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Back into the swing of things |
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September is here, school is back in session, year two of Beacons of Light has started, and parish life is back in action. We hope you all survived false autumn and Midwest heat wave and are enjoying the return to typical weather. We were fortunate not to be hit by one of the many disasters that befell so many of our sisters and brothers around the world, and we want to lift up in prayer all of those affected by fires, floods, storms, and earthquakes and all of those working to recover and rebuild. If you want to go a bit further, you can donate to Catholic Charities and Catholic Relief Services (CRS) as they work in solidarity with these affected communities.
Speaking of CRS, we are thrilled to announce the recipients of our '23-'24 CRS and Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) local grants. We had a wonderful collection of empowering and powerful organizations apply, and - thanks to our CRS and CCHD committees - we were able to select this years' grantees. See below for the full CCHD and CRS lists, and check out their websites to see how you might be able to join their important work. And don't forget - we're only able to support these great organizations thanks to your generosity. Please continue to support CCHD (weekend before Thanksgiving) and CRS (week after Easter) at the annual collections.
Just two events to mention:
- our Eastern Catholic Rural Life conference is hosting it's annual farm mass on Friday, September 8. See below for the details.
- our first virtual Love in Action Volunteer Fair is on Sunday, September 17. Learn more and sign up below. |
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We humbly ask that you continue to pray for us. There's a lot going on this year, and while we're excited to get (or keep) things moving, your prayers - and engagement! - will make our success all the more likely. God help us!
If there's anything that we can do to support the work happening in your community, please let us know. We're trying to be more present to families of parishes, especially during the Beacons of Light process, and we'd love to (re)connect with you and work to build up God's kingdom of peace, justice, and kinship in your corner of the kingdom.
We will continue to send out Regional Updates with time-sensitive reminders and Action Alerts encouraging everyone to bring their voice and power to bear on important issues.
We wish you a wonderful end of summer and start to fall, and - as always - we look forward to seeing you soon as we continue to stand up for justice, solidarity, and equity.
Peace and all good,
Tammie, Sr. Christine, Glen, & Andrew |
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2023-2024 Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) Fund recipients
This years' local grantees feature nine amazing organizations - some new, some returning, all doing great work. Congratulations on your grants, and we look forward to working with you in the year ahead.
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2023-2024 Catholic Relief Services
(CRS) Fund recipients
Our 2023-2024 grantees have a focus on food and social service, and each one is carrying out the work of justice and solidarity in powerful ways. Thank you for partnering with us in building God's kingdom.
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Southeast Deanery Farm Mass |
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On Friday, September 8, the Catholic Rural Life Committee of the Southeast deanery welcomes you to their annual farm Mass, this year held on the farm of Gary & Shirley Moran (5565 Moran Dr., Ripley 45167). Mass starts at 7:00 p.m. with a potluck to follow. The Mass celebrant will be Archbishop Schnurr. The event will happen rain or shine, and attendees are encouraged to bring a chair and a dish to pass |
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Volunteer Fair |
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A volunteer fair - but on zoom!
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 17
12:30 - 2:00 p.m.
Come learn more about organizations putting love into action around the Archdiocese and beyond. You'll get a quick overview of all participant organizations and will get to choose 3 organizations to hear more about and ask questions.
Register
Contact sseligmann@catholicaoc.org with questions or to join as a participant organization.
Flyer |
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Afghan Adjustment Act |
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Stand in Solidarity with Our Afghan Neighbors
Help answer Pope Francis’ call for us to “welcome, protect, promote, and integrate” these newcomers by completing this action alert in support of the Afghan Adjustment Act. |
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Protect Vulnerable Immigrant Youth Act |
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Urge Congress to Safeguard Children in Need and Ensure Communities Have Access to Religious Workers
Help ensure vulnerable youth receive the protections they deserve and American communities can benefit from the contributions of religious workers by completing this action alert in support of the Protect Vulnerable Immigrant Youth Act.
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Urge Congress to Reauthorize the Farm Bill
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The U.S. Farm Bill, reauthorized every five years, is a multi-billion dollar piece of legislation that affects three major areas: food, farms, and foreign aid. The bill is up for reauthorization this fall, and it's going to take all of us advocating for consistent - and hopefully increased - financial resources to be allocated to the areas this bill covers.
If you navigate to our Farm Bill page, you'll find a recording of a presentation we did explaining the legislation, as well as a number of other helpful resources. You'll note that we've produced our own version of advocacy letters, and we strongly encourage you to not only print off, sign, and mail these letters to your legislators, but also encourage your friends, community, and family of parishes to do the same. If you're interested in organizing a letter signing campaign on this, we'd love to help you do that. Let us know!
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Below is the language CRS is using to advocate for the Farm Bill, specifically around the foreign aid pieces.
Communities worldwide are experiencing life-threatening levels of hunger and malnutrition on an unprecedented scale.
Right now, more than 100 CRS partners are meeting with their members of Congress on Capitol Hill to advocate for timely passage of the Farm Bill, including hunger-reducing international programs authorized by this legislation.
Email your Congress members now to amplify their message and ensure the continuation of these lifesaving programs!
As families struggle to meet their food and nutrition needs due to the compound effects of conflict, climate change, COVID-19 and rising food costs, you can use your voice to help.
