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03. 05.10
A Diocese of Orlando E-Mail Update
www.orlandodiocese.org
THINGS TO NOTE IN THIS ISSUE:
Advocacy and Justice Updates and Efforts
Aging Resources
Catholic Mobilizing Network to End the Use of the Death Penalty (CMN)
Climate Change Impacts
Congress Continues Debate on Jobs Package
Fair Trade: Plan a Work of Human Hands Sale This Spring
Justice for Immigrant New and Improved Website and Postcard Campaign
New! Divine Speckled Eggs
Senate Subcommittee Holds Hearing on Child Prostitution and Sex Trafficking
Senate Committee Holds Hearing on Workforce Development
Stem Cell Resources
USDA Secretary Outlines Priorities for Child Nutrition
White House Hosts Health Care Summit
Word of Life Intercessions and Bulletin Briefs for March and April
Chrism Mass
Diez ideas para Considerar sobre el Proceso del Catecumenado
Directory Update
Loyola University LIMEX Forming New Class
Media Center Pick of the Week
Praying the Rosary
Reconciliation Weekend
Sister Diocese Efforts Bear Fruit in Education
Ten Things to Consider for the Catechumenate Process
Theology on Tap Webinar
Upcoming Stories in the Florida Catholic
Understanding the Liturgy
USCCB Updates
Why Catholic?
Youth Ministry - Lenten Retreat
Employment Opportunities
ALL ARE INVITED TO CELEBRATION OF THE CHRISM MASS
Bishop Thomas Wenski invites you to attend the Chrism Mass on Wednesday, March 31, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at the Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe, 8300 Vineland Avenue, Orlando.
Holy Oils Consecrated During Chrism Mass
The clear aim of the Chrism Mass is for the blessing and consecration of the oils used during the Church year. The oil of the sick, an oil of healing (used in the sacrament of the anointing of the sick) and the oil of catechumens, an oil of faith building (used to anoint those preparing for baptism, both infants and adults), as well as the consecration of the Sacred Chrism (used in baptism, confirmation, and ordination) take place during this liturgy. The oils used today are 100% virgin olive oil.
Pastors carry these oils back to their parishes where they will be part of celebrations for the coming year, beginning with the Easter Vigil. The new oils are formally brought to the parish on Holy Thursday. The old oils are burned in the Easter fire on Holy Saturday.
Priests Renew Their Commitment To Priestly Service During Chrism Mass
The second purpose of the Chrism Mass is the unity of all the priests of the Diocese with the Bishop. In the Diocese of Orlando, all priests who are able to attend concelebrate the Mass. Second, priests are invited to renew their priestly commitment at this celebration. The renewal of priestly commitment takes place after the homily.
Jubilarians Honored During Chrism Mass
Eleven priests in the Diocese of Orlando celebrating 50 or 25 years of priestly service will be honored at the Chrism Mass. Our Diocese rejoices with the following priests who are celebrating jubilees!
50 Year Jubilarians Ordained in 1960
Monsignor Fabian Gimeno
Father Stephen Krisanda, M.S.
Father Robert Kurber
Father Joseph Nolan25 Year Jubilarians Ordained in 1985
Father Benjamin Berinti, C.PP.S
Father Ramon Bolatete
Father Frank Buck
Father Krzysztof Bugno, SDS
Father Pedro Cordeno
Father Michael Mueller
Father Glenn D. Parker, C.Ss.R
Father Richard Trout
Photo courtesy of Valeta Orlando
Praying the rosary is one way to pray for the 270 priests working and retired in the Diocese of Orlando who have given their lives to the Church and the people of God. Click here to download the beautifully illustrated booklet, “The Rosary for the Year for Priests” created by the USCCB. The booklet features a variety of images of the Blessed Virgin Mary, prayers for our beloved priests and a guide for praying the rosary including the joyful, luminous, sorrowful and glorious mysteries.
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Updated information and downloads can be found by clicking here or go to http://www.orlandodiocese.org/media/communication/resources.php. |
WHY CATHOLIC? / ¿POR QUÉ SER CATÓLICO? LAUNCH WORKSHOPS UNDERWAY
Why Catholic? Launch workshops are taking place at parishes throughout the Diocese of Orlando for clergy, staff and lay leaders who are preparing to launch the evangelization and adult faith formation process on October 4, 2010.
