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World Water Day
March 22, 2019
"The earth herself, burdened and laid waste, is among the most abandoned and maltreated of our poor; she 'groans in travail' (Rom 8:22). We have forgotten that we ourselves are dust of the earth (cf. Gen 2:7); our very bodies are made up of her elements, we breathe her air and we receive life and refreshment from her waters." --Pope Francis
Water is a gift from God, which sustains all life. It is vital for our existence. Pope Francis in his encyclical, Laudato Si (Care of our Common Home), identifies several key water problems. They include the lack of access to clean drinking water "indispensable for human life and for supporting terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems" (section 28), the challenges for food production due to droughts and disparities in water availability and "water poverty" (section 29), contamination of groundwater (section 29), and the trend toward privatization and commodification of a resource the Vatican describes as a "basic and universal human right." (section 30). Consistent with the overall theme of the encyclical is the observation that the poorest suffer the most from water problems.
According to the 2018 U.N. World Water Development Report an estimated 3.6 billion people, almost half of the global population, live in areas that are potentially water scarce at least one month of the year.
Northeastern Pennsylvania is blessed with clean, fresh water reservoirs; but citizens in Dimock, PA and Flint, MI do not have potable water and are seeking water justice. Our watershed empties into the Susquehanna River which flows into the Chesapeake Bay. River pollution, mainly from agricultural and stormwater runoff, is jeopardizing the wildlife and the millions of Pennsylvanians who depend on it for drinking water. More information is available at the Chesapeake Bay Foundation.
Additional resources:
Water, Holy Water from the Creation Justice Ministries
This webpage has links to articles about water, as well as blessings and prayers.
Explore the issues of water security on this site.
Feeding the Homeless
A Meal for Ruth's Place
When: Periodically during the year.
A poster requesting volunteers to provide part of the meal will be in the vestibule of the church.
A meal for Ruth's Place is arranged and delivered at least once every quarter. Consider providing a meat or side dish, dessