Providing Help. Creating Hope.
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. Committed to work to reduce poverty in half by 2020.
KEY VALUE: Hospitality
WHAT WE DO: Organizing Love. "As a community, the Church must practise love. Love thus needs to be organized if it is to be an ordered service to the community" (Deus Caritas Est, par. 20)
On Sunday (Sixth Sunday of Easter, Cycle B)we read in the Gospel of John about Jesus' command to Love One Another. This command is the hallmark of the Christian Community. We are called to show God's love in action. St. Augustine commented (De Trinitate, VIII, 8, 12: CCL 50, 287) that when one sees love -- or caritas -- in action, one sees the Trinity. Since God is love, One goes out of oneself to show love. Thus God is Three Persons in an ever loving interaction of Love. "Each of the persons of the Trinity lives completely for the others; each is a complete gift of self to the others. The complete self-giving not only constitutes the individual persons of the Trinity, but also their inseparable oneness."
Catholic Charities is an essential aspect of the life of the Church. In Pope Benedict's first encyclical, Deus Caritas Est, he writes that "The Church's deepest nature is expressed in her three-fold responsibility: of proclaiming the word of God (kerygma-martyria), celebrating the sacraments (leitourgia), and exercising the ministry of charity (diakonia). These duties presuppose each other and are inseparable. For the Church, charity is not a kind of welfare activity which could equally well be left to others, but is a part of her nature, an indispensable expression of her very being" (par 25a).
Some important date(s) this week:
THURSDAY MAY 21, 2009. Feast of the Ascension of the Lord. (Celebrated in our Diocese on Sunday May 24).
Sharing Hope In Tough Times: Catholic Charities Responds to Families Facing Economic Crisis
Reflection: Even simple gestures, like listening to our friends who have fallen on hard times, are acts of love that will lift them up.
Prayer Intention: That Christians everywhere have open hearts for those falling on hard times, and be willing to lovingly listen.
PAPAL INTENTIONS:
May 2009
General: That the laity and the Christian communities may be responsible promoters of priestly and religious vocations.
Mission: That the recently founded Catholic Churches, grateful to the Lord for the gift of faith, may be ready to share in the universal mission of the Church, offering their availability to preach the Gospel throughout the world.
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/
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Saturday, May 16, 2009
CARDINAL RIGALI APPLAUDS Senate RE-Introduction of ‘Pregnant Women support act’, URGES PASSAGE
Pregnant Women Support Act provides life-affirming support for pregnant women
and their unborn children
WASHINGTON—Cardinal Justin Rigali of Philadelphia, chair of the Committee on Pro-Life Activities for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, wrote to all U.S. Senators urging them to support the Pregnant Women Support Act (PWSA, S. 1032) re-introduced in the Senate by Sen. Robert Casey (D-PA) on May 14. The PWSA provides resources and support for pregnant and parenting women and their families.
The Cardinal recently wrote to U.S. Representatives encouraging them to support the House version of the PWSA (H.R. 2035) introduced by Rep. Lincoln Davis (D-TN).
The PWSA “reaches out to women with a helping hand when they are most vulnerable, and most engaged in making a decision about life or death for their unborn children,” Cardinal Rigali said. “It provides an authentic common ground, an approach that people can embrace regardless of their position on other issues.”
Among other provisions, the Act will ensure that pregnant women are not denied coverage by insurance companies; establish a toll-free number for resources during pregnancy and after birth; provide life-affirming pregnancy services and parenting education in maternity group homes and other centers; provide new mothers with free home visits by registered nurses; and codify the current regulation allowing states to provide State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) coverage to unborn children and their mothers. It will also encourage adoption by expanding adoption tax credit and adoption assistance programs.
Cardinal Rigali described the PWSA as “entirely separate” from controversial proposals involving pregnancy prevention, which many studies show do not reduce abortions. “Discussion of pregnancy prevention and related issues will surely continue inside and outside Congress. In the meantime, pregnant women need our assistance now so that abortion is not promoted to them as their only choice.”
“I hope you will join Senator Casey in ensuring that the Pregnant Women Support Act will be considered and enacted by this Congress,” he said to the Senators.
The full text of Cardinal Rigali’s letter is available.
and their unborn children
WASHINGTON—Cardinal Justin Rigali of Philadelphia, chair of the Committee on Pro-Life Activities for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, wrote to all U.S. Senators urging them to support the Pregnant Women Support Act (PWSA, S. 1032) re-introduced in the Senate by Sen. Robert Casey (D-PA) on May 14. The PWSA provides resources and support for pregnant and parenting women and their families.
The Cardinal recently wrote to U.S. Representatives encouraging them to support the House version of the PWSA (H.R. 2035) introduced by Rep. Lincoln Davis (D-TN).
The PWSA “reaches out to women with a helping hand when they are most vulnerable, and most engaged in making a decision about life or death for their unborn children,” Cardinal Rigali said. “It provides an authentic common ground, an approach that people can embrace regardless of their position on other issues.”
Among other provisions, the Act will ensure that pregnant women are not denied coverage by insurance companies; establish a toll-free number for resources during pregnancy and after birth; provide life-affirming pregnancy services and parenting education in maternity group homes and other centers; provide new mothers with free home visits by registered nurses; and codify the current regulation allowing states to provide State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) coverage to unborn children and their mothers. It will also encourage adoption by expanding adoption tax credit and adoption assistance programs.
Cardinal Rigali described the PWSA as “entirely separate” from controversial proposals involving pregnancy prevention, which many studies show do not reduce abortions. “Discussion of pregnancy prevention and related issues will surely continue inside and outside Congress. In the meantime, pregnant women need our assistance now so that abortion is not promoted to them as their only choice.”
“I hope you will join Senator Casey in ensuring that the Pregnant Women Support Act will be considered and enacted by this Congress,” he said to the Senators.
The full text of Cardinal Rigali’s letter is available.
Monday, May 11, 2009
BISHOPS ISSUE STATEMENT ON FIRST ANNIVERSARY OF POSTVILLE ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS, CONTINUE CALL FOR IMMIGRATION REFORM
WASHINGTON—To commemorate the first anniversary of the Postville, Iowa, immigration worksite enforcement action, Bishop John C. Wester, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) Committee on Migration released a statement recalling the humanitarian cost of such actions and calling, once again, for the reform of our nation immigration policies.
“My brother Catholic bishops and I understand and support the right and responsibility of government to enforce law,” said Bishop Wester. “We strongly believe, however, that worksite enforcement raids do not solve the challenge of illegal immigration. Instead they lead to the separation of U.S. families and the destruction of immigrant communities. ”
Bishop Wester called families to pray for “those hurt by the raid and to work for comprehensive immigration reform so that others will not face similar pain and cruelty in the future.”
“The Postville action of a year ago is a disturbing reminder of the need to repair the nation’s broken immigration policies,” said Bishop Wester.
Bishop Wester’s statement follows.
Statement of Most Reverend John C. Wester
On
The First Anniversary of the Postville, Iowa, Work Site Enforcement Action
May 12, 2009
May 12, 2009 marks the one-year anniversary of what was, at the time, the largest work site immigration enforcement action in history. Since that raid in Postville, Iowa, larger raids have occurred, but the precedent set at Postville and the accompanying compassionate response by that small Iowa community and its people of faith underscore the humanitarian costs of workplace immigration raids as well as the need for reform of our nation’s immigration policies.
As religious leaders, my brother Catholic bishops and I understand and support the right and responsibility of the government to enforce the law. We strongly believe, however, that worksite enforcement raids do not solve the challenge of illegal immigration. Instead, they lead to the separation of U.S. families and the destruction of immigrant communities. The result of the Postville raid was family separation, immense suffering, denial of due process rights and community division.
Our religious and social response to such harm to our God-given human dignity is based on Scriptures, which call believers to welcome the newcomers among us, to treat the alien with respect and charity, and to provide pastoral and humanitarian assistance to individuals and their families.
The Postville action of a year ago is a disturbing reminder of the need to repair the nation’s broken immigration policies.
I ask all Catholics, the greater faith community, and persons of good will to commemorate the Postville raid of May 12, 2008, by remembering in their prayers those hurt by the raid and to work for comprehensive immigration reform so that others will not face similar pain and cruelty in the future.
---
Spanish version follows.
OBISPOS CONMEMORAN PRIMER ANIVERSARIO DE REDADA MASIVA EN POSTVILLE, REITERAN LLAMADO PRO-REFORMA DE LEYES INMIGRATORIAS
WASHINGTON—Para conmemorar el primer aniversario de la redada masiva de inmigrantes en una planta en Postville, Iowa, el Obispo John C. Wester, presidente del Comité de Obispos para Asuntos Migratorios, hizo público un comunicado recordando el costo humanitario de tales acciones y realizó de nuevo un llamado a favor de la reforma de las leyes inmigratorias de nuestro país.
“Mis hermanos obispos católicos y yo entendemos y apoyamos el derecho y la responsabilidad que el gobierno tiene de hacer cumplir las leyes”, afirmó el Obispo Wester. “Sin embargo, creemos firmemente que las redadas en los lugares de trabajo no resuelven el desafío de la inmigración ilegal. Por el contrario, éstas llevan a la separación de familias de ciudadanos estadounidenses y a la destrucción de las comunidades inmigrantes”.
El Obispo Wester hizo un llamado a las familias a que “oren por todos aquellos que fueron afectados por la redada del 12 de mayo de 2008 en Postville y que trabajen por una reforma integral de las leyes inmigratorias, para que otros no tengan que enfrentarse al mismo dolor y crueldad en el futuro”.
“La acción del año pasado en Postville es un recuerdo perturbador de la necesidad de reparar las deficientes políticas inmigratorias en el país”, dijo el Obispo Wester.
El texto completo de la declaración del Obispo Wester se ofrece a continuación.
Declaración de Monseñor John C. Wester,
con motivo del Primer Aniversario de las Redadas Migratorias
en un Centro Laboral en Postville, Iowa
12 de mayo de 2009
El día 12 de mayo de 2009 señala el primer aniversario de la que, en aquel entonces, fuera la redada migratoria en un centro laboral más grande de la historia. Desde que esta acción ocurriera, otras redadas de mayor magnitud han sucedido, pero el precedente sentado en Postville y la respuesta compasiva de esta pequeña comunidad en Iowa y de las comunidades de fe subrayan el costo humanitario de las redadas de inmigrantes en los centros de trabajo así como la necesidad de una reforma de las leyes inmigratorias de nuestro país.
Como líderes religiosos, mis hermanos obispos católicos y yo entendemos y apoyamos el derecho y la responsabilidad que tiene el gobierno de hacer cumplir las leyes. Sin embargo, creemos firmemente que las redadas en los lugares de trabajo no resuelven el desafío de la inmigración ilegal. Por el contrario, éstas llevan a la separación de familias estadounidenses y a la destrucción de las comunidades inmigrantes. La redada en Iowa dejó como resultado la separación familiar, un gran sufrimiento, la denegación del derecho a un proceso legal debido y la división de la comunidad.
Nuestra respuesta, religiosa y social, ante tal daño a la dignidad dada por Dios está basada en las Escrituras, las cuales hacen un llamado a los creyentes a dar la bienvenida al recién llegado en nuestro medio, a tratar al extranjero con respeto y caridad, y a proporcionar asistencia humanitaria y pastoral a las personas y a sus familias.
La acción del año pasado en Postville es un recuerdo perturbador de la necesidad de reparar las deficientes políticas inmigratorias en el país.
Pido a todos los católicos, a otras comunidades de fe y a las personas de buena voluntad que oren por todos aquellos que fueron afectados por la redada del 12 de mayo de 2008 en Postville y que trabajen por una reforma integral de las leyes inmigratorias, para que otros no tengan que enfrentarse al mismo dolor y crueldad en el futuro.
“My brother Catholic bishops and I understand and support the right and responsibility of government to enforce law,” said Bishop Wester. “We strongly believe, however, that worksite enforcement raids do not solve the challenge of illegal immigration. Instead they lead to the separation of U.S. families and the destruction of immigrant communities. ”
Bishop Wester called families to pray for “those hurt by the raid and to work for comprehensive immigration reform so that others will not face similar pain and cruelty in the future.”
“The Postville action of a year ago is a disturbing reminder of the need to repair the nation’s broken immigration policies,” said Bishop Wester.
Bishop Wester’s statement follows.
Statement of Most Reverend John C. Wester
On
The First Anniversary of the Postville, Iowa, Work Site Enforcement Action
May 12, 2009
May 12, 2009 marks the one-year anniversary of what was, at the time, the largest work site immigration enforcement action in history. Since that raid in Postville, Iowa, larger raids have occurred, but the precedent set at Postville and the accompanying compassionate response by that small Iowa community and its people of faith underscore the humanitarian costs of workplace immigration raids as well as the need for reform of our nation’s immigration policies.
As religious leaders, my brother Catholic bishops and I understand and support the right and responsibility of the government to enforce the law. We strongly believe, however, that worksite enforcement raids do not solve the challenge of illegal immigration. Instead, they lead to the separation of U.S. families and the destruction of immigrant communities. The result of the Postville raid was family separation, immense suffering, denial of due process rights and community division.
Our religious and social response to such harm to our God-given human dignity is based on Scriptures, which call believers to welcome the newcomers among us, to treat the alien with respect and charity, and to provide pastoral and humanitarian assistance to individuals and their families.
The Postville action of a year ago is a disturbing reminder of the need to repair the nation’s broken immigration policies.
I ask all Catholics, the greater faith community, and persons of good will to commemorate the Postville raid of May 12, 2008, by remembering in their prayers those hurt by the raid and to work for comprehensive immigration reform so that others will not face similar pain and cruelty in the future.
---
Spanish version follows.
OBISPOS CONMEMORAN PRIMER ANIVERSARIO DE REDADA MASIVA EN POSTVILLE, REITERAN LLAMADO PRO-REFORMA DE LEYES INMIGRATORIAS
WASHINGTON—Para conmemorar el primer aniversario de la redada masiva de inmigrantes en una planta en Postville, Iowa, el Obispo John C. Wester, presidente del Comité de Obispos para Asuntos Migratorios, hizo público un comunicado recordando el costo humanitario de tales acciones y realizó de nuevo un llamado a favor de la reforma de las leyes inmigratorias de nuestro país.
“Mis hermanos obispos católicos y yo entendemos y apoyamos el derecho y la responsabilidad que el gobierno tiene de hacer cumplir las leyes”, afirmó el Obispo Wester. “Sin embargo, creemos firmemente que las redadas en los lugares de trabajo no resuelven el desafío de la inmigración ilegal. Por el contrario, éstas llevan a la separación de familias de ciudadanos estadounidenses y a la destrucción de las comunidades inmigrantes”.
El Obispo Wester hizo un llamado a las familias a que “oren por todos aquellos que fueron afectados por la redada del 12 de mayo de 2008 en Postville y que trabajen por una reforma integral de las leyes inmigratorias, para que otros no tengan que enfrentarse al mismo dolor y crueldad en el futuro”.
“La acción del año pasado en Postville es un recuerdo perturbador de la necesidad de reparar las deficientes políticas inmigratorias en el país”, dijo el Obispo Wester.
El texto completo de la declaración del Obispo Wester se ofrece a continuación.
Declaración de Monseñor John C. Wester,
con motivo del Primer Aniversario de las Redadas Migratorias
en un Centro Laboral en Postville, Iowa
12 de mayo de 2009
El día 12 de mayo de 2009 señala el primer aniversario de la que, en aquel entonces, fuera la redada migratoria en un centro laboral más grande de la historia. Desde que esta acción ocurriera, otras redadas de mayor magnitud han sucedido, pero el precedente sentado en Postville y la respuesta compasiva de esta pequeña comunidad en Iowa y de las comunidades de fe subrayan el costo humanitario de las redadas de inmigrantes en los centros de trabajo así como la necesidad de una reforma de las leyes inmigratorias de nuestro país.
Como líderes religiosos, mis hermanos obispos católicos y yo entendemos y apoyamos el derecho y la responsabilidad que tiene el gobierno de hacer cumplir las leyes. Sin embargo, creemos firmemente que las redadas en los lugares de trabajo no resuelven el desafío de la inmigración ilegal. Por el contrario, éstas llevan a la separación de familias estadounidenses y a la destrucción de las comunidades inmigrantes. La redada en Iowa dejó como resultado la separación familiar, un gran sufrimiento, la denegación del derecho a un proceso legal debido y la división de la comunidad.
Nuestra respuesta, religiosa y social, ante tal daño a la dignidad dada por Dios está basada en las Escrituras, las cuales hacen un llamado a los creyentes a dar la bienvenida al recién llegado en nuestro medio, a tratar al extranjero con respeto y caridad, y a proporcionar asistencia humanitaria y pastoral a las personas y a sus familias.
La acción del año pasado en Postville es un recuerdo perturbador de la necesidad de reparar las deficientes políticas inmigratorias en el país.
Pido a todos los católicos, a otras comunidades de fe y a las personas de buena voluntad que oren por todos aquellos que fueron afectados por la redada del 12 de mayo de 2008 en Postville y que trabajen por una reforma integral de las leyes inmigratorias, para que otros no tengan que enfrentarse al mismo dolor y crueldad en el futuro.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
MONDAY MORNING MISSION MEDITATION week of May 10, 2009
Providing Help. Creating Hope.
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. Committed to work to reduce poverty in half by 2020.
KEY VALUE: Hospitality
WHAT WE DO: Organizing Love. "As a community, the Church must practise love. Love thus needs to be organized if it is to be an ordered service to the community" (Deus Caritas Est, par. 20)
On Sunday (Fifth Sunday of Easter, Cycle B) we read in the Gospel of John about Jesus' call for each of us to be connected to him and his love in order to thrive and bear much fruit. In the First Letter of St. John we are challenged to follow the Lord's ultimate commandment to love each other, in deed and truth, and not just in mere words.
At Catholic Charities we are connected to the Church directly as a ministry and service of the ecclesial community, and we find our identity in the Catholic community civilly and canonically tied to the Bishop through various corporate structures. Like the image of the vine and branches, Catholic Charities is specifically part of the Church's three fold mission to Proclaim the Word, Celebrate the Sacraments, and Provide Service to each other. Pope Benedict XVI's first encyclical, Deus Caritas Est, was very specific about the role of Charities in the Church: we are to organize love in deed and in truth.