The Launch workshop, which started on February 28 and continue until March 8, provide information necessary for implementing Why Catholic? as a total parish experience. The workshop focuses on the responsibilities of the Why Catholic? Parish Team and prepares them to invite Small Community Leaders and other lay leaders to assist them in implementing Why Catholic? Approximately 520 leaders throughout the Diocese are attending the Launch workshops.
The launch workshops are presented in English by Dominican Sister Pat Thomas and in Spanish by Dominican Sister Marenid Fabre. Fifty-two parishes and missions in the Diocese of Orlando have already enrolled in the Why Catholic? process with more expected in the coming months. For more information, visit this website created for the Diocese of Orlando Why Catholic? initiative at www.orlandodiocese.org.
10 THINGS TO CONSIDER FOR THE CATECHUMENATE PROCESS
During Lent in parishes nationwide and around the world, candidates for the sacraments of initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist) experience final preparation to become members of the Catholic Church. The “Elect,” as they are called, depend on the support and the encouragement of the whole Church to both welcome them and join with them in following Christ. Here are ten things Catholics can do to help them on their way:
1. Pray
Parishes post the names, and often times photos, of those preparing for baptism and reception into the full communion of the Catholic Church, so that the community can offer support. Parishioners can commit to pray for a particular member of the elect and let them know of this gift of prayer as they prepare for Baptism.
2. Listen
The journey of those in the Catechumenate Process can be an example for all, as the Elect listen intently to the Word of God and take concrete steps to follow Him. Their steps can inspire, especially during Lent as Christians strive to follow the Lord more closely. Time spent hearing their stories and experiences can move listeners’ hearts.
3. Participate
The Catechumenate Process includes a number of public rituals in Lent: the Rite of Election, the Scrutinies, and the Preparation Rites. Many of these take place at Sunday Masses in parishes. Attending those Masses is a way to show support for the Elect.
4. Attend the Easter Vigil
The Great Vigil of Easter is the “night of nights,” the liturgy for Holy Saturday declares. It is the night during which the Church keeps vigil for the resurrection of Jesus. It is during the Easter Vigil that the Sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation are celebrated and new members are welcomed into the Church. This “most blessed of all nights,” as the Exsultet on Holy Saturday proclaims, celebrates in ancient rituals the central mysteries of the faith. This celebration is long, but it is the heart of the Church’s worship and speaks clearly to fill participants with the joy of the Resurrection.
5. Have a welcoming spirit
In the weeks after their initiation, the newly baptized, now called “neophytes,” look for their place in the Church community. Parishioners can make them feel welcome by encouraging them to be part of an activity, a group, or a ministry.
6. Witness
The Catechumenate Process reminds people that God is present and active, that He continues to speak to all. It is a reminder that how you act, what you say, and what you do can reflect the presence of Christ. Being “witnesses” (see Acts of the Apostles 1:8) of what Christ is doing in one’s life speaks to others.
7. Invite
As witnesses, Christians are called to share their faith in some way. Sometimes it means noticing others who are searching, who might benefit from encouragement or an invitation to learn more about the Catholic faith. Evangelization calls for a member of the Church to share one’s faith. Just inviting a friend or neighbor to Mass can be a powerful statement that allows the Lord to reach out through this gesture.
8. Get Involved
The Catechumenate Process has many facets. Each depends on dedicated parishioners (along with the clergy, catechists, and other staff members) to facilitate, teach, lead, and serve as sponsors. There are many ways to shares one’s faith and gifts to become involved.
9. Ongoing Conversion
In addition to those preparing for Baptism, the Catechumenate Process also includes those already baptized Christians who are preparing for reception into the full communion of the Catholic Church. This can be celebrated any time. Those preparing for reception (and Confirmation and first reception the Eucharist) remind Christians that all are called to follow the Lord, who is always speaking and calling people to repentance— ongoing conversion and a change of heart— resulting in more authentic disciples.
10. Know Mystagogy is for all
After celebrating the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist, the newly initiated continue their formation in the faith in the period called Mystagogy (which means “interpretation of mystery”), when they reflect on their encounter with Christ in the sacraments and learn more about their faith. This period is ongoing and essentially what all members of the Church do throughout our lives: grow deeper in faith and relationship with Christ, constantly discerning his will.
