Advocacy & Justice Updates

The Office of Advocacy and Justice has MOVED!

Office of Advocacy and Justice
Diocese of Orlando
1819 North Semoran Boulevard
Orlando, FL 32807

 

 

E-Newsletter:  August 11, 2014

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The Office of Advocacy and Justice has MOVED!  
 

Office of Advocacy and Justice
Diocese of Orlando
1819 North Semoran Boulevard
Orlando, FL  32807 
 

Cardinal O’Malley, Archbishop Lori to Senate: Oppose Bill that Attacks Religious Freedom

 WASHINGTON—In a letter sent July 14 to all U.S. Senators, Cardinal Seán O’Malley of Boston and Archbishop William E. Lori of Baltimore stated their “strong opposition to the misnamed ‘Protect Women’s Health From Corporate Interference Act of 2014’ (S. 2578).” 

 

“Though cast as a response to the Supreme Court’s narrow decision in Burwell v. Hobby Lobby, the bill ranges far beyond that decision, potentially attacking all existing federal protections of conscience and religious freedom regarding health coverage mandates,” they wrote. More…
 

Federal Legislative Action Alert
In its recent Hobby Lobby decision, the U.S. Supreme Court determined that the HHS contraceptive mandate as applied to closely held for-profit corporations violated the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA). In reaction, Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA) introduced the Protect Women’s Health from Corporate Interference Act (S. 2578). Ranging very broadly, the bill negates any right that employers, insurers or employees may have, under RFRA or any other federal law, to opt out of federally mandated coverage. On July 16, a motion to consider S. 2578 narrowly failed in the Senate. Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) preserved the right to reconsider the vote. As a result, the bill can be brought up again at any time. Please send follow-up messages to your Senators today!

 

Support International Religious Freedom

More and more people around the world, especially Christians, face discrimination, attacks and even death because of their faith. The violence in the Middle East has led to mass migrations so many wonder if there will be Christians left in the place of Christ’s birth. Let Congress know that you support reauthorization of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, a vital voice to protect vulnerable religious minorities.  
 

Pope Francis Prepares Encyclical on Ecology for Start of 2015

Pope Calls Environmental Exploitation a Sin

Submit Your Comments to the EPA on their proposed Clean Power Plan with Catholic Climate Covenant

Catholic University of Dayton – Divestment Decision A Call to Action on Climate and Human Rights

 

Pope Francis –  @Pontifex
Violence is not conquered by violence. Lord, send us the gift of peace. #prayforpeace  10:00 AM – 9 Aug 2014

The U.S. bishops to invite the people of their dioceses to pray for peace in Iraq on Sunday, August 17. Find more information and a prayer here.

Date:      August 26, 2014

When:    11:30AM – 1:30PM

Where:   Tuscawilla Country Club
               1500 Winter Springs Blvd
               Winter Springs, FL  32708
               Azalea Dining Room
 
Please join us for the second luncheon in a series dedicated to advocating for the unborn and protecting the sanctity of life! 

Don’t miss this fabulous networking opportunity ! 
Register Here!

 

Congress on August Recess; Opportunity to Engage at Town Halls, District Visits
With Congress out on recess for the month of August, representatives and senators will be back home and in district gearing up for a busy campaign season. You are strongly encouraged to engage with your elected offiicals during this time, inviting them to visit your program or agency, visiting with district staff, or attending a town hall meeting. You can find a list of available town hall meetings, sorted by state, attached to this email here: Town Hall Meetings.xls

If you do engage with your representatives on two pressing issues – the humanitarian crisis on our southern border and the ongoing fight to preserve funding for the Emergency Food and Shelter Program – we have included sample talking points to help you frame your remarks. If you have questions or success stories to share, please contact us at socialpolicy@catholiccharitiesusa.org. The CCUSA Social Policy team is on call to help your agency host a site visit or engage with your Member of Congress around these important issues. 

Talking Points: Unaccompanied Minor Humanitarian Crisis
 

  •  Our nation is facing a humanitarian crisis, as children fleeing poverty and violence in their homelands seek refuge in our borders.
  • Without critical supplemental funding in FY2014 and continued robust funding in FY2015, vital programs that assist refugees, unaccompanied children and other vulnerable populations and support communities that welcome them will continue facing the loss of significant funding and capacity.
  • Please pass an appropriations bill that makes no changes to the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008.
  • What would it say about our nation if we refused to treat children in need with dignity and compassion?

Talking Points: Emergency Food and Shelter Program
 

  •  The Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) is an effective program that provides much-needed assistance to those in need of food and shelter.
  • The Senate Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee has moved to reduce the EFSP budget to $100 million in FY 2015. Please support the House Appropriations Committee’s recommended EFSP funding level of $120 million for FY 2015.

 

 

Help Protect Vulnerable Immigrant Children and Mothers   

Instead of going to school, playing with friends, and enjoying time with family, tens of thousands of children from Central America flee their homes embarking on a dangerous trek north to the United States.  At the same time, nearly 40,000 young mothers with children have also entered the U.S. and are being placed in detention centers.  Learn more here.
 
There are several ways you can help:
Catholics Confront Global Poverty Action Alert
Justice For Immigrants Action Alert
Support Catholic Charities Initiatives 
Read Fr. Larry Snyder’s (Catholic Charities) reflection here
Read Pope Francis’ July 15, 2014 Message on Migration and Human Development here
Read CRS’s Rick Jones’ testimony before the Senate on the crisis here
Sample Talking Points
More Resources
Parish Prayer Intentions

Visit the USCCB website to learn more about the causes of this crisis and why children are making this dangerous trip.

 

Help support farmworker rights and protections

 

The Interfaith Action group in southwest Florida is seeking to raise $25,000 this summer to support a new staff member as part of the Fair Food Standards Council. This will help expand the rights and protections of women and men who harvest the tomatoes, vegetables and other foods that come to our tables.

 

Learn more about the Fair Food Standards Council at the website of the Coalition of Immokalee Workers.  

 

 

Helper’s of God’s Precious Infants Masses and Rosary Processions for 2014-2015

For schedules in English and Spanish, click here!

 

2010 Annual Educational Conference
 

Schedule of Events            Online Registration            Join the Catholic Medical Association

 

The Pope’s Prayer Intentions for August
 
 
The Pope’s general prayer intention for August is:
“That refugees, forced by violence to abandon their homes, may find a generous welcome and the protection of their rights.”
 
His mission intention is:
“That Christians in Oceania may joyfully announce the faith to all the people of that region.” 
 

 

Visit these websites for up-to-date news about the Holy Father:
 News.va         L’Osservatore Romano         Rome Reports

 


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Our mailing address is:
Office of Advocacy and Justice
Diocese of Orlando
1819 North Semoran Boulevard
Orlando, FL  32807

407-246-4819
407.282-2891 (Fax)
www.advocacyjustice.org