Some important date(s) this week:
FRIDAY MAY 15. In 1943, the Diocese of Youngstown was created.
FRIDAY, May 15, 1891, Pope Leo XIII published the "magna carta" of Catholic Social Teachings: Rerum Novarum
FRIDAY, MAY 15. St. Isidore the Farmer. (1070-1130). Isidore has become the patron of farmers and rural communities. In particular he is the patron of Madrid, Spain, and of the United States National Rural Life Conference.
When he was barely old enough to wield a hoe, Isidore entered the service of John de Vergas, a wealthy landowner from Madrid, and worked faithfully on his estate outside the city for the rest of his life. He married a young woman as simple and upright as himself who also became a saint—Maria de la Cabeza . They had one son, who died as a child. Isidore had deep religious instincts. He rose early in the morning to go to church and spent many a holiday devoutly visiting the churches of Madrid and surrounding areas. All day long, as he walked behind the plow, he communed with God. His devotion, one might say, became a problem, for his fellow workers sometimes complained that he often showed up late because of lingering in church too long. He was known for his love of the poor, and there are accounts of Isidore’s supplying them miraculously with food. He had a great concern for the proper treatment of animals.
He died May 15, 1130, and was declared a saint in 1622 with Ignatius of Loyola, Francis Xavier, Teresa of Avila and Philip Neri. Together, the group is known in Spain as “the five saints.”
FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2009. Men Who Cook event. Sponsored by Catholic Charities Regional Agency. Fundraiser. 6 pm at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Hall, Youngstown. Call 330-744-3320 for tickets.
Sharing Hope In Tough Times: Catholic Charities Responds to Families Facing Economic Crisis
Reflection: We thank all mothers for the gift of life. Could that single Mom you know use a little help with her electric bill this month?
Prayer Intention: That we find loving, creative ways to help struggling Mothers everywhere, to thank them for their unselfish gift of life.
PAPAL INTENTIONS:
May 2009
General: That the laity and the Christian communities may be responsible promoters of priestly and religious vocations.
Mission: That the recently founded Catholic Churches, grateful to the Lord for the gift of faith, may be ready to share in the universal mission of the Church, offering their availability to preach the Gospel throughout the world.
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 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:
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. Committed to work to reduce poverty in half by 2020.
KEY VALUE: Hospitality
WHAT WE DO: Organizing Love. "As a community, the Church must practise love. Love thus needs to be organized if it is to be an ordered service to the community" (Deus Caritas Est, par. 20)
On Sunday (Fifth Sunday of Easter, Cycle B) we read in the Gospel of John about Jesus' call for each of us to be connected to him and his love in order to thrive and bear much fruit. In the First Letter of St. John we are challenged to follow the Lord's ultimate commandment to love each other, in deed and truth, and not just in mere words.
At Catholic Charities we are connected to the Church directly as a ministry and service of the ecclesial community, and we find our identity in the Catholic community civilly and canonically tied to the Bishop through various corporate structures. Like the image of the vine and branches, Catholic Charities is specifically part of the Church's three fold mission to Proclaim the Word, Celebrate the Sacraments, and Provide Service to each other. Pope Benedict XVI's first encyclical, Deus Caritas Est, was very specific about the role of Charities in the Church: we are to organize love in deed and in truth.
Some important date(s) this week:
FRIDAY MAY 15. In 1943, the Diocese of Youngstown was created.
FRIDAY, May 15, 1891, Pope Leo XIII published the "magna carta" of Catholic Social Teachings: Rerum Novarum
FRIDAY, MAY 15. St. Isidore the Farmer. (1070-1130). Isidore has become the patron of farmers and rural communities. In particular he is the patron of Madrid, Spain, and of the United States National Rural Life Conference.
When he was barely old enough to wield a hoe, Isidore entered the service of John de Vergas, a wealthy landowner from Madrid, and worked faithfully on his estate outside the city for the rest of his life. He married a young woman as simple and upright as himself who also became a saint—Maria de la Cabeza . They had one son, who died as a child. Isidore had deep religious instincts. He rose early in the morning to go to church and spent many a holiday devoutly visiting the churches of Madrid and surrounding areas. All day long, as he walked behind the plow, he communed with God. His devotion, one might say, became a problem, for his fellow workers sometimes complained that he often showed up late because of lingering in church too long. He was known for his love of the poor, and there are accounts of Isidore’s supplying them miraculously with food. He had a great concern for the proper treatment of animals.
He died May 15, 1130, and was declared a saint in 1622 with Ignatius of Loyola, Francis Xavier, Teresa of Avila and Philip Neri. Together, the group is known in Spain as “the five saints.”
FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2009. Men Who Cook event. Sponsored by Catholic Charities Regional Agency. Fundraiser. 6 pm at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Hall, Youngstown. Call 330-744-3320 for tickets.
Sharing Hope In Tough Times: Catholic Charities Responds to Families Facing Economic Crisis
Reflection: We thank all mothers for the gift of life. Could that single Mom you know use a little help with her electric bill this month?
Prayer Intention: That we find loving, creative ways to help struggling Mothers everywhere, to thank them for their unselfish gift of life.
PAPAL INTENTIONS:
May 2009
General: That the laity and the Christian communities may be responsible promoters of priestly and religious vocations.
Mission: That the recently founded Catholic Churches, grateful to the Lord for the gift of faith, may be ready to share in the universal mission of the Church, offering their availability to preach the Gospel throughout the world.
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 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:
Monday, May 4, 2009
MRS/USCCB Immigration Policy Update
Comprehensive Immigration Reform
President Obama started the ball rolling by holding a March meeting with the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) at which lawmakers stressed the need for CIR this year. A CHC press release on the meeting can be found here: . Soon after the CHC meeting, President Obama spoke at a town hall meeting in California about the need for CIR. In April, the Administration formally announced their intention to pursue CIR. The President is expected to convene working groups of policymakers and advocates to begin discussing the content of the bill. While timing for CIR legislation still remains unclear, the Senate held its first CIR hearing of 2009 on April 30 (see below).