DIEZ IDEAS PARA CONSIDERAR SOBRE EL PROCESO DEL CATECUMENADO
Durante la Cuaresma, en parroquias de todo el país y de todo el mundo, los candidatos para recibir los sacramentos de iniciación (Bautismo, Confirmación y Eucaristía) experimentan los preparativos finales para convertirse en miembros de la Iglesia Católica. Los “elegidos”, como se les denomina, dependen del apoyo y del aliento de toda la Iglesia tanto para darles la bienvenida como para unirse a ellos en seguir a Cristo. A continuación se ofrecen diez ideas de cosas que los católicos pueden hacer para ayudarlos en su caminar.
1. Rezar
Las parroquias cuelgan o publican los nombres, y a menudo las fotos, de los que se preparan para el Bautismo y para su recepción en la comunión plena de la Iglesia Católica para que la comunidad pueda ofrecerle su apoyo. Los miembros de la parroquia pueden comprometerse a rezar por alguno de los elegidos en particular y dejarle saber de este regalo de oración por ellos mientras se preparan para el Bautismo.
2. Escuchar
El camino de los que participan en el Proceso del Catecumenado puede ser un ejemplo para todos, pues los “elegidos” escuchan con intensidad la Palabra de Dios y dan pasos concretos para seguir a Cristo. Sus pasos pueden inspirar, especialmente durante la Cuaresma, a los cristianos que se esfuerzan por seguir al Señor de una manera más cercana. Pasar tiempo escuchando sus historias y experiencias puede conmover el corazón de quien escucha.
3. Participar
El Proceso del Catecumenado incluye una serie de ritos públicos durante la Cuaresma: el Rito de Elección, los Escrutinios, y los Ritos de Preparación. La mayoría de éstos tiene lugar durante las Misas dominicales en las parroquias. Asistir a esas Misas es una forma de mostrar apoyo a los elegidos.
4. Asistir a la Vigilia Pascual
La Gran Vigilia de Pascua es “la noche de las noches”, dice la liturgia del Sábado Santo. Es la noche durante la cual la Iglesia se mantiene en vela por la resurrección de Cristo. Durante la Vigilia de Pascua se celebran los Sacramentos del Bautismo y la Confirmación y se da la bienvenida a la Iglesia a los nuevos miembros. Ésta, “la más bendecida de todas las noches”, como proclama el Exultet en el Sábado Santo, celebra con rituales antiquísimos los misterios centrales de la fe. Esta celebración es larga pero es el corazón del culto de la Iglesia y habla con claridad para llenar a los participantes con el gozo de la Resurrección.
5. Mantener un espíritu de bienvenida
En las semanas que siguen a su iniciación, los recién bautizados, ahora conocidos como “neófitos”, buscan su lugar en la comunidad de la Iglesia. Los miembros de la parroquia pueden hacerles sentir bienvenidos al invitarlos a ser parte de alguna actividad, grupo o ministerio.
6. Dar testimonio
El Proceso del Catecumenado recuerda a las personas que Dios está presente y activo, que continúa hablando a todos. Es un recordatorio de que la manera en como actuamos, lo que decimos y lo que hacemos, pueden reflejar la presencia de Cristo. Ser “testigos” (ver Hechos de los Apóstoles 1, 8) de cómo Cristo actúa en la vida de uno envía un mensaje a los demás.
7. Invitar
Como testigos, los cristianos están llamados a compartir su fe de alguna manera. A veces eso significa estar pendientes cuando otros están buscando algo y de quién puede beneficiarse de recibir aliento o una invitación a aprender más de la fe católica. La evangelización llama a los miembros de la Iglesia a compartir la propia fe. El mero hecho de invitar a un amigo o a un vecino a la Misa puede ser un testimonio poderoso que permite al Señor llegar a ellos a través de este gesto.
8. Involucrarse
El Proceso del Catecumenado tiene muchas facetas. Cada una de ellas depende de feligreses dedicados (junto con el clero, los catequistas y otros miembros del personal parroquial) que faciliten, enseñen, guíen y apadrinen. Existen muchas maneras de compartir la fe y los dones que uno tiene para involucrarse.
9. Conversión continua
Además de aquellos que se preparan para el Bautismo, el Proceso del Catecumenado también incluye a aquellos cristianos ya bautizados que se están preparando para ser recibidos en la plena comunión de la Iglesia. Esto puede celebrarse en cualquier momento. Aquellos que se preparan para ser recibidos (y para la Confirmación y la recepción de la Eucaristía) recuerdan a los cristianos que todos están llamados a seguir al Señor, quien siempre está hablando y llamando las personas al arrepentimiento—a la conversión continua y a un cambio del corazón—resultando así en un cambio más auténtico.
