narrow fundamentalist sense, but by actually following all that Jesus said and did, joyfully, without limit and without a mite of self-importance. Serious illness brought the young Francis to see the emptiness of his frolicking life as leader of Assisi's youth. Prayer—lengthy and difficult—led him to a self-emptying like that of Christ, climaxed by embracing a leper he met on the road. It symbolized his complete obedience to what he had heard in prayer: "Francis! Everything you have loved and desired in the flesh it is your duty to despise and hate, if you wish to know my will. And when you have begun this, all that now seems sweet and lovely to you will become intolerable and bitter, but all that you used to avoid will turn itself to great sweetness and exceeding joy."

During the last years of his relatively short life (he died at 44) he was half blind and seriously ill. Two years before his death, he received the stigmata, the real and painful wounds of Christ in his hands, feet and side.

On his deathbed, he said over and over again the last addition to his Canticle of the Sun, "Be praised, O Lord, for our Sister Death." He sang Psalm 141, and at the end asked his superior to have his clothes removed when the last hour came and for permission to expire lying naked on the earth, in imitation of his Lord.



PAPAL INTENTIONS:


SEPTEMBER 2008
General:
That those who are forced to leave home and country because of war or oppressive regimes may be supported by Christians in the defense and protection of their rights.
Mission:
That faithful to the sacrament of matrimony every Christian family may cultivate the values of love and communion in order to be a small evangelizing community, sensitive and open to the material and spiritual needs of others


OCTOBER 2008
General:
That the Synod of Bishops may help bishops and theologians as well as catechists and pastoral workers engaged in the service of the Word of God transmit with courage the truth of the faith in communion with the entire Church.
Mission:
That in this month dedicated to the missions, through the promotional activities of the Pontifical Missionary Works and other organisms, the Christian may feel the need to participate in the Church’s universal mission with prayer, sacrifice and concrete help.


Corporal Works of Mercy: The seven practices of charity toward our neighbor

Feed the hungry
Give drink to the thirsty
Clothe the naked
Shelter the homeless
Visit the sick
Visit those in prison
Bury the dead



See our website at www.catholiccharitiesyoungstown.org for links to the our ministries and services.

Saturday, September 27, 2008

Statement by US Catholic Bishops' Conference on Current Fiscal Crisis

September 26, 2008

Letter from Bishop William Murphy, Chair of the USCCB Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development.

Dear Secretary Paulson, Majority Leader Reid, Minority Leader McConnell, Speaker Pelosi and Minority Leader Boehner:

The economic crisis facing our nation is both terribly disturbing and enormously complicated. I write to offer the prayers of the U.S. Catholic Bishops and express the concerns of our Conference as you face difficult choices on how to limit the damage and move forward with prudence and justice. As pastors and teachers, my brother bishops and I do not bring technical expertise to these complicated matters. However, we believe our faith and moral principles can help guide the search for just and effective responses to the economic turmoil threatening our people.

• Human and Moral Dimensions: This crisis involves far more than just economic or technical matters, but has enormous human impact and clear ethical dimensions which should be at the center of debate and decisions on how to move forward. Families are losing their homes. Retirement savings are at risk. People are losing jobs and benefits. Economic arrangements, structures and remedies should have as a fundamental purpose safeguarding human life and dignity. The scandalous search for excessive economic rewards even to the point of dangerous speculation that exacerbates the pain and losses of the more vulnerable are egregious examples of an economic ethic that places economic gain above all other values. This ignores the impact of economic decisions on the lives of real people as well as the ethical dimension of the choices we make and the moral responsibility we have for their effect on people.

• Responsibility and Accountability: Clearly, effective measures are required which address and alter the behaviors, practices and misjudgments that led to this crisis. Sadly, greed, speculation, exploitation of vulnerable people and dishonest practices helped to bring about this serious situation. Many blameless and vulnerable people have been and will be harmed. Those who directly contributed to this crisis or profited from it should not be rewarded or escape accountability for the harm they have done. Any response of government ought to seek greater responsibility, accountability and transparency in both economic and public life.

• Advantages and Limitations of the Market: Pope John Paul II pointed out that “the free market is the most efficient instrument for utilizing resources and effectively responding to needs…But there are many human needs which find no place on the market. It is a strict duty of justice and truth not to allow fundamental human needs to remain unsatisfied.” Both public and private institutions have failed in responding to fundamental human needs. A new sense of responsibility on the part of all should include a renewal of instruments of monitoring and correction within economic institutions and the financial industry as well as effective public regulation and protection to the extent this may be clearly necessary.

• Solidarity and the Common Good: The principle of solidarity reminds us that we are in this together and warns us that concern for narrow interests alone can make things worse. The principle of solidarity commits us to the pursuit of the common good, not the search for partisan gain or economic advantage. Protection of the vulnerable – workers, business owners, homeowners, renters, and stockholders – must be included in the commitment to protect economic institutions. As Church leaders we ask that you give proper priority to the poor and the most vulnerable.

• Subsidiarity: Subsidiarity places a responsibility on the private actors and institutions to accept their own obligations. If they do not do so, then the larger entities, including the government, will have to step in to do what private institutions will have failed to do.

This is a challenging time for our nation. Everyone who carries responsibility should exercise it according to their respective roles and with a great sensitivity to reforming practices and setting forth new guidelines that will serve all people, all institutions of the economy and the common good of the people as a nation. This includes not just the leaders of the economic life of our country. It means the political leaders and all those whose own expertise can contribute to a resolution of the current situation.

