ADVOCACY AND JUSTICE UPDATES
Oil Spill Tragedy: Catholic Charities in Louisiana is Assisting Those Hardest Hit by the Oil Spill
Catholic Charities agencies throughout Louisiana are responding to the hardship imposed by the loss of fisheries for many dependent on the abundance of the Gulf for their livelihoods. Mary Queen of Vietnam Parish, which encompasses Vietnamese Catholics east of the Mississippi River in the Archdiocese of New Orleans, sponsored several outreach gatherings in the archdiocese to hear from those most impacted by the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. Read more here.
Praying for the Coast, Fishers, & Wildlife Impacted by the Oil Spill - The annual Mass for Mariners and People of the Sea celebrated in Washington May 22 took on special significance in light of the massive oil spill endangering people's livelihoods and sea life in the Gulf of Mexico. Washington Archbishop Donald W. Wuerl, the main celebrant and homilist, dedicated part of his homily to the situation.
"Perhaps it takes a tragedy such as the events in the Gulf of Mexico to remind us of how life-giving the water is and how it touches all of us in one way or another... Our prayer for our brothers and sisters, mariners and people of the sea, is that with them we are united not only in the solidarity of support and prayer, but a solidarity of faith and new life made real in the waters of baptism and the Pentecostal outpouring of the Holy Spirit," Archbishop Wuerl said. The Mass was hosted by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' Apostleship of the Sea national office and the USCCB Secretariat of Cultural Diversity in the Church. Read more here about the liturgy.
NEW National Academy of Sciences Report on Climate Change
In its clearest language yet--and in response to a request by Congress in 2008--the National Academy of Sciences issued three new documents on climate change focusing on the science, ways to limit future change, and suggestions for adapting to climate change impacts. Panels of scientists outlined why the U.S. should act now to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and why the U.S. should have a national strategy to adapt to the inevitable. Read a summary of the reports here. Read news accounts in this article "US Top Scientists Urge Coal, Oil Use Penalties."
The reports compiled by the Research Council, the operating arm of the National Academy of Sciences and National Academy of Engineering, are part of a suite of studies known as "America's Climate Choices." See a video about this impressive work toward a comprehensive approach to climate change.
Scientists Issue Statement on Climate Change to Policymakers - In addition to these reports, 255 members of the National Academy of Sciences: "CLIMATE CHANGE AND THE INTEGRITY OF SCIENCE" urges action now to curtail greenhouse gas pollution and answers some of the recent questions about the consensus of the scientific community on climate change. The letter was recently published in Science magazine.
Child Care Facility Makeover Saves Money in the Diocese of Venice, Florida
Currently, the Diocese of Venice has assembled a 10 item 'menu' of programs that will save Catholic facilities at least 25% in energy and 25% in water usage. The goal is to reach the 33% - 50% savings by installing Solar PV's throughout the diocese.
Their energy provider selected one of their parishes that received a new efficient AC unit; new duct work; window tinting; programmable thermostats; new light fixtures; UV Light air handlers; new faucets/toilets and the like. St. Martha's Early Learning Center in Sarasota, FL is now enjoying energy efficient upgrades that should help the center save up to $1,000 a year. FPL's Nonprofit Energy Makeover team joined forces with several community businesses to provide the upgrades. St. Marthas provides child care to pre-school age children from low-income families, and every dollar saved on its electric bill is a dollar that can be used to help others. See the video about St. Martha's here. Read the full story here.
Advocacy Efforts
Senate Holds Hearing on Refugee Issues
On May 19, the U.S. Senate Committee on the Judiciary held a hearing entitled "Renewing America's Commitment to the Refugee Convention: The Refugee Protection Act of 2010". Witnesses outlined some of the changes that the "Refugee Protection Act of 2010" (S. 3113) would make to current law. These include changes to refugee processing including the number of refugees that the U.S. may admit and expedited adjudication for certain groups. Other provisions in the bill would eliminate the one year waiting period for refugees and asylum seekers to apply for a green card, modify the immigration statute to ensure that innocent persons with valid claims are not unfairly barred, and take preventative measures against terrorists taking advantage of the U.S. immigration system. Read more about the hearing.