10. Saber que la mistagogía es para todos
Tras celebrar los Sacramentos del Bautismo, la Confirmación y la Eucaristía, los recién iniciados continúan su formación en la fe en el periodo llamado “mistagogía” (que significa “interpretación del misterio”), durante el cual reflexionan sobre su encuentro con Cristo en los sacramentos y aprenden más sobre su fe. Este periodo es continuo y consiste esencialmente en aquello que todos los miembros de la Iglesia deben hacer a lo largo de su vida: profundizar en la fe y en la relación con Cristo, constantemente discerniendo su voluntad.
YOUTH MINISTRY - LENTEN RETREAT
“I am the Way” Lenten Youth Retreat for High School Students - The Diocese of Orlando Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry is offering a Lenten Retreat for high school students. The path of discipleship is intimately joined to our relationship with Jesus Christ. Join us to reflect on your Lenten journey and to prepare to enter into Holy Week in the spirit of Living Discipleship. The one day retreat will take place Saturday, March 27 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church, 5125 S Apopka-Vineland Rd, Orlando. Cost is $20 per youth, which includes t-shirt, dinner and all materials. Contact MFischer@orlandodiocese.org for additional details and a registration form. Please register by March 20.
In “A Prayer Inspired by the Our Father,” St. Francis expands each section of the foundational prayer for Christian disciples. With Francis, we touch practical implications of Jesus’ words. After exploring love of God and neighbor, St. Francis concludes the “Your will be done on earth…” section with a succinct phrase. We participate in God’s will “by giving offense to no one.” In our daily lives, we offend and we are offended. The hatred and revenge engendered by these offenses are envisioned as so many pieces of luggage by Christian filmmaker, Rob Bell. His 14 minute DVD, entitled appropriately enough, “Luggage,” is one title in the NOOMA series. The series’ name is a phonetic rendition of pneuma, the Greek word for spirit. Crafted primarily for older teens and young adults, these short pieces present faith messages in a riveting, challenging context. A busy airport provides the setting for “Luggage.” Individual travelers carry separate pieces of luggage and conveyer belts disgorge anonymous baggage onto carousels. Rob Bell recounts stories of unspeakable wounds inflicted in the course of human life. The core message centers on Jesus’ proclamation of forgiveness as essential to human freedom. Cautioning his viewers to set boundaries with “toxic” people, Bell emphasizes: “Sometimes forgiving is forgetting and sometimes forgiving is remembering.” Like St. Francis’ exhortation to “fervently intercede” for our enemies through our prayers, Bell finds the key to forgiveness in blessing. Two of my favorite Nooma titles are “Flame,” about the totality of human love, and “Dust” about our call to discipleship. View clips and descriptions of the various titles at http://www.nooma.com. Use the on-line Order Form and request this DVD or search related titles with the key word: forgive @ http://www.orlandodiocese.org/media_center/media_center.php or call Dan Hardester or Diane Gallagher@ 407-246-4895 (or 4897).
SCHOOL NEWS UPDATE FROM DIOCESE OF SAN JUAN DE LA MAGUANA
The efforts of the Mission Office in the Diocese of San Juan de la Maguana is bearing fruit in the area of education at the middle school, St. Maximilian Kolbe. Five of our 7th and 8th graders participated in the recent Olimpiadas de Matematicas. For the second year running, one of our students took the championship position. A second student took the third place and a third, the 8th place. All three of the children have qualified to go on to the Provincial Competition scheduled for March 10. We are very proud of these students. For the Provincial level the children will be up against tough competition but we are confident they will do their very best. Keep them in your prayers.
UPCOMING STORIES IN THE FLORIDA CATHOLIC
March 12
As the Long-Sleeve Relief and Food-Diaper-Personal Hygiene Drive continues, we ask you to please take a moment to read the story outlining the life of a farmworker in the March 12 edition of the Florida Catholic. Read in their own words how food truly gets to your table through hard work, proud work, necessary work. Stay informed, read the Florida Catholic. Subscribe online at www.thefloridacatholic.org or call toll free 1-888-275-9953.