Our Catholic tradition calls for a “society of work, enterprise and participation” which “is not directed against the market, but demands that the market be appropriately controlled by the forces of society and by the state to assure that the basic needs of the whole society are satisfied” (Centesimus Annus). These words of John Paul II should be adopted as a standard for all those who carry this responsibility for our nation, the world and the common good of all.

Friday, September 26, 2008

Archbishop Migliore Speech to UN on Millennium Goals

ACHIEVING THE MILLENNIUM DEVELOPMENT GOALS



VATICAN CITY, 26 SEP 2008 (VIS) - Made public today was a speech delivered on 25 September by Archbishop Celestino Migliore, Holy See permanent observer to the United Nations in New York, before the 63rd session of the U.N. General Assembly which is considering the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).



Speaking English, Archbishop Migliore highlighted how the MDGs " will be achieved if their attainment becomes a priority for all States". To this end, "we need to foment a new culture of human relations marked by a fraternal vision of the world, a culture based upon the moral imperative of recognising the unity of humankind and the practical imperative of giving a contribution to peace and the well-being of all.



"The money and resources that the least developed countries need in terms of direct aid, financial assistance and trade advantages are meagre compared to the world-wide military expenses or the total expenses of non-primary necessities of populations in more developed countries", he added.



"In these days we are witnessing a debate on an economic rescue aimed at resolving a crisis that risks disrupting the economy of the most developed countries and leaving thousands and thousands of families without work. This rescue of enormous proportions, which amounts to many times the whole of international aid, cannot but raise a pressing question. How are we able to find funds to save a broken financial system yet remain unable to find the resources necessary to invest in the development of all regions of the world, beginning with the most destitute?



"For this reason", he concluded, "the globalisation of solidarity through the prompt achievement of the MDGs established by the Millennium Declaration is a crucial moral obligation of the international community".

DELSS/MILLENNIUM GOALS/U.N. VIS 080926 (300)

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Cardinal Rodríguez calls on world leaders for action on poverty

23 September 2008


Caritas Internationalis President, Cardinal Oscar Rodr í guez Maradiaga, will tell heads of state that there has been a failure of political leadership in achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

Due to speak at a high-level event on the MDGs at the UN in New York on 25 September, Cardinal Rodr í guez will urge world leaders to make courageous decisions and live up to past promises in order to achieve the MDGs by 2015.

“We need to imagine a world in which the needless deaths of nearly 10 million children a year are an abomination that cannot be tolerated,” says the Cardinal.

Cardinal Rodr í guez says that failing to achieve the MDGs is not just about money, aid effectiveness, debt relief and fair trade.

“We need to be able to imagine ourselves not in the “Third World” and a “First World” but in one world in which our duties to the poor are shared,” he says.

The Cardinal is one of six civil society leaders invited by UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon, to take part in roundtable discussions at the UN. Environmental sustainability is the subject of the Cardinal’s roundtable.

He says climate change is undoing much of the progress made in developing countries, and urges industrialised nations to cut greenhouse gas emissions.

Climate change means that poor people will need increased financial support on top of existing pledges, he says.

“We’re witnessing a world being created where the greediness of a few is leaving the majority on the margin of history,” says the Cardinal.

A native of Honduras, the Cardinal says he has seen the damage greed has caused in his own country, where mining companies have exploited land and left it poisoned for the people.

Cardinal Rodríguez will urge heads of state to work towards the MDGs in partnership with civil society and grass roots faith based organisations.

In the year 2000, 189 governments signed up to the Millennium Declaration as their promise to tackle unjustifiable poverty in developing countries.

Caritas Internationalis has supported the MDGs through initiatives such as the Jubilee Debt Campaign, Make Poverty History, and at the World Economic Forum, World Social Forum, the G8 and the Accra Aid Effectiveness meeting.

Monday, September 22, 2008

Pope: Remember the Poor; Special Appeal for Caribbean

1) Pope: Despite Strained Economy, Remember the Poor

CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy, SEPT. 21, 2008 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI is urging leaders to fight against extreme poverty, even if it means greater sacrifice as many countries face economic difficulties.
The Pope made this appeal today after he prayed the midday Angelus with crowds gathered at the papal summer residence at Castel Gandolfo.
"This Thursday, Sept. 25, there will be a high level meeting, in the context of the 63rd General Assembly of the United Nations, to verify the accomplishment of the objectives established by the 'Millennium Declaration' of Sept. 8, 2000," the Holy Father noted.

"On the occasion of this important gathering, in which the leaders of all the countries of the world will be together," he continued, "I would like to renew the invitation to take up and apply with courage the necessary measures to eliminate extreme poverty, hunger and lack of education and the scourge of the pandemics that harm the most vulnerable above all."
The Pontiff assured that "such a commitment, while demanding sacrifices in these moments of worldwide economic difficulties, will not be without important benefits for the development of nations who are in need of help and for the peace and well-being of the entire planet."

2) SOLIDARITY WITH CYCLONE VICTIMS AND APPEAL TO THE U.N.

VATICAN CITY, 21 SEP 2008 (VIS) - After praying the Angelus this morning, the Holy Father made a call in favour of Caribbean countries, particularly Haiti, Cuba and the Dominican Republic, as well as the U.S. state of Texas, which have all been struck by cyclones in recent weeks.

"Once again", he said, "I would like to ensure all those dear people of a special mention in my prayers. I trust that aid may soon arrive in the most severely damaged areas. May it be the Lord's will that, at least in these circumstances, solidarity and fraternity prevail over all else".

Benedict XVI then went on he recall how on 25 September in New York, within the context of the 63rd U.N. General Assembly, a high level meeting will be held to verify the achievement of the goals laid down in the Millennium Declaration, which was adopted at a summit of world leaders on 8 September 2000.