Urge Congress to prioritize timely passage of the 2023 Farm Bill and to reauthorize existing international programs that address immediate hunger needs and support long-term solutions, including:
- McGovern-Dole Food for Education, which provides free, nutritious school lunches for millions of children who might not otherwise have a daily meal.
- Food for Peace, which has provided emergency and developmental support to more than 4 billion people around the world since 1954.
- Farmer-to-Farmer, which enables U.S. volunteers to help train and support farmers in other countries so they can adapt to climate change and improve their harvests.
Every person has the right to sufficient, nutritious food to lead a healthy and dignified life. Act now to help communities overcome devastating hunger and have sustainable access to nutritious food.
Lift your voice alongside people who are advocating on Capitol Hill for hunger-reducing international programs in the Farm Bill.
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Breaking Open the Sin of Racism |
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Engage your community in dialogue
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This video series and discussion guide was prepared for the Archdiocese of Cincinnati for use by organizations in a 4-part workshop. Check out the Breaking Open the Sin of Racism site to see how your parish, school, or organization can host workshops or use the resources in other ways.
Questions? Contact Andrew Musgrave | 513-263-6691 |
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If you're wondering how your family of parishes might go about engaging in the Love in Action principle, we encourage you to check out the Love in Action page on the Pathways platform - https://pathway.catholicaoc.org/love-in-action. There you'll find a great introductory video, as well as further explanation of the breadth of the principle. Over time, you'll find more resources and support, and of course you know you can always reach out to our office for support. If you're looking for the first tool we created - the parish inventory - you can find it here (along with the inventories from the other principles) - https://pathway.catholicaoc.org/pathway-tools. If you work for a parish or are involved in parish leadership, we'd love to talk with you through the Forums. Don't hesitate to reach out! |
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From the Respect Life Office |
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The November Election is Two Months Away
We have about two months left in our efforts to defeat this dangerous and extreme ballot initiative in November. What can we do to help?
First of all, continue pray and fast. The website is now up for the 54-Day Rosary Novena at catholicaoc.org/pray54ohio starting on September 15. The website will be updated each day of the novena with a different saint. Be sure to share that in your bulletins and pulpit announcements so everyone knows about it and participates as they are able. Do not forget that fasting is also a key component, as Jesus reminded us in Mark 9:29. Your fasting can be as strict as our Ash Wednesday requirements, or as simple as forgoing sugar in your coffee, but please do something. If we unite a personal sacrifice with the immense sacrifice of Christ, the graces bestowed on us from our prayers will be multiplied.
Secondly, get involved. With your pastor’s permission, we are seeking women who will receive training from the USCCB on how to be an official advocate to speak about these issues at parish town halls, after Mass or any other situation where the pastor needs you. We will also offer a different training for anyone to simply learn how to talk to your neighbor. Polls indicate that most Ohioans will vote “yes” on this amendment based on what they think it is about, but even most pro-choice people are against what this amendment actually does. That is why we need to know how to talk to our pro-choice friends about the truth about this amendment. Both of these trainings will be offered the week of September 11. Contact our office at respectlife@catholicaoc.org for more information on how to register for either of them.
Finally, share the local videos we are creating right here in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. We have already released the first of 6 high quality homily videos short enough for sharing on social media. We are also creating videos from lawyers, doctors and others with personal stories to dispel the common lies that will be told by those who support this amendment. You will find all of these videos, as they come out, at Archdiocese of Cincinnati - YouTube. They will also be posted on the Archdiocesan and the Respect Life Office Facebook pages. Share them on your parish and personal social media accounts. Then share them again.
Get the word out as much as possible for people to Vote “No” in November. If we want to keep this out of Ohio, we need to not only win, but win big, to ensure it does not just come back on the ballot again every year. |
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From the Office for Persons with Disabilities |
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On the Third Saturday of each month the Archdiocese of Cincinnati Deaf Community gathers for mass and fellowship at St. Christopher in Vandalia, Ohio. Fr. Kyle Schnipple and his parish family has welcomed the Deaf Community. Members take down the gifts during the offertory and participate fully in the mass along with interpreters provided by the Office for Persons with Disabilities. It is truly a gift to gather at the table with our hearing brothers and sisters.
On November 4th, Fr. Shawn Carey from the Archdiocese of Boston will return for the second year for a Deaf Community Retreat that will be held at St. Rita School for the Deaf in Evandale. All are welcome! More details coming soon!
The Office for Persons with Disabilities will be hosting Coffee & Conversation this fall.
Coffee & Conversation is about inclusion in your parish.
Who should attend? Parents, caregivers, professionals, advocates, and clergy. We will discuss how to plan, organize, and advocate for individuals with special needs, Blind Community, Deaf Community, and all with mental wellness challenges.
C & C 9:00-11:30
North: 9/23 Sacred Heart, Anna
Central: 9/16 Our Lady of Sorrows, Monroe
South: 10/7 St. Ann, Cincinnati
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Andrew Musgrave
Cincinnati | Director
Tammie Mers
Administrative Assistant |
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Glen Glenn
Program Coordinator | CRS, CCHD
Sr. Christine Pratt
Eastern Area Coordinator |
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Follow us on social media! |
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Catholic Social Action Office | 100 East Eighth Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 |
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