March 26
Do you ever wonder if Catholics have an organized voice concerning public policy on the state level in Tallahassee? In the March 26 edition of the Florida Catholic newspaper learn how the Florida Catholic Conference, serves as liaison to state government on matters of concern to the Catholic Church, as a nonpartisan public policy voice on behalf of our Catholic bishops of Florida. Stay informed, read the Florida Catholic. Subscribe online at www.thefloridacatholic.org or call toll free 1-888-275-9953.
Theology on Tap is offering its first Theology on Tap webinar to all interested members and groups. On Thursday, March 18th, at 8pm Eastern time, an hour-long live webinar will be offered on the four essential components for a successful Theology on Tap Program: a strong core community, invitation, hospitality, and follow-up. All you need to participate in the webinar is a computer with internet access. Please e-mail Kathy Motyka at kathym@renewintl.org if you are interested in registering. She'll send you an e-mail with instructions and further information. Also, if you are interested, but the time/day does not work, please let us know, and we will do our best to accommodate your needs. And, if you have any topics of interest for future webinars, we are most open to your suggestions. Just let us know how we can best serve you.
OFFICE OF ADVOCACY AND JUSTICE UPDATES AND EFFORTS
Catholic Mobilizing Network to End the Use of the Death Penalty (CMN)
Is an initiative of the USCCB to address the challenges and fulfilling the promise of A Culture of Life and the Penalty of Death (2005), the centerpiece publication of the United States Catholic bishops’ Campaign to End the Use of the Death Penalty. Noting that Catholic bishops, clergy and laity have played a major role in those states where repeal and other anti-execution efforts have succeeded, CMN’s efforts proceed from the firm belief that, more than any other group, the Catholic community can make the difference in the remaining states whose laws are stained by death-penalty statutes, like Florida.
CMN endeavors to fulfill its purpose by providing current, relevant information about Church teaching and the death penalty, organizing, and advocacy. For more information, see: www.catholicsmobilizing.org. In addition, links to national and state organizations that can inform and support your initiatives are coming soon to the CMN Web site.
Word of Life Intercessions and Bulletin Briefs for March and April
This USCCB resource contains Intercessions and Bulletin Briefs for every Sunday Mass during the year. You may find items for March and April (English/Spanish): http://www.usccb.org/prolife/liturgy/wolarchive.shtml. Please forward this information to your parish liturgy coordinator as well as the person designated to create the bulletin.
Real Stories from Catholic Relief Services - You have heard that climate change is already impacting some of the poorest people round the world. Coalition partner, Catholic Relief Services, has documented some of these impacts. For a case study on Guatemala, click here and you can see both the impacts and the ways CRS is helping poor communities adapt.
In the coming weeks, the Coalition will share more of these stories with you and hope you will find them useful in your efforts to educate your friends, family, neighbors and colleagues. Such stories are why your voice will be needed to ensure that the United States contributes significant resources to help those who have contributed the least to climate change adapt to its consequences.
Bartholomew I Recognized for Environmental Work - Patriarch Bartholomew I of Constantinople, a decades-long advocate for the care of Creation, just received the first "Cardinal Poupard Prize" by a new foundation of the same name. Cardinal Poupard is past president of both the Pontifical Council for Culture and the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue. In speaking of the award, he lauded the patriarch for his "evangelical vision" of creation that includes a cultural renewal as well as a deeper sense of solidarity "between the Creator, creatures and creation." Read the article here.
Take Action
Have You Taken the Fist Step to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint?
If you are receiving our newsletter and have not signed up to take the St. Francis Pledge, please please register your St. Francis Pledge now. When you take the St. Francis Pledge you embark on a faith commitment to care for creation and the poor. You don't have to do all 5 parts aspects of the Pledge simultaneously! Take one, for example PRAYER: look here for prayers and liturgies. Or if you'd like to start with LEARN, look here and pick from the learning opportunities listed there. Most importantly, take the first "Step" to reduce your carbon footprint: Sign the St. Francis Pledge.
"Care for God's Creation" for Parish Groups – Study Guide - This eight-session book from the New Jersey Catholic Coalition for Environmental Justice is aimed at encouraging reflection and discussion on the interconnectedness of both human well-being and the well-being of all of God's creation. Themes explored include: Creation and Ecology as Sacrament, Consumer Choices, Energy, Food, Water, and Advocacy. The spiral-bound book is a practical resource that can be used by individuals, Small Christian Communities, parish ministry groups (such as social justice, justice & peace); and other small groups of adults and teens wanting to explore how to be good stewards of God's creation, preserving and respecting the dignity of life. See this flyer for ordering information.