The Holy Father renewed his invitation for everyone "courageously to take and apply the measures necessary to eradicate extreme poverty, hunger, ignorance and pandemics, which especially strike the most vulnerable. Such a commitment, though requiring particular sacrifices at this time of world economic difficulties, will not fail to produce important benefits, both for the development of nations which need external aid, and for the peace and wellbeing of the entire planet".
ANG/APPEALS/CARIBBEAN:U.N. VIS 080922 (240)

Saturday, September 20, 2008

MONDAY MORNING MISSION MEDITATION, week of September 21, 2008


VISION: Believing in the presence of God in our midst, we proclaim the sanctity of human life and the dignity of the person by sharing in the mission of Jesus given to the Church. To this end, Catholic Charities works with individuals, families, and communities to help them meet their needs, address their issues, eliminate oppression, and build a just and compassionate society.

MISSION: To provide service to people in need, to advocate for justice in social structures, and to call the entire Church and other people of good will to do the same.

GOALS: Catholic Charities is devoted to helping meet basic human needs, strengthening families, building communities and empowering low-income people.

KEY VALUE: Hospitality



On Sunday (25th Ordinary Time Sunday Cycle A) we read in the Gospel of Matthew about Jesus' story of how God's mind differs from our human perspective. The First Reading from Isaiah calls all people to search for God, and find in our God that place of love, compassion, and joy. St Paul calls us to live the life that is worthy of the Gospel. The parable of Jesus tells of the various groups of workers chosen to work within an agreement for a fair wage. Five different groups are engaged to work at different hours of the day. All are paid exactly the same. Why? Should those that worked longer expect to get paid more than those who only worked for an hour? Maybe within our human limitations, we tend to look for our own advantage and ask what is in it for us. Maybe we think only in terms of strict comparative justice. Maybe we just want to be disgruntled and compare ourselves to others. I believe that Jesus' message is more radical: God's justice is marked by his love, mercy and compassion. It is not about strict human legal justice. Jesus challenges us to be different, very different: we are called to be servants.

At Catholic Charities, we are that place where persons in need can touch the Good News of Jesus. We are that ministry and outreach of the Church which provides a face -- a compassionate hand, a place of mercy and love -- of God. We are called to be very different than other agencies working for the same goals. Catholic Charities is a witness to the ministry of Jesus today. Thanks for all you do.




Some important date(s) this week:

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 27. St. Vincent de Paul. 1580-1660. The deathbed confession of a dying servant opened Vincent's eyes to the crying spiritual needs of the peasantry of France. This seems to have been a crucial moment in the life of the man from a small farm in Gascony, France, who had become a priest with little more ambition than to have a comfortable life. It was the Countess de Gondi (whose servant he had helped) who persuaded her husband to endow and support a group of able and zealous missionaries who would work among the poor, the vassals and tenants and the country people in general.

Vincent was too humble to accept leadership at first, but after working for some time in Paris among imprisoned galley-slaves, he returned to be the leader of what is now known as the Congregation of the Mission, or the Vincentians.
These priests, with vows of poverty, chastity, obedience and stability, were to devote themselves entirely to the people in smaller towns and villages. Later Vincent established confraternities of charity for the spiritual and physical relief of the poor and sick of each parish. From these, with the help of St. Louise de Marillac, came the Daughters of Charity, "whose convent is the sickroom, whose chapel is the parish church, whose cloister is the streets of the city."

He organized the rich women of Paris to collect funds for his missionary projects, founded several hospitals, collected relief funds for the victims of war and ransomed over 1,200 galley slaves from North Africa. He was zealous in conducting retreats for clergy at a time when there was great laxity, abuse and ignorance among them. He was a pioneer in clerical training and was instrumental in establishing seminaries. Most remarkably, Vincent was by temperament a very irascible person—even his friends admitted it. He said that except for the grace of God he would have been "hard and repulsive, rough and cross." But he became a tender and affectionate man, very sensitive to the needs of others.

Pope Leo XIII made him the patron of all charitable societies. Outstanding among these, of course, is the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, founded in 1833 by his admirer Blessed Frederic Ozanam.


PAPAL INTENTIONS:


SEPTEMBER 2008
General:
That those who are forced to leave home and country because of war or oppressive regimes may be supported by Christians in the defense and protection of their rights.
Mission:
That faithful to the sacrament of matrimony every Christian family may cultivate the values of love and communion in order to be a small evangelizing community, sensitive and open to the material and spiritual needs of others

Corporal Works of Mercy: The seven practices of charity toward our neighbor
Feed the hungry
Give drink to the thirsty
Clothe the naked
Shelter the homeless
Visit the sick
Visit those in prison
Bury the dead



See our website at www.catholiccharitiesyoungstown.org for links to the our ministries and services.

For more information on Catholic Social Doctrine and its connection to our ministries, visit my blog at: http://corbinchurchthinking.blogspot.com/

Catholic Charities Youngstown Responds to Local Power Outages

Catholic Charities responds to current power failures.

Since last Sunday, many homes and businesses have been without electricity. Low income families find it particularly hard when their electricity is off for several days since the costs in replacing spoiled food, milk, and baby formula in their refrigerators are very high for them. Though the State of Ohio and many counties are responding to the best of their abilities to assist these low come families with replacement of foodstuffs, there are many households who may not qualify for governmental aid or extensions of their food stamps.

Due to many special donations and to the proceeds of sale from the pasta sauce from Mt. Carmel Parish in Youngstown, Catholic Charities through its regional agencies are stepping in to help these families who need assistance. We are also working closely with the State Voluntary Disaster Organizations network to respond to specific families in need.

