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Take Action to Support our Haitian Brothers and Sisters October 13th, 2016
Haiti is the midst of the natural disaster, which occurred on October 4. Hurricane Matthew has left catastrophic devastating impacts on the people and properties in Haiti, neighboring nations and United States. As people of faith, we are called to welcome the stranger, stand with the vulnerable, and love our neighbor. Right now, we have a moral and legal obligation to Haitians seeking safety.
We join with other faith groups in welcoming the “put on hold” deportation plans announced by Secretary Johnson of Department of Homeland Security (DHS) following the devastating impacts of Hurricane Matthew. However DHS plans to resume fast tracking the deportation of Haitians as soon as country conditions improve. Haiti is in no condition to receive deportees.
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Take Action to support Haitians by asking Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson to re-instate Temporary Humanitarian Parole for Haitians.
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Help Support Haiti and other Caribbean nations to recover from Hurricane Matthew. This call to action is sponsored by Catholic Relief Services.
The Missionary Oblate presence in Haiti dates back to the 1950’s and today Oblates still conduct very active mission work in the northeastern part of the country. Join us in calling on Secretary Johnson to live up to our American values by upholding our promises to the Haitian people and ensuring Haitians can seek safety here in the United States.
Saint Francis of Assisi: An Inspiration to Care for God’s Creation October 4th, 2016
Pope Francis’ Encyclical letter Laudato Si’ opens with this line:
“LAUDATO SI’, mi’ Signore” – “Praise be to you, my Lord”. In the words of this beautiful canticle, Saint Francis of Assisi reminds us that our common home is like a sister with whom we share our life and a beautiful mother who opens her arms to embrace us. “Praise be to you, my Lord, through our Sister, Mother Earth, who sustains and governs us, and who produces various fruit with coloured flowers and herbs”.[1]
Click here to read the full document.
We Are Moved by Mercy: October is Respect Life Month October 4th, 2016
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has designated October of each year as Respect Life Month and the beginning of a yearlong pro-life program for the U.S. Catholic Church. This year’s theme is “Moved by Mercy,” which draws on a quote from Pope Francis on the Jubilee Year of Mercy: “We are called to show mercy because mercy has been shown to us.”
The USCCB’s Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities has prepared a 2016-2017 packet for parishes, schools, and faith-based ministries. Materials and resources can be downloaded in English and Spanish at www.usccb.org/respectlife.
Join The Human Thread’s Campaign with Macy’s and Kohl’s October 4th, 2016
Based in Milwaukee, WI, The Human Thread seeks to foster awareness that promotes solidarity between consumers of clothing and those who produce them to create a more just economy and sustainable communities.
Between now and Black Friday (Nov. 25), The Human Thread is spearheading a postcard campaign. Postcards are being sent to the CEOs of Macy’s and Kohl’s in support of a living wage at locations where clothes sold in the U.S. are made. Please join Oblates JPIC in this effort.
Visit The Human Thread’s website to read more about the issue and download campaign postcards.
Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship September 30th, 2016
Prayer Resource for the Upcoming U.S Elections
It’s almost 40 days until the U.S elections in November. In preparation for the elections, Oblates JPIC is recommending citizen resources for education and action, produced by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).
Novena for Elections: Praying for Our Nation
The U.S. bishops are inviting the faithful to participate in prayer and fasting from Friday, September 9 through Friday, November 11, 2016. Prayer intentions will focus on interceding for the many needs and issues of the political process.
Visit USCCB’s page for Novena for Elections.
Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship
The resource provides guidance for U.S Catholics in the exercise of their rights and duties as participants in our democracy, lifting up our dual heritage as both faithful Catholics and American citizens. Faithful Citizenship resources include bulletin inserts and videos.
Read more on faithful citizenship.