Hosting a Work of Human Hands consignment sale in your church this spring or summer can be a fun and educational way to demonstrate solidarity and provide support to our brothers and sisters across the globe.
The benefits to artisans and farmers are simple, yet life-changing, like the story we recently heard from Assibi Azantijine, a basket weaver in northern Ghana:
“I have two children. They need uniforms and books to go to school, and I use what I make [through the sales of my baskets] to pay for those and school fees.”
Some great times to host a sale are:
- Easter (April 4)
- On or around World Fair Trade Day (May 8)
- Mother’s Day (May 9)
- Summer events and festivals
Browse our selection of new and beautiful products from across the globe. All the documents you need are available here, including a Spring/Summer 2010 order form
Your support has a direct and positive impact on many lives around the world. We look forward to your order and appreciate your help!
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Chocolate is perfect for Easter sales. Whether you order it with your Work of Human Hands event or for a stand-alone sale, make Divine Chocolate a part of your ministry. Choose from $4.99 boxes of milk, dark or speckled eggs, or the ten different flavors offered in either small or large bars. Though chocolate is not returnable, everyone is sure to find something they love. |
Share the Story - Please help artisans around the world by sharing Work of Human Hands with your friends and family. Just click the ‘Forward to a Friend’ link below or encourage them to visit www.crsfairtrade.org.
Recent Advances in Adult Stem Cell Research And Other Alternatives to Embryonic Stem Cell Research/Cloning
OVERALL SUCCESS
· “California’s Proposition 71 Failure,” Investor’s Business Daily, January 12, 2010, click here.
ADULT STEM CELL VERSATILITY
· “Dramatic transformation: Researchers directly turn mouse skin cells into neurons, skipping IPS stage,” Stanford School of Medicine, January 27, 2010, click here.
STEM CELL SOURCES
· “Fat Tissue May Be a Source of Valuable Blood Stem Cells, Study Says,” American Society of Hematology, January 27, 2010, click here.
CORD BLOOD
· “Fighting disease with cord blood,” WJRT-TV (Mid-Michigan ABC News), January 14, 2010, click here.
· “Experimental Technology Improves Cord Blood Transplants for Leukemia Patients,” American Cancer Society, January 19, 2010, click here.
BRAIN DAMAGE
· “New stroke therapy successful in rats,” EurekAlert, January 12, 2010, click here.
- New Website - The guru of “walkable communities” – Dan Burden – has launched his own company and website. Check it out at www.walklive.org
- Caregiving Reports – Two new caregiving reports can be found at National Alliance for Caregiving’s website - www.caregiving.org/pubs/data.htm - “MetLife Study of Working Caregivers and Employer Health Care Costs” (2010) and “Caregiving in the U.S.” (2009).
- Older Americans Act Reauthorization - The Administration on Aging wants to hear from you on critical issues for next year’s reauthorization of the Older Americans Act. Visit www.aoa.gov
- Alzheimer’s Report—The National Institute on Aging’s annual report on Alzheimer’s Disease research is now available at www.nia.nih.gov/Alzheimers/Publications/ADProgress200 8.
- Volunteerism Report—Visit http://agingandwork.bc.edu for a report on trends in volunteerism in older adults.
Justice for Immigrant New and Improved Website and Postcard Campaign
On Ash Wednesday Bishop Wenski hosted a press conference with other faith leaders in the community on the need for movement on immigration reform legislation. Congress is currently stalled on health care reform but it is still very important that we keep this issue before Congress. On March 21 and 22, there will be a major rally in Washington, D.C. with buses coming from communities across the country to deliver postcards, pray for reform and advocate for just policies.
USCCB Justice for Immigrants (JFI) will be participating in the March rally and has launched a redesigned website (www.justiceforimmigrants.org) that includes updated resources and information about the U.S. Catholic Bishops' campaign for comprehensive immigration reform. The materials and information available on the website include an updated parish kit, recent statements by Bishops on immigration reform, and a new "Events" tab that JFI supporters can utilize to get involved in local and national JFI and immigration reform events.