If you would like to donate to this special account, please send your donation to Special Emergency Fund for the Poor, c/o Catholic Charities, 144 W. Wood Street, Youngstown, OH 44503.

If you would like more information on how you or your parish could donate specific food or baby items, contact the Catholic Charities agency serving your county. Thanks for your support.

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Caritas launches international appeal for Haiti

Caritas has launched an emergency appeal for US$4.3 million (3 million Euros) for Haiti after a series of tropical storms devastated the Caribbean country.

Caritas has already begun helping the worst affected people despite it being difficult to reach cut off communities.

After four tropical storms in less than a month, 600,000 people are homeless and Haiti's death toll may never be known.

Caritas will give 20,000 people food aid and other relief items such as hygiene kits.

Caritas will provide temporary shelter, water and sanitation, and support to people affected by the severe weather and help restart their livelihoods.

Caritas will also manage 5 shelters, providing food, water, shelter, and the hygiene needs of 50 families in each shelter, as well as counselling, especially targeting children.

Gonaïves, on the west coast, is one of the hardest-hit cities. Caritas will support 500 families in Gonaïves, Jacmel and Les Cayes with construction materials for temporary shelters and latrines, training, and technical assistance.

Bishop of Gonaïves Monsignor Yves Marie Péan said, “Already many people have succumbed. Many more will die if we can’t get them the immediate support they require. Help us provide for these many victims through the continued efforts of Caritas.”

The series of natural disasters affecting Haiti comes at a critical time as the vast majority of the population is already struggling with rising living costs.

Caritas says that the 2008 hurricane season coupled with the increase in food prices has considerably impacted on people’s coping mechanisms. Hence, the need for support to Haiti’s population is needed more now than ever.

Caritas Internationalis is the umbrella organisation for 162 national Catholic charities, and will respond on the ground through Caritas Haiti and CRS (A Caritas member in the USA).

Caritas Haiti has 33 years of experience working on humanitarian response. It was created in 1975 by the Haitian Bishop’s Conference to respond to a nationwide hunger problem.

With the Caritas confederation support, Caritas Haiti has responded to many natural disasters, most recently Hurricane Jeanne in 2004.

Visit Catholic Relief Services (CRS) for more information in the US Catholic response to assist Caritas Haiti.

POPE ENCOURAGES UN IN "URGENT TASKS"

ZE08091702 - 2008-09-17
Permalink: http://www.zenit.org/article-23638?l=english


Sends Message to Prayer Meeting Before 63rd Session

VATICAN CITY, SEPT. 17, 2008 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI says the United Nations is facing urgent tasks over the coming months, including its efforts to implement development goals, especially for Africa.

The Pope affirmed this in a message sent on his behalf by his secretary of state, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone. The message was sent to a prayer service held Monday, the eve of the opening of the U.N. General Assembly's 63rd session.

The prayer service was held in New York and led by Cardinal Edward Egan, archbishop of New York, and Archbishop Celestino Migliore, permanent observer of the Holy See to the United Nations.

The message said the Holy Father implores the guidance and strength from God, "needed to carry out the urgent tasks facing the United Nations in the coming months, including the continuing implementation of the Millennium Development Goals, the [New Partnership for Africa's Development] program and other initiatives aimed at ensuring that the whole human family shares in the benefits of globalization."

The Pontiff further renewed "his appeal to international leaders to reappropriate the lofty moral vision and the transcendent principles of justice embodied in the United Nations' founding documents."

"With these sentiments," the message concluded, "the Holy Father invokes upon all in attendance an abundance of divine blessings, trusting that these moments of reflection and prayer will strengthen them in their commitment to upholding the dignity of each human person and building a world of ever greater solidarity, freedom and peace."

Saturday, September 13, 2008

MONDAY MORNING MISSION MEDITATION for Week of September 14, 2008

VISION: Believing in the presence of God in our midst, we proclaim the sanctity of human life and the dignity of the person by sharing in the mission of Jesus given to the Church. To this end, Catholic Charities works with individuals, families, and communities to help them meet their needs, address their issues, eliminate oppression, and build a just and compassionate society.


MISSION: To provide service to people in need, to advocate for justice in social structures, and to call the entire Church and other people of good will to do the same.


GOALS: Catholic Charities is devoted to helping meet basic human needs, strengthening families, building communities and empowering low-income people.


KEY VALUE: Hospitality




On Sunday (24th Ordinary Time Sunday/Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, Cycle A) we are reminded in the Gospel of John about the LORD's call to Moses to raise a serpent like staff to heal those inflicted. We are called in the Gospel to overcome our own inflictions and doubts, and believe in the message and Good News of Jesus the Christ. We then see that this message is quite troubling though joyous: in the ancient hymn from Philippians, Jesus, though the DIVINE WORD, was made humble by his human estate and accepted death, even death on the cross. This death was most cruel. That acceptance of God's will, however, brought life to the world.


In Catholic Charities we are called to be witnesses to this incredible message: that the LORD willingly humbled himself to suffer for us to bring new life. We are called to be in solidarity with the lowliest of the low. We are called to be voices for the voiceless. We are called to bring healing to the world by offering the love that Jesus commanded his followers to imitate and live. We are called to be a place where our clients and visitors know the healing and loving presence of God. This is a key insight into our core value of hospitality.




Some important date(s) this week:

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 15. Our Lady of Sorrows. For a while there were two feasts in honor of the Sorrowful Mother: one going back to the 15th century, the other to the 17th century. For a while both were celebrated by the universal Church: one on the Friday before Palm Sunday, the other in September. The principal biblical references to Mary's sorrows are in Luke 2:35 and John 19:26-27. The Lucan passage is Simeon's prediction about a sword piercing Mary's soul; the Johannine passage relates Jesus' words to Mary and to the beloved disciple.



THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 18. Bishop Murry will give the key note address at the Wean Foundation Non Profit Summit. Catholic Charities is a member of the planning group for this major community event.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19. Joan Rosenhauer of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops will be at St. Michael's Parish in Canfield giving a workshop to pastoral leaders on the role of the Catholic Community in electoral politics and on-going conscience formation regarding moral decision making. Call the Office of Religious Education of the Diocese of Youngstown 330-744-8451, Sandy Greco, for more information and to register. A small fee is being charged to cover the food costs.

SPECIAL EVENT:
Frozen Custard = Hurricane Relief Funds


Parkers' Origional Frozen Custard in Boardman will be hosting a special fundraising weekend October 10,11 and 12th. Throughout the weekend 1/2 of all custard sale proceeds will benefit Catholic Charities Hurricane Relief Fund. Parker's Origional Custard is located at 813 Boardman-Poland Rd (Rt. 224) in the Presidential Plaza. There will be special in-store give-aways and chances to win gift certificates, a $100 US Savings Bond and a Grocery Give-a-Way at Nemenz IGA!

So come out an enjoy some frozen custard for a good cause. Catholic Charities agencies throughout the Gulf Coast are responding with emergency shelter, food, counseling and general assistance for those persons and families impacted by various hurricanes, and will continue to respond to help communities rebuild. If you are unable to make it to Parker's the weekend of October 10,11 and 12, monetary donations can be sent to:

Make out check to: Catholic Charities, Diocese of Youngstown
Send check to: Catholic Charities Office, Diocese of Youngstown
Attn: Hurrican Relief Fund
144 W. Wood Street, Youngstown, OH 44503

For more information, contact Brian R. Corbin, Disaster Response Coordinator, 330-744-8451 ext. 320 or email him at charities@youngstowndiocese.org

Thanks to Fr Ed Brienz of St. Columba Cathedral, and special advisor on disaster response, for his leadership in helping to rebuild New Orleans


PAPAL INTENTIONS:


SEPTEMBER 2008
General:
That those who are forced to leave home and country because of war or oppressive regimes may be supported by Christians in the defense and protection of their rights.
Mission:
That faithful to the sacrament of matrimony every Christian family may cultivate the values of love and communion in order to be a small evangelizing community, sensitive and open to the material and spiritual needs of others

Corporal Works of Mercy: The seven practices of charity toward our neighbor

1. Feed the hungry
2. Give drink to the thirsty
3. Clothe the naked
4. Shelter the homeless
5. Visit the sick
6. Visit those in prison
7. Bury the dead


See our website at www.catholiccharitiesyoungstown.org for links to the our ministries and services.

For more information on Catholic Social Doctrine and its connection to our ministries, visit my blog at: http://corbinchurchthinking.blogspot.com/

Friday, September 12, 2008

Caritas Needs $4.3 Million for Haiti

http://zenit.org/article-23598?l=english


ZE08091105 - 2008-09-11
Permalink: http://zenit.org/article-23598?l=english

Caritas Needs $4.3 Million for Haiti


ROME, SEPT. 11, 2008 (Zenit.org).- A Haitian bishop is appealing for help to keep more of his countrymen from dying in the wake of the four deadly storms that tore apart the Caribbean island.

Caritas Internationalis has launched an emergency appeal for $4.3 million to help the 600,000 who were left homeless by the four storms that hit Haiti over the last month.

Gonaives, on the west coast, is one of the hardest-hit cities, Caritas reported. Its bishop, Yves Marie Péan, said, "Already many people have succumbed. Many more will die if we can't get them the immediate support they require. Help us provide for these many victims through the continued efforts of Caritas."

The series of natural disasters affecting Haiti comes at a critical time, as the vast majority of the population is already struggling with rising living costs. Haiti was the scene of violent food riots in April.

Caritas reported that the 2008 hurricane season coupled with the increase in food prices have considerably impacted people's ability to cope.

Benedict XVI appealed for help for the island nation during the address before praying the midday Angelus last Sunday.

"I am close to the whole nation and I hope that it will receive as soon as possible the necessary aid," he said.

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Bishops call for reexamination of ICE work site raids

Statement of Most Reverend John C. Wester
Bishop of Salt Lake City
Chairman, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Migration

On

Worksite Enforcement Raids

September 10, 2008

On behalf of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), I call upon the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and President Bush to reexamine the use of worksite enforcement raids as an immigration enforcement tool. The humanitarian costs of these raids are immeasurable and unacceptable in a civilized society.

In the absence of comprehensive immigration reform, we have sought to work collaboratively with DHS to ensure that raids are carried out humanely. It seems to us that DHS has attempted to abide by several humanitarian considerations in executing some of the workplace raids.

However, we believe that DHS has not gone far enough to ensure that human rights protections are consistently applied in all enforcement actions.

For over a year now, DHS has targeted employers who hire unauthorized workers by using force to enter worksites and arrest immigrant workers. During the process of these raids, U.S.-citizen children have been separated from their parents for days, if not longer; immigrants arrested have not been afforded the rights of due process; and local communities, including legal permanent residents and U.S. citizens, have been disrupted and dislocated. The sweeping nature of these raids---which often involve hundreds of law enforcement personnel with weapons---strike fear in immigrant communities and make it difficult for those arrested to secure basic due process protections, including legal counsel.