Update on Climate & Energy Legislation: National Academy of Sciences Report on Climate Change
In a sharp change from its cautious approach in the past, the National Academy of Sciences earlier this month called for taxes on carbon emissions or some other strong action to curb runaway global warming. Five panels of scientists outline why the U.S. should act now to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and why we should have a national strategy to adapt to the inevitable. See the lead letter published in Science magazine (May 7, 2010) from 255 members of the National Academy of Sciences: "CLIMATE CHANGE AND THE INTEGRITY OF SCIENCE" www.pacinst.org/climate/climate_statement.pdf.
Urge Congress to Extend Jobless Benefits and Promote Long-Term Job Growth
WHAT: This week, Congress will vote on the "American Jobs and Closing Tax Loopholes Act" (HR 4213). This legislation will provide supports to dislocated workers and promote long-term job growth.
ACTION NEEDED: Email your Senators and Representative TODAY and ask them to:
- Extend jobless benefits including expanded Unemployment Insurance (UI) and COBRA subsidies through the end of 2010;
- Extend the TANF Emergency Fund for one year;
- Fund youth summer job programs;
- Capitalize the National Housing Trust Fund; and
- Promote job growth in local communities.
BACKGROUND: UI and COBRA: While Congress has passed several short-term extensions of expanded UI and COBRA subsidies, they have failed to pass a long-term fix. The current extension expires at the end of May. Congress must not let these benefits lapse again and should take immediate action to sufficiently fund UI and subsidized COBRA coverage through the end of 2010. With the national unemployment rate at 9.9 percent, these federal programs, which unemployed workers can access after they have exhausted the 26 weeks of state benefits, are critically important.
TANF Emergency Fund: Without Congressional action, the TANF Emergency Fund will run out on September 30, 2010. During this critical time, states are using the TANF Emergency Fund to develop initiatives to help more low-income families find training and employment opportunities. The TANF Emergency Fund needs to be extended for another year so that states can continue to meet the needs of low-income families during these difficult economic times.
Congress created the TANF Emergency Fund in 2009 as part of the "American Recovery and Reinvestment Act". This program provided $5 billion in emergency funding to states to help create employment opportunities for low-income families, provide cash assistance to needy families, and/or provide one-time emergency benefits for families in need.
Youth Summer Jobs Program: The youth unemployment rate is at an all-time high, holding steady at 25 percent. Congress must take action to provide job opportunities for young people, especially those hit by extreme levels of unemployment.
National Housing Trust Fund: The National Housing Trust Fund (NHTF) was created in the "Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008" to provide much needed housing opportunities for those with the lowest incomes. An investment of $1 billion into the NHTF will support the immediate construction of 10,000 rental homes, creating new construction jobs and up to 4,000 new jobs in ongoing operations.
Resources
New Web Resource on Immigration & Catholic teaching - The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' Department of Migration and Refugee Services has partnered with Catholic University of America to develop the "U.S. Catholic Bishops and Immigration" website. The website highlights the role of the U.S. Catholic bishops and the Church in our nation's experience of immigration and the Church's involvement in shaping immigration policy. Learn why the Church is so actively advocating for comprehensive immigration reform. Also, to visit the website of the Diocese of Tucson and check out the "Bishop's Monday Memo" (link near the top of their homepage). Bishop Gerald Kicanas has been addressing the situation in Arizona and speaking forthrightly about the Church's perspective.
Aging Resources:
"WaterAlert": U.S. Geological Survey customizes alerts for local areas
Now you can receive instant, customized updates (emails or text) about water conditions by subscribing to WaterAlert, a new service from the U.S. Geological Survey. Whether you are watching for floods, interested in recreational activities or concerned about the quality of water in your well, WaterAlert allows you to receive daily or hourly updates about current conditions in rivers, lakes and groundwater when they match conditions of concern to you. WaterAlert users start at http://water.usgs.gov/wateralert and select a specific site. WaterAlert allows users to receive updates about river flows, groundwater levels, water temperatures, rainfall and water quality at any of more than 9,500 sites where USGS collects real-time water information.