President Addresses CIR at 100 Days Press Conference
At an April 29th press conference, President Obama again publicly addressed the issue of immigration reform. The President expressed his desire to work with Senator McCain, saying that McCain has "the right position" on reform. He also stated that he wants to move CIR: "We can't continue with a broken immigration system. It's not good for anybody. It's not good for American workers. It's dangerous for Mexican would-be workers who are trying to cross a dangerous border. It is -- it is putting a strain on border communities, who oftentimes have to deal with a host of undocumented workers. And it keeps those undocumented workers in the shadows, which means they can be exploited at the same time as they're depressing U.S. wages."
Mr. Obama went on to say that he wants to start movement on CIR this year and that he hopes to convene working groups with Congressional lawmakers to shape the bill. He also stressed the importance of taking administrative steps through the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to improve border security and reform worksite enforcement so that Americans gain confidence in the enforcement of current law.
For a full transcript of the President's remarks.
DHS Announces New Policy Directives on Worksite Enforcement
On April 30, DHS released new policy directives which are intended to guide Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in its worksite enforcement operations. The directives call for ICE to focus its resources on the criminal prosecution of employers who recruit and hire illegal workers. Specifically, ICE is to seek out the commitment of the relevant United States Attorney (USA) to prosecute the targeted employer before ICE arrests any illegal workers at a worksite. The directives also expand ICE's current humanitarian guidelines to worksite enforcement actions involving 25 or more illegal workers (from the previous 150). Under the new policy guidance, DHS will continue to arrest illegal workers it encounters in the course of its investigations.
For the DHS Press Release
Senate Immigration Subcommittee Holds First CIR Hearing of 2009
On April 30, the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration, Refugees, and Border Security held a hearing entitled: "Comprehensive Immigration Reform in 2009: Can We Do It and How?" Testimony was given by two panels of immigration, faith, civil rights, and economic leaders including former Chairman of the Federal Reserve, Alan Greenspan. Greenspan testified that illegal immigrants provide a safety valve as demand for workers increases and decreases. He also asserted that illegal immigration "has made a significant contribution to the growth of our economy, and that legal reform is "badly needed. He responded to questioning that undocumented immigrants do not compete with Americans for jobs by and large, except at the bottom end of the economy, where they compete with high school dropouts.
Chairman of the Subcommitee, Sen. Charles Schumer (D-NY) said that, "No one is happy with our current system," and that now is the time to enact significant reform. Dr. Joel Hunter, the pastor of Northland, A Church Distributed stated his view that: "Most people of faith are hoping for policies that will prioritize family togetherness, respect for the law, personal productivity, and compassion for those who are most helpless." Montgomery County, MD Police Chief Thomas Manger stressed the way in which reform which targets criminal immigrants rather than unlawful workers would facilitate crime-fighting through stronger relationships with the undocumented community.
The Subcommittee also received expert testimony from Doris Meissner, Director of the Migration and Policy Institute (MPI) on the economic impact of CIR, as well as from Eliseo Medina of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) among other witnesses.
A webcast of this hearing is available. The USCCB submitted a statement on CIR to the Subcommittee to be included in the record.
President Obama Meets with Mexican President Felipe Calderon
President Obama traveled to Mexico City in mid-April and met with President Felipe Calderon. In the course of his trip, President Obama delivered remarks supporting CIR and calling attention to the need to address root causes of migration. The text of his remarks can be found here.
Labor Unions Announce Joint Framework for CIR
The American Federation of Labor and the Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) teamed with Change to Win in announcing that the two labor unions had reached agreement on an immigration reform position on April 14. The position needs more refinement, and USCCB maintains support for a worker program with protections. Their framework for this agreement can be read.
DREAM Act 2009 Introduced in Congress
The Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors Act of 2009 (DREAM Act) was introduced in both the House and the Senate on March 26. In the Senate, the bill was introduced as S.729 by Senator Richard Durbin (D-IL) and Senator Richard Lugar (R-IN). In the House, the bill was named the American DREAM Act and was introduced by Rep. Howard Berman (D-CA) and Lincoln Diaz-Balart (R-FL).
An Action Alert that tells you how you can help propel passage of the DREAM Act.
The USCCB letter to Senator Durbin thanking him for introducing DREAM can be viewed.
A Section-by-Section Summary of the DREAM Act can be seen.
President Obama started the ball rolling by holding a March meeting with the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) at which lawmakers stressed the need for CIR this year. A CHC press release on the meeting can be found here: . Soon after the CHC meeting, President Obama spoke at a town hall meeting in California about the need for CIR. In April, the Administration formally announced their intention to pursue CIR. The President is expected to convene working groups of policymakers and advocates to begin discussing the content of the bill. While timing for CIR legislation still remains unclear, the Senate held its first CIR hearing of 2009 on April 30 (see below).
President Addresses CIR at 100 Days Press Conference
At an April 29th press conference, President Obama again publicly addressed the issue of immigration reform. The President expressed his desire to work with Senator McCain, saying that McCain has "the right position" on reform. He also stated that he wants to move CIR: "We can't continue with a broken immigration system. It's not good for anybody. It's not good for American workers. It's dangerous for Mexican would-be workers who are trying to cross a dangerous border. It is -- it is putting a strain on border communities, who oftentimes have to deal with a host of undocumented workers. And it keeps those undocumented workers in the shadows, which means they can be exploited at the same time as they're depressing U.S. wages."
Mr. Obama went on to say that he wants to start movement on CIR this year and that he hopes to convene working groups with Congressional lawmakers to shape the bill. He also stressed the importance of taking administrative steps through the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to improve border security and reform worksite enforcement so that Americans gain confidence in the enforcement of current law.
For a full transcript of the President's remarks.
DHS Announces New Policy Directives on Worksite Enforcement
On April 30, DHS released new policy directives which are intended to guide Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in its worksite enforcement operations. The directives call for ICE to focus its resources on the criminal prosecution of employers who recruit and hire illegal workers. Specifically, ICE is to seek out the commitment of the relevant United States Attorney (USA) to prosecute the targeted employer before ICE arrests any illegal workers at a worksite. The directives also expand ICE's current humanitarian guidelines to worksite enforcement actions involving 25 or more illegal workers (from the previous 150). Under the new policy guidance, DHS will continue to arrest illegal workers it encounters in the course of its investigations.