We have witnessed first-hand the suffering of immigrant families and are gravely concerned about the collateral human consequences of immigration enforcement raids on the family unit. Many of our local parishes have helped respond to human needs generated by these enforcement actions, providing counseling and legal services to parents and children and basic needs assistance to immigrant communities.
Raids strike immigrant communities unexpectedly, leaving the affected immigrant families to cope in their aftermath. Husbands are separated from their wives, and children are separated from their parents. Many families never recover; others never reunite.

As our government confronts the challenges of immigration, let it not forget one of its core duties: protecting the family unit as the fundamental institution upon which society and government itself depends.

While we do not question the right and duty of our government to enforce the law, we do question whether worksite enforcement raids are the most effective and humane method for performing this duty, particularly as they are presently being implemented. In this regard, we ask DHS to immediately pledge to take the following actions to mitigate the human costs of these raids:

DHS should refrain from enforcement activity in certain areas that provide humanitarian relief—churches, hospitals, community health centers, schools, food banks, and other community-based organizations that provide charitable services;

Primary, not simply sole, caregivers should be released following an enforcement action to care for their children. A variety of release mechanisms, including parole in the public interest, release on recognizance, bail, and alternatives to detention should be utilized for this purpose:

DHS should facilitate access to meaningful legal representation for arrested individuals so that they are aware of their legal rights and options;

Enforcement actions should be conducted in a manner which preserves basic human dignity: immigrants who are working to survive and support their families should not be treated like criminals.

Mechanisms should be instituted to allow family members to remain together and to locate each other during and following an enforcement action. Non-profit and community groups should be engaged in this effort.

Absent the effective and immediate implementation of these safeguards, we believe that these enforcement raids should be abandoned.

Immigration enforcement raids demonstrate politically the ability of the government to enforce the law. They do little, however, to solve the broader challenge of illegal immigration. They also reveal, sadly, the failure of a seriously flawed immigration system, which, as we have consistently stated, requires comprehensive reform.

As they begin their general election campaigns, we urge the two presidential candidates to engage the issue of immigration in a humane, thoughtful, and courageous manner.

We urge our elected and appointed officials to turn away from enforcement-only methods and direct their energy toward the adoption of comprehensive immigration reform legislation.

Tuesday, September 9, 2008

Pope Asks for Help for Haiti

Benedict XVI Asks Help for Haiti

Island Plastered by Fourth Storm

CAGLIARI, Sardinia, ( Zenit.org ).- Benedict XVI is expressing his spiritual closeness to suffering Haitians, who have been plastered by four storms that have ravaged the island in a span of 25 days.

The Pope mentioned Haiti on Sunday before praying the midday Angelus during his pastoral visit to Sardinia, a semi-autonomous Italian island located in the Mediterranean Sea.

"Under Mary's gaze," he said, "I wish to remember the dear people of Haiti, harshly tried in past days in the wake of no less than three hurricanes. I pray for the victims, unfortunately numerous, and for the homeless. I am close to the whole nation and I hope that it will receive as soon as possible the necessary aid."

Since the Pope spoke of the nation, Hurricane Ike blasted it today, taking at least another 61 lives.

Caritas Internationalis reported that 600,000 Haitians are in need of aid and the AFP news agency informed today that some 600 people have died on the island as the result of the four storms.

“The situation in Haiti is desperate," Caritas Haiti Director-General Père Serge Chadic said. "These storms have left people with nothing. We need outside help.

"The people are in need of food, shelter and water. In a country already wracked by conflict and food riots, we’re appealing to the outside world for support.”

Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere and the storms have left the destitute even more desperate. The island was the scene of food riots in April that resulted in the firing of the prime minister.

Saturday, September 6, 2008

MONDAY MORNING MISSION MEDITATION, September 7, 2008

VISION: Believing in the presence of God in our midst, we proclaim the sanctity of human life and the dignity of the person by sharing in the mission of Jesus given to the Church. To this end, Catholic Charities works with individuals, families, and communities to help them meet their needs, address their issues, eliminate oppression, and build a just and compassionate society.

MISSION: To provide service to people in need, to advocate for justice in social structures, and to call the entire Church and other people of good will to do the same.

GOALS: Catholic Charities is devoted to helping meet basic human needs, strengthening families, building communities and empowering low-income people.

KEY VALUE: Hospitality



On Sunday (23rd Ordinary Time Sunday, Cycle A) we hear Jesus discuss a progressive process of reconciliation between persons: confront someone privately, bring in the Church if that fails. Jesus continues to discuss how we can be assured that like of old -- when there was a need for two witnesses -- that God is with us whenever two or three are gathered in his name. We find in the reading from the book of the prophet Ezekiel that he is responsible to denounce injustice and help others find God. The Letter to the Romans is real clear about the core of the message of Jesus: the whole law is fulfilled in loving one another.

In Catholic Charities, we too are called like the prophets of old to be responsible to announce injustices and help people find their way to God. We are called, like in the Gospel, to help people bridge their differences and find avenues of reconciliation with themselves, their neighbors, the world around them, and with God. In Catholic Charities, we are called to be witnesses to the fundamental norm of Christian living: to love God and to love our neighbor. We are called to be corporate witnesses on how the message of reconciliation and justice is made real.



Some important date(s) this week:

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8. Birth of Mary. Probably originated after the Council of Ephesus in 431, which established her right to the title of "Mother of God." It was first mentioned in a hymn composed by Saint Romanus, an ecclesiastical lyrist of the Greek Church; adopted by the Roman Church in the17th century.


TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9. St. Peter Claver (1581-1654). Farmer's son. Studied at the University of Barcelona. Jesuit from age 20. Priest. Influenced by Saint Alphonsus Rodriguez to become a missionary in America. Ministered, physically and spiritually, to slaves when they arrived in Cartegena, converting a reported 300,000, and working for humane treatment on the plantations for 40 years. Organized charitable societies among the Spanish in America similar to those organized in Europe by Saint Vincent de Paul.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 7 or TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 9. Blessed Frederic Ozanam (1813- died on September 8, 1853) A man convinced of the inestimable worth of each human being, Frederick served the poor of Paris well and drew others into serving the poor of the world. Through the St. Vincent de Paul Society, his work continues to the present day. A group dedicated to helping individuals in need under the patronage of St. Vincent de Paul formed around Frederick. After Frederick earned his law degree at the Sorbonne, he taught law at the University of Lyons. He also earned a doctorate in literature. Soon after marrying Amelie Soulacroix on June 23, 1841, he returned to the Sorbonne to teach literature. A well-respected lecturer, Frederick worked to bring out the best in each student. Meanwhile, the St. Vincent de Paul Society was growing throughout Europe. Paris alone counted 25 conferences.

NOTE: Catholic Charities USA, in partnership with many inter-faith organizations, have declared September 10-16 as a time to act on the issue of poverty. We are called upon to challenge all politicians and public decision makers to make poverty a major priority in international, federal, state and local public policy. We will be working with the local Youngstown Jewish Federation to call upon decision makers to commit themselves to work to reduce poverty in half by 2020.


NOTE: The Office of Social Action/Catholic Relief Services will participate in an international conference, Famine and Mass Violence, this weekend and early part of the week sponsored by the Center for Judaic and Holocaust Studies at Youngstown State University.



PAPAL INTENTIONS:


SEPTEMBER 2008
General:
That those who are forced to leave home and country because of war or oppressive regimes may be supported by Christians in the defense and protection of their rights.
Mission:
That faithful to the sacrament of matrimony every Christian family may cultivate the values of love and communion in order to be a small evangelizing community, sensitive and open to the material and spiritual needs of others

Corporal Works of Mercy: The seven practices of charity toward our neighbor
Feed the hungry
Give drink to the thirsty
Clothe the naked
Shelter the homeless
Visit the sick
Visit those in prison
Bury the dead

See our Catholic Charities website for links to the our ministries and services.

For more information on Catholic Social Doctrine and its connection to our ministries, visit my blog at: http://corbinchurchthinking.blogspot.com/

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

UN Leader Invites Cardinal to Meeting on Poverty

Caritas President to Urge Better Cooperation

NEW YORK, SEPT. 3, 2008 ( Zenit.org ).- United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon invited the president of Caritatis Internationalis to attend a high-level meeting on how to better overcome the global scourge of poverty.
Cardinal Oscar Rodríguez Maradiaga will attend the Sept. 25 High-level Event on the Millennium Development Goals as a representative of civil society.

The development goals aim to significantly reduce global poverty, but progress on them is increasingly off schedule for the target year of 2015.

Caritas reported that at the halfway point in 2008, with current projections, targets will be missed in some countries by over 100 years.

"I welcome the U.N.'s initiative to put the Millennium Development Goals back on track," Cardinal Rodríguez Maradiaga said. "The MDGs are a useful catalyst in ending the scandal of poverty but currently risk becoming victims of inaction. Failure to meet these targets in a world of such wealth is unthinkable, yet will happen unless we take the right steps now."

The U.N. event will be a forum for world leaders to review progress, identify gaps, and commit to concrete efforts, resources and mechanisms.

According to the cardinal, action from the United Nations cannot come fast enough.

"Eleven million children die each year in poverty from preventable causes," he said. "That's 77 million children who will die over the next seven years from now to 2015 because of our failure to act today."

Part of the problem, according to Cardinal Rodríguez Maradiaga, is lack of cooperation with faith-based organizations.

"We need to bridge the gap between those with the financial assets and those with the physical and human resources on the ground," the prelate said. "Churches and faith-based organizations like Caritas are overlooked as a way to deliver development.

"A third of all children under five in developing countries are severely stunted because of hunger, and world leaders are committed to doing something about it. The Church runs over 60,000 schools for 5.8 million infants and 90,000 primary schools for 28 million pupils. They could help feed the hungry with the right support. That is the partnership needed to save lives."

VATICAN TO PUBLISH DOCUMENT ON POVERTY

ZE08090205 - 2008-09-02
Permalink: http://www.zenit.org/article-23534?l=english


Cardinal Says Economic Inequality a "Dramatic" Problem

DAR-ES-SALAAM, Tanzania, SEPT. 2, 2008 (Zenit.org).- The president of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace announced the forthcoming publication by the Holy See of a document analyzing poverty in the context of globalization.

Cardinal Renato Martino revealed news of the publication during a 4-day congress on evangelization last week in Dar-Es-Salaam organized by the dicastery.

The theme of the conference was "Toward a New Evangelization of African Society in Accordance with the Social Doctrine of the Church."

During the conference Cardinal Martino officially presented the Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church, which was published in October 2004, to the Church in Africa.

The cardinal stated that "since the Second Vatican Council, the preferential option for the poor is one of the points that most characterizes the social doctrine of the Church," reported Vatican Radio.

"Poverty and, above all, the growing inequality between areas, continents and countries, including within the latter, constitutes the most dramatic problem facing the world today," he added.

The cardinal explained that the new document of the dicastery will attempt to offer concrete answers to the problem of poverty in keeping with the Church's social doctrine.