The website also has information about the JFI postcard campaign and links for supporters to send electronic versions of the postcards to their Senators and Representatives. They are asking that those who cannot attend the Washington, D.C. rally submit an electronic postcard to legislators. Please take a few minutes to visit the new Justice for Immigrants webpage, find out more about the new offerings on the site, and send a JFI e-postcard to Congress. If your parish has not participated in the postcard campaign, it is not too late. Just contact the Office of Advocacy and Justice for an order form: advocacyjustice@orlandodiocese.org.
Last week Congress continued debate on a new jobs package and other efforts to extend safety net programs for jobless workers. On February 22, the Senate passed a $15 billion jobs creation measure. The bill includes funds to encourage businesses to hire additional workers, an expansion of the Build America Bonds Program, and an extension of higher limits for small business expensing. The bill was crafted from pieces of a larger jobs creation package originally introduced by Senate Finance Committee leaders, but failed to include the $31 billion package of tax extensions that drew Republican support. Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) had planned to move legislation to address the $31 billion package of tax extenders and several programs including unemployment benefits and COBRA that are set to expire on February 28. Unfortunately, efforts to advance these programs were held up in the Senate on Thursday after Senator Jim Bunning (R-KY) refused to allow a vote on the House-passed measure due to budgetary concerns.
The House passed a short term package (H.R.4691) that includes an extension of unemployment benefits through April 5, an extension of the COBRA subsidy, and a measure to prevent Medicare payment cuts for doctors through March 31.
Catholic Charities USA asks you to join advocates across the country in urging the U.S. Senate to extend unemployment benefits and COBRA through the end of 2010. Contact your Senators today and ask them to help struggling Americans by extending Unemployment Insurance and the COBRA subsidy.
ACTION NEEDED:
- Ask your Senators to support an extension of Unemployment Insurance benefits
- Ask your Senators to ensure that jobless workers can continue to receive health care by extending COBRA subsidies
- Ask your Senators to provide financial support to states and local governments to prevent further cuts to critical social services such as Medicaid
- Click here to TAKE ACTION NOW.
On February 24, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack outlined the Administration's priorities for the Child Nutrition Act reauthorization. Programs authorized under the Child Nutrition Act include the Child and Adult Food Care Program, the Summer Food Program, the National School Lunch and Breakfast Program, and the Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).
During his remarks, the Secretary announced support for competitive grants to states to implement creative and innovative approaches to eliminating hunger in their communities. He also suggested that grants should be offered to states and non-profit organizations to develop web-based or other systems to streamline the application process and expand efforts to enroll eligible students through direct certification. To improve access to food for children when school is out, the Secretary stated that the Administration will be moving forward with a series of demonstration pilots that use improved approaches to increase the number of sponsors and sites serving children.
The Secretary called for new authority to set nutritional standards for foods sold in schools and commented that "foods served in vending machines and the a la carte line should never undermine our efforts to enhance the health of the school environment." He also mentioned first lady Michelle Obama's Let's Move initiative aimed at reducing childhood obesity within a generation. For more on the Secretary's comments, please click here.
Some other highlights of the Administration's priorities include:
- Streamlining the application process and direct certification
- Improving nutrition standards for school meals and ensuring compliance with established dietary guidelines based on the Institute of Medicine recommendations
- Increasing the reimbursement rates for the school breakfast and lunch program to pay for improved quality and improved nutritious meals
- Expanding the after-school meals program to all 50 states. The program currently serves at-risk children in 14 states
Financial assistance to provide training, school equipment and technical assistance necessary to implement changes
Strengthening and raising the standard for school wellness programs
While the Administration has laid the framework for what it would like to see in the upcoming reauthorization of the Child Nutrition Act, Congress will now have to introduce, pass legislation, and appropriate additional funding for improvements in the program. Catholic Charities USA will keep you posted as the reauthorization moves through the legislative process.
On February 25, the Obama Administration hosted a bipartisan health care summit, convening Congressional leaders to discuss health care reform. After several hours of debate, the summit yielded little bipartisan compromise.
In anticipation of the summit, President Obama released his Administration's health care reform proposal on February 22. The estimated $950 billion proposal closely mirrors the final Senate-passed legislation with some modifications that reflect ongoing negotiations between House and Senate leaders. The proposal would create a health insurance exchange without a formal government-run public insurance option, impose a 40 percent excise tax on high cost insurance plans starting in 2018, provide tax credits to qualifying low-income individuals as well as small businesses and nonprofits to purchase health insurance, and reduce federal deficits by an estimated $100 billion over the first 10 years.