For the DHS Press Release
Senate Immigration Subcommittee Holds First CIR Hearing of 2009
On April 30, the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration, Refugees, and Border Security held a hearing entitled: "Comprehensive Immigration Reform in 2009: Can We Do It and How?" Testimony was given by two panels of immigration, faith, civil rights, and economic leaders including former Chairman of the Federal Reserve, Alan Greenspan. Greenspan testified that illegal immigrants provide a safety valve as demand for workers increases and decreases. He also asserted that illegal immigration "has made a significant contribution to the growth of our economy, and that legal reform is "badly needed. He responded to questioning that undocumented immigrants do not compete with Americans for jobs by and large, except at the bottom end of the economy, where they compete with high school dropouts.
Chairman of the Subcommitee, Sen. Charles Schumer (D-NY) said that, "No one is happy with our current system," and that now is the time to enact significant reform. Dr. Joel Hunter, the pastor of Northland, A Church Distributed stated his view that: "Most people of faith are hoping for policies that will prioritize family togetherness, respect for the law, personal productivity, and compassion for those who are most helpless." Montgomery County, MD Police Chief Thomas Manger stressed the way in which reform which targets criminal immigrants rather than unlawful workers would facilitate crime-fighting through stronger relationships with the undocumented community.
The Subcommittee also received expert testimony from Doris Meissner, Director of the Migration and Policy Institute (MPI) on the economic impact of CIR, as well as from Eliseo Medina of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) among other witnesses.
A webcast of this hearing is available. The USCCB submitted a statement on CIR to the Subcommittee to be included in the record.
President Obama Meets with Mexican President Felipe Calderon
President Obama traveled to Mexico City in mid-April and met with President Felipe Calderon. In the course of his trip, President Obama delivered remarks supporting CIR and calling attention to the need to address root causes of migration. The text of his remarks can be found here.
Labor Unions Announce Joint Framework for CIR
The American Federation of Labor and the Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) teamed with Change to Win in announcing that the two labor unions had reached agreement on an immigration reform position on April 14. The position needs more refinement, and USCCB maintains support for a worker program with protections. Their framework for this agreement can be read.
DREAM Act 2009 Introduced in Congress
The Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors Act of 2009 (DREAM Act) was introduced in both the House and the Senate on March 26. In the Senate, the bill was introduced as S.729 by Senator Richard Durbin (D-IL) and Senator Richard Lugar (R-IN). In the House, the bill was named the American DREAM Act and was introduced by Rep. Howard Berman (D-CA) and Lincoln Diaz-Balart (R-FL).
An Action Alert that tells you how you can help propel passage of the DREAM Act.
The USCCB letter to Senator Durbin thanking him for introducing DREAM can be viewed.
A Section-by-Section Summary of the DREAM Act can be seen.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
MONDAY MORNING MISSION MEDITATION for week of April 26
Providing Help. Creating Hope.
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. Committed to work to reduce poverty in half by 2020.
KEY VALUE: Hospitality
WHAT WE DO: Organizing Love. "As a community, the Church must practise love. Love thus needs to be organized if it is to be an ordered service to the community" (Deus Caritas Est, par. 20)
On Sunday (Third Sunday of Easter, Cycle B ) we read in the Gospel of Luke about one of the many appearances of Jesus to his disciples. We have a sense from today's readings that we are called upon to live and proclaim daily the Easter story of the joy of the Good News of Jesus' resurrection. We are called to follow Jesus in his work and mission.
At Catholic Charities we continue to witness to that Good News by being there for each person and family who comes to us for assistance. Whatever we do, no matter how large or small, is a sign of God's love to another person, especially those who are weak or in need. But we also recognize that no one is so poor or so rich that they do not have something to offer. At Catholic Charities we share that Good News that each of us has gifts to share with each other. That is a sign of the building of the Kingdom of God.
N.B. Congratulations to George Garchar for his leadership with ACTION for a very good public meeting held on Sunday. Good work on immigration policy.
Some important date(s) this week:
SUNDAY, April 26. St. Pedro de San José Betancur (1626-1667) Central America can claim its first saint with the July 30 canonization of Pedro de Betancur by Pope John Paul II in Guatemala City. Known as the "St. Francis of the Americas," Pedro de Betancur is the first saint to have worked and died in Guatemala. Calling the new saint an “outstanding example” of Christian mercy, the Holy Father noted that St. Pedro practiced mercy “heroically with the lowliest and the most deprived.” Speaking to the estimated 500,000 Guatemalans in attendance, the Holy Father spoke of the social ills that plague the country today and of the need for change.“Let us think of the children and young people who are homeless or deprived of an education; of abandoned women with their many needs; of the hordes of social outcasts who live in the cities; of the victims of organized crime, of prostitution or of drugs; of the sick who are neglected and the elderly who live in loneliness,” he said in his homily during the three-hour liturgy.
Pedro very much wanted to become a priest, but God had other plans for the young man born into a poor family on Tenerife in the Canary Islands. Pedro was a shepherd until age 24, when he began to make his way to Guatemala, hoping to connect with a relative engaged in government service there. By the time he reached Havana, he was out of money. After working there to earn more, he got to Guatemala City the following year. When he arrived he was so destitute that he joined the bread line which the Franciscans had established.
Soon, Pedro enrolled in the local Jesuit college in hopes of studying for the priesthood. No matter how hard he tried, however, he could not master the material; he withdrew from school. In 1655 he joined the Secular Franciscan Order. Three years later he opened a hospital for the convalescent poor; a shelter for the homeless and a school for the poor soon followed. Not wanting to neglect the rich of Guatemala City, Pedro began walking through their part of town ringing a bell and inviting them to repent.Other men came to share in Pedro's work. Soon they became the Bethlehemite Congregation, which went on to earn official papal approval after Pedro's death.He is sometimes credited with originating the Christmas Eve posadas procession in which people representing Mary and Joseph seek a night's lodging from their neighbors. The custom soon spread to Mexico and other Central American countries. Pedro was beatified in 1980.