CARS FOR HELP IS NOT AFFILIATED WITH CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF CENTRAL FLORIDA
Some of our parishes and entities have reported receiving a flyer from an organization, Cars for Help, which states that it is ‘a not-for-profit charity helping those in need through Catholic charities.’ This organization is not affiliated with the Diocese of Orlando nor Catholic Charities of Central Florida. The organization does not have approval from the Office of the Bishop.
2ND ANNUAL SAN PEDRO CENTER SUMMER LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE
- WWW.yourfaithcommunity - what’s new, what works, what to avoid:
July 13, 9:00 am — Noon, Cost, $30
Specifically geared toward faith communities. The professionals from On Target Web Solutions will
help you navigate the best use of the Web and other networking possibilities. Coffee & snacks
provided.
- Forming Groups for the Long Haul – Keeping them Interested & Committed:
July 19, 9:00 am — Noon Carol Stanton & Team, Cost: $20
Last summer we looked at some basic tools for facilitating small group meetings and discussions.
This summer we will take on the task of facilitating on-going groups, such as Scripture Study Groups
or on-going Parish renewal groups. How to organize them, ways to keep in touch, ways to motivate
commitment. Coffee & snacks provided.
- Appreciative Inquiry (AI) — An Introduction:
July 26,27,28: Fr. Ben Berinti, Cost: $160 for entire workshop, includes 4 meals, private room;
Monday Evening Session only, $20; Tuesday Dinner + Evening Session only $35
This process invites people to look at what gives the most life to themselves and their parish.
Instead of focusing on the problems, it helps leaders help others to focus on the best of what is and
the excitement about what could be. July 26: Session One, 7 –9pm; July 27: Session Two –full day:
evening open to all; July 28, Session Three, morning only. Attending the entire workshop will give
fullest intro to AI; attending evening sessions on Mon. and Tues. only will still be beneficial.
REGISTRATION REQUIRED: On line www.sanpedrocenter.org or phone: 407-671-6322, x222.
THINKSMART CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT EDUCATION PROGRAM
 ThinkSmart Character Development Education Program, a state-approved educational program, focuses on reducing adolescent pregnancy, early sexual activity, and drug/alcohol use. ThinkSmart attempts to accomplish this by combining information with goal-oriented activities to affect adolescent behavior and attitudes, foster self-esteem and develop better family relationships. The program focuses on sexual integrity and builds on the positive character traits of honesty, respect and self-control. Through the use of a variety of visual aids and demonstrations, students are encouraged to become active participants in reaching their goals and expanding their opportunities for the future.
ThinkSmart is funded through a grant from the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services, Administration of Children and Families under the Community Based Abstinence Education Program. This means that the program is offered at no cost to you!
ThinkSmart is currently available for parish outreach. The summer program will focus on 8th through 12th grade youth and present Baby Think It Over program. Baby Think It Over utilizes a life-size and computerized baby simulator to give youth a hands-on opportunity to understand the responsibilities and difficulties of being a single teenage parents as well as covering teenage sex and STDs/STIs. The program usually provides five hours of age-appropriate lessons for your youth in five days; however, we can easily adjust the curricula to fit your schedule.
ThinkSmart is also committed to helping parents and guardians become more comfortable with talking about the expectations and morals they have for their youth but have failed to communicate effectively. A hour long parent workshop is also offered for parents and guardians this summer.
For more information, contact:
Charissa Jones
ThinkSmart Dosage II Coordinator
www.ThinkSmartFlorida.org
Catholic Charities of Central Florida, Inc.
1819 N. Semoran Boulevard
Orlando, FL 32807
Office: 407-658-1818 ext. 2098
Charissa.Jones@cflcc.org
JUSTICE FOR IMMIGRANTS
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USCCB launch's new Justice for Immigrants website, postcard campaign
During a telephonic press event, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) outlined plans to work to enact comprehensive immigration reform in 2010.
New JFI website
To visit the new Justice for Immigrants website, visit: www.usccb.org/jfi
Postcard Campaign
A national postcard campaign has been initiated to urge Congress to pass reform legislation. Several dioceses are participating in this campaign. There is also an option to complete the postcard electronically. > Click here to send a completed postcard to your federal lawmakers
Download the postcard in English and Spanish
Or order postcards for your parish |
> National Migration Week Resources
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