Democratic leaders are now debating a strategy to finish health care reform legislation through a procedure known as reconciliation which would limit debate and only require 51 votes in the Senate to pass. House Democratic leaders are also reportedly considering a strategy to take up a series of single-issue health care bills in the coming weeks to complete work on health care reform.
Click here to read Catholic Charities USA's press release on health care from February 25.
The U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions held a hearing on February 24 entitled "A Stronger Workforce Investment System for a Stronger Economy." In his opening statement, Committee Chairman Tom Harkin (D-IA) discussed the need for the country to invest in a highly trained, highly educated workforce. In the U.S., there is a growing mismatch in the economy between job growth and skill level. The current economic climate is exacerbating the situation with record levels of unemployment. This hearing examined ways to better prepare all workers for jobs that pay living wages as the economy begins to recover.
Witnesses discussed ways to encourage collaboration and accountability for the education and employment needs of all workers, especially those with barriers to employment. They stressed the need for post-secondary education including not only four year college degrees, but community college programs, job-specific training, apprenticeships, and certificates programs. Witnesses also repeatedly underscored the need to break down silos between the Department of Education programs and the Department of Labor programs. They encouraged the Committee to incentivize cross-sector collaborations and innovative partnerships that promote effective workforce development and training programs.
To read more about this hearing including a list of witnesses, please click here.
Senate Subcommittee Holds Hearing on Child Prostitution and Sex Trafficking
On February 24, the U.S. Senate Judiciary, Subcommittee on Human Rights and Law held a hearing entitled “In Our Own Backyard: Child Prostitution and Sex Trafficking in the United States." In his opening remarks, Committee Chairman Dick Durbin (D- IL) said that over 100,000 American children become victims of sex trafficking annually. Florida being a state dependent on tourism has seen an increase in human trafficking.
Senator Durbin also explained, "We have created a legal dichotomy in America in which the federal government views prostituted children as victims, yet most states treat them as criminals." Senator Durbin expressed his desire to work with Ranking Member Tom Coburn (R-OK) to pass legislation that treats children who are victims of sex trafficking as victims and not criminals.
The Subcommittee heard testimony from multiple stakeholders including the Administration, U.S. Attorney, state attorney, U.S. Senate, as well as the nonprofit sector and a trafficking survivor. Catholic Charities USA provides services and resources to Catholic Charities agencies to help them understand the issues related to domestic and international trafficking including how to identify risk factors, how to help victims recover, and how to build coalitions with local organizations and law enforcement.
LOYOLA UNIVERSITY LIMEX FORMING NEW CLASS
The Loyola University of New Orleans Institute for Ministry Extension (LIMEX) is forming a new class that will meet on Tuesday evenings at Annunciation Catholic Academy in Altamonte Springs. The Catholic Diocese of Orlando is a sponsoring organization for the LIMEX program which offers fully accredited master degrees and certificate programs throughout the diocese. These programs prepare men and women for professional lay ministry according to the criteria contained in the US Catholic Bishops document Co-Workers in the Vineyard of the Lord. LIMEX is a quality Jesuit educational process with a proven track record. Anyone interested in joining this quality program should contact Basil Pflumm 407 788 1495 or by email at bpflumm@cfl.rr.com.
Rev. Bassam Saade is Parochial Administrator of St. Jude Catholic Church of the Maronite Rite.
How do we get our parishioners excited about their part in the liturgy? Better knowledge and understanding of the "why" and "how" of their role are answers. These books are priced for quantity purchase so you can make them available for your catechumenate, prayer groups, adult faith formation groups, or your whole parish community.
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THE MINISTRY OF THE ASSEMBLY Caroline M. Thomas Paper, $4.95 64 pages, 5½" x 8½" ISBN 0-89390-675-1 Vatican II calls the assembly to full, active, conscious participation. What exactly does that mean? This book explores the liturgy and clearly explains the ministry of the members of the assembly at each point. It explains the assembly's role by looking at its history. It's a “how-to” book with inspiration. It sets the assembly in context as an important liturgical symbol and ministry in itself. It's a perfect book for those starting to join us at worship and for those who would like to deepen their understanding and increase their conscious participation. |
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