FRIDAY, MAY 1. St. Joseph the Worker. Apparently in response to the “May Day” celebrations for workers sponsored by Communists, Pius XII instituted the feast of St. Joseph the Worker in 1955. But the relationship between Joseph and the cause of workers has a longer history.In a constantly necessary effort to keep Jesus from being removed from ordinary human life, the Church has from the beginning proudly emphasized that Jesus was a carpenter, obviously trained by Joseph in both the satisfactions and the drudgery of that vocation. Humanity is like God not only in thinking and loving, but also in creating. Whether we make a table or a cathedral, we are called to bear fruit with our hands and mind, ultimately for the building up of the Body of Christ.
Sharing Hope In Tough Times: Catholic Charities Responds to Families Facing Economic Crisis
Reflection: During the Great Depression, the homeless left a special mark on the sidewalks of friendly homes. With what sign shall we mark our homes today?
Prayer Intention: That Christians everywhere be a sign of Christ with their very lives, bringing the hope of the gospel to those in need.
PAPAL INTENTIONS:
April 2009
General: That the Lord may bless the farmers with an abundant harvest and sensitise the richer populations to the drama of hunger in the world
Mission: That the Christians who work in areas where the conditions of the poor, the weak and the women and children are most tragic, may be signs of hope, thanks to their courageous testimony to the Gospel of solidarity and love.
May 2009
General: That the laity and the Christian communities may be responsible promoters of priestly and religious vocations.
Mission: That the recently founded Catholic Churches, grateful to the Lord for the gift of faith, may be ready to share in the universal mission of the Church, offering their availability to preach the Gospel throughout the world.
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/
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. Committed to work to reduce poverty in half by 2020.
KEY VALUE: Hospitality
WHAT WE DO: Organizing Love. "As a community, the Church must practise love. Love thus needs to be organized if it is to be an ordered service to the community" (Deus Caritas Est, par. 20)
On Sunday (Third Sunday of Easter, Cycle B ) we read in the Gospel of Luke about one of the many appearances of Jesus to his disciples. We have a sense from today's readings that we are called upon to live and proclaim daily the Easter story of the joy of the Good News of Jesus' resurrection. We are called to follow Jesus in his work and mission.
At Catholic Charities we continue to witness to that Good News by being there for each person and family who comes to us for assistance. Whatever we do, no matter how large or small, is a sign of God's love to another person, especially those who are weak or in need. But we also recognize that no one is so poor or so rich that they do not have something to offer. At Catholic Charities we share that Good News that each of us has gifts to share with each other. That is a sign of the building of the Kingdom of God.
N.B. Congratulations to George Garchar for his leadership with ACTION for a very good public meeting held on Sunday. Good work on immigration policy.
Some important date(s) this week:
SUNDAY, April 26. St. Pedro de San José Betancur (1626-1667) Central America can claim its first saint with the July 30 canonization of Pedro de Betancur by Pope John Paul II in Guatemala City. Known as the "St. Francis of the Americas," Pedro de Betancur is the first saint to have worked and died in Guatemala. Calling the new saint an “outstanding example” of Christian mercy, the Holy Father noted that St. Pedro practiced mercy “heroically with the lowliest and the most deprived.” Speaking to the estimated 500,000 Guatemalans in attendance, the Holy Father spoke of the social ills that plague the country today and of the need for change.“Let us think of the children and young people who are homeless or deprived of an education; of abandoned women with their many needs; of the hordes of social outcasts who live in the cities; of the victims of organized crime, of prostitution or of drugs; of the sick who are neglected and the elderly who live in loneliness,” he said in his homily during the three-hour liturgy.
Pedro very much wanted to become a priest, but God had other plans for the young man born into a poor family on Tenerife in the Canary Islands. Pedro was a shepherd until age 24, when he began to make his way to Guatemala, hoping to connect with a relative engaged in government service there. By the time he reached Havana, he was out of money. After working there to earn more, he got to Guatemala City the following year. When he arrived he was so destitute that he joined the bread line which the Franciscans had established.
Soon, Pedro enrolled in the local Jesuit college in hopes of studying for the priesthood. No matter how hard he tried, however, he could not master the material; he withdrew from school. In 1655 he joined the Secular Franciscan Order. Three years later he opened a hospital for the convalescent poor; a shelter for the homeless and a school for the poor soon followed. Not wanting to neglect the rich of Guatemala City, Pedro began walking through their part of town ringing a bell and inviting them to repent.Other men came to share in Pedro's work. Soon they became the Bethlehemite Congregation, which went on to earn official papal approval after Pedro's death.He is sometimes credited with originating the Christmas Eve posadas procession in which people representing Mary and Joseph seek a night's lodging from their neighbors. The custom soon spread to Mexico and other Central American countries. Pedro was beatified in 1980.
FRIDAY, MAY 1. St. Joseph the Worker. Apparently in response to the “May Day” celebrations for workers sponsored by Communists, Pius XII instituted the feast of St. Joseph the Worker in 1955. But the relationship between Joseph and the cause of workers has a longer history.In a constantly necessary effort to keep Jesus from being removed from ordinary human life, the Church has from the beginning proudly emphasized that Jesus was a carpenter, obviously trained by Joseph in both the satisfactions and the drudgery of that vocation. Humanity is like God not only in thinking and loving, but also in creating. Whether we make a table or a cathedral, we are called to bear fruit with our hands and mind, ultimately for the building up of the Body of Christ.
Sharing Hope In Tough Times: Catholic Charities Responds to Families Facing Economic Crisis
Reflection: During the Great Depression, the homeless left a special mark on the sidewalks of friendly homes. With what sign shall we mark our homes today?
Prayer Intention: That Christians everywhere be a sign of Christ with their very lives, bringing the hope of the gospel to those in need.
PAPAL INTENTIONS:
April 2009
General: That the Lord may bless the farmers with an abundant harvest and sensitise the richer populations to the drama of hunger in the world
Mission: That the Christians who work in areas where the conditions of the poor, the weak and the women and children are most tragic, may be signs of hope, thanks to their courageous testimony to the Gospel of solidarity and love.
May 2009
General: That the laity and the Christian communities may be responsible promoters of priestly and religious vocations.