Evangelical approach

"The intention is to point out an evangelical approach to combat poverty, to identify -- both at the national and the international level -- those responsible for combating poverty, to sensitize the Church to greater and more articulated attention to and awareness of the problems of poverty and of the poor of the world," he said.
"It must not be forgotten that today extreme poverty has, above all, the face of women and children, especially in Africa," the cardinal added.

Cardinal Martino said that the dynamism of evangelization "must drive the Church to privilege the poor, to direct our strength to the poor, to consider the renewal of society from the needs of the poor."

In regard to globalization, the cardinal pointed out that "an indispensable act of charity" is the "determination that has as its end the organization and structure of society so that a neighbor does not have to live in misery."

He said this determination must be all the greater if one takes into account that poverty "is a situation facing a great number of people, including whole populations, a situation that today has acquired the proportions of a real worldwide social issue."

Monday, September 1, 2008

Catholic Charities USA: Hurricane Relief Efforts/Call for Donations

Charity Responding to Hurricane Gustav

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana, SEPT. 1, 2008 ( Zenit.org ).- As Hurricane Gutav batters the Gulf Coast, Catholic Charities USA stands ready to respond with humanitarian relief.

The storm hit the coast of Louisiana today as a Category 2 storm. The 110 mph winds and torrential rains generated by Gustav have left more than 1 million without power in the region.

After the storm, local Catholic Charities throughout the region plan to open community resource sites. The bulk distribution sites will offer water, basic food essentials, cleanup supplies, personal care kits, and other items to meet the communities’ recovery needs.

In addition, teams will be deployed into the affected areas to make damage assessments and identify unmet needs in the communities. These assessments will help Catholic Charities determine how best to tailor their response efforts in the days, weeks and months to come.

Kim Burgo, senior director of disaster response for Catholic Charities USA, stated, “Using our experience from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, we stand ready to respond to Gustav with speed, reliability, and a long-term commitment to helping the impacted region recover."

For local information on how you can donate to these efforts, contact Brian Corbin or visit the Diocese of Youngstown Catholic Charities webpage.

Caritas Aiding Flood Victims in India

2.5 Million Homeless, Towns Cutoff

MADHEPURA, India, AUG. 31, 2008 ( Zenit.org ).- Caritas India is responding to the immediate needs of rescue and evacuation as entire villages are being cutoff by flooding in India's planes.

The charity reported Friday that more than 2.5 million people have been evacuated from their homes in India as flooding devastated central and northern parts of Bihar after the Koshi River breached its banks.

The Koshi is over 15 kilometers (9 miles) wide in places and is still expanding. The affected districts are Supaul, Saharsa, Khagaria, Araria, Madhepura, Katihar and Purnea.

Caritas partners are in the region assessing the damage. They say thousands of people are stranded on the roadside, where the land is high. Transport and communication is impossible in many areas.

Caritas India says the immediate need will be rescue and evacuation as villages are being cut off. There is also a need for food aid, medical assistance and supply of tarpaulins.

Caritas India reported Friday upon visiting Madhepura: "The situation is grim and it appears to be getting out of control. Madhepura has a total population of about 1,400,000.

"Now the government is in the process of evacuating nearly 1,300,000 as the water level is rising above danger mark in most of the villages.

“We can see endless lines of people and cattle moving on the road for several kilometers. The situation is becoming worse today as there is heavy rain and the only road to the entire area is already breaching and will be cut off within the next few hours. The entire area will be cut off."

Caritas reported that the Indian government is using airdrops and boats to reach those stranded by rising waters, but many areas still remain cutoff.

Pope Speaks Out On Migration Emergency

70 Illegal Immigrants Die Off Maltese Coast

CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy, AUG. 31, 2008 ( Zenit.org ).- Migration has become an emergency in our times, and one that demands solidarity and effective political solutions, says Benedict XVI.

The Pope said this today as he commented on the deaths this week of some 70 would-be immigrants off the coast of Malta, said to be one of the worst such incidents recorded in the country.

According to news reports, 78 would-be illegal African immigrants set sail from Libya on Aug. 21. The small boat found itself in the middle of a storm and capsized. Maltese fishermen rescued eight survivors on Tuesday.

Authorities have found only three bodies, but according to the survivors, four women are among the dead, including three who were pregnant.

After reciting the midday Angelus with several thousand people gathered in the courtyard of the papal summer residence at Castel Gandolfo, the Holy Father said the tragedy "seemed to surpass previous incidents in terms of the number of victims."

Emergency

"Migration is a phenomenon that has been present from the dawn of human history, and it has always, for this reason, characterized the relations between peoples and nations," he said. "The emergency that migration has become in our times, nevertheless, calls out to us and, while it solicits our solidarity, demands, at the same time, effective political answers."

The Pontiff applauded the humanitarian work of various regional, national and international institutions that are addressing the problem of irregular migration.

He also called on the countries of original to "show a sense of responsibility" and to work to "remove the causes of irregular migration and cut off at the root all of the forms of criminality that are linked to these causes."

Benedict XVI continued: "For their part, European countries, and all other countries that are the destination of immigration, are called to, among other things, develop through consensus initiatives and structures that continue to adapt themselves to the needs of irregular migrants.

"The latter must be made aware, on the one hand, of the value of their own lives, which are a singular good, always precious, that should be safeguarded in the face of the grave risks that the pursuit of better situations exposes them to and, on the other hand, the duty of legality that is imposed on all."

"As the [Pope]," he added, "I feel a profound obligation to recall everyone’s attention to this problem and to ask for the generous cooperation of individuals and institutions to deal with it and to find solutions."