Mission: That the recently founded Catholic Churches, grateful to the Lord for the gift of faith, may be ready to share in the universal mission of the Church, offering their availability to preach the Gospel throughout the world.
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/
Sunday, April 19, 2009
MONDAY MORNING MISSION MEDITATION week for April 19, 2009
Providing Help. Creating Hope.
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. Committed to work to reduce poverty in half by 2020.
KEY VALUE: Hospitality
WHAT WE DO: Organizing Love. "As a community, the Church must practise love. Love thus needs to be organized if it is to be an ordered service to the community" (Deus Caritas Est, par. 20)
On Sunday (Second Sunday of Easter, Divine Mercy Sunday Cycle B) we read in the Gospel of John how Jesus engaged his closest friends even after they had abandoned him in his hour of need. Jesus enters the sealed room with the greeting: "Peace be with you." We witness immediately the power of Jesus' mercy and love: his bestows and models peace on and for his friends. This new model of peace and mercy led the early follower of the Lord to share all that they had so that no one was in need (Acts 4:32-35).
Today as we celebrate Diving Mercy Sunday we in Catholic Charities recommit ourselves to serve and welcome everyone with mercy and in peace who come to our agencies for assistance. We want to be of assistance to anyone who comes to our door to the best of our abilities: those who need help since they just lost their job and feel ashamed or embarrassed; those who need help to prevent eviction or foreclosure; those who are in a broken relationship and seek healing; those who have young children who need a caring ear; those who are homeless or sick and need immediate attention. We are called to show mercy and to be peacemakers. As we celebrate this eighth day of Easter, let's us recommit ourselves to this call.
Some important date(s) this week:
FRIDAY APRIL 24. St. Fidelis of Sigmaringen (1577-1622). If a poor man needed some clothing, Fidelis would often give the man the clothes right off his back. Complete generosity to others characterized this saint's life. Born in 1577, Mark Rey (Fidelis was his religious name) became a lawyer who constantly upheld the causes of the poor and oppressed people. Nicknamed "the poor man's lawyer," Fidelis soon grew disgusted with the corruption and injustice he saw among his colleagues. He left his law career to become a priest, joining his brother George as a Franciscan friar of the Capuchin Order. His wealth was divided between needy seminarians and the poor.As a follower of Francis, Fidelis continued his devotion to the weak and needy. Once, during a severe epidemic in a city where he was guardian of a friary, Fidelis cared for and cured many sick soldiers.
April 23-24. Workshops for Boards and Staff on The Catholic Charities USA Code of Ethics by Fr. Ragan Schriver of Catholic Charities of East Tennesse.
Sharing Hope In Tough Times: Catholic Charities Responds to Families Facing Economic Crisis
Reflection: When one of us suffers, we all suffer. Inviting a family who is experiencing an employment layoff to dinner can ease much suffering.
Prayer Intention: That in response to difficult financial times, Christians everywhere generously celebrate community with their friends and neighbors and share in a daily meal.
PAPAL INTENTIONS:
April 2009
General: That the Lord may bless the farmers with an abundant harvest and sensitise the richer populations to the drama of hunger in the world
Mission: That the Christians who work in areas where the conditions of the poor, the weak and the women and children are most tragic, may be signs of hope, thanks to their courageous testimony to the Gospel of solidarity and love.
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/
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. Committed to work to reduce poverty in half by 2020.
KEY VALUE: Hospitality
WHAT WE DO: Organizing Love. "As a community, the Church must practise love. Love thus needs to be organized if it is to be an ordered service to the community" (Deus Caritas Est, par. 20)
On Sunday (Second Sunday of Easter, Divine Mercy Sunday Cycle B) we read in the Gospel of John how Jesus engaged his closest friends even after they had abandoned him in his hour of need. Jesus enters the sealed room with the greeting: "Peace be with you." We witness immediately the power of Jesus' mercy and love: his bestows and models peace on and for his friends. This new model of peace and mercy led the early follower of the Lord to share all that they had so that no one was in need (Acts 4:32-35).
Today as we celebrate Diving Mercy Sunday we in Catholic Charities recommit ourselves to serve and welcome everyone with mercy and in peace who come to our agencies for assistance. We want to be of assistance to anyone who comes to our door to the best of our abilities: those who need help since they just lost their job and feel ashamed or embarrassed; those who need help to prevent eviction or foreclosure; those who are in a broken relationship and seek healing; those who have young children who need a caring ear; those who are homeless or sick and need immediate attention. We are called to show mercy and to be peacemakers. As we celebrate this eighth day of Easter, let's us recommit ourselves to this call.
Some important date(s) this week:
FRIDAY APRIL 24. St. Fidelis of Sigmaringen (1577-1622). If a poor man needed some clothing, Fidelis would often give the man the clothes right off his back. Complete generosity to others characterized this saint's life. Born in 1577, Mark Rey (Fidelis was his religious name) became a lawyer who constantly upheld the causes of the poor and oppressed people. Nicknamed "the poor man's lawyer," Fidelis soon grew disgusted with the corruption and injustice he saw among his colleagues. He left his law career to become a priest, joining his brother George as a Franciscan friar of the Capuchin Order. His wealth was divided between needy seminarians and the poor.As a follower of Francis, Fidelis continued his devotion to the weak and needy. Once, during a severe epidemic in a city where he was guardian of a friary, Fidelis cared for and cured many sick soldiers.
April 23-24. Workshops for Boards and Staff on The Catholic Charities USA Code of Ethics by Fr. Ragan Schriver of Catholic Charities of East Tennesse.
Sharing Hope In Tough Times: Catholic Charities Responds to Families Facing Economic Crisis
Reflection: When one of us suffers, we all suffer. Inviting a family who is experiencing an employment layoff to dinner can ease much suffering.
Prayer Intention: That in response to difficult financial times, Christians everywhere generously celebrate community with their friends and neighbors and share in a daily meal.
PAPAL INTENTIONS:
April 2009
General: That the Lord may bless the farmers with an abundant harvest and sensitise the richer populations to the drama of hunger in the world
Mission: That the Christians who work in areas where the conditions of the poor, the weak and the women and children are most tragic, may be signs of hope, thanks to their courageous testimony to the Gospel of solidarity and love.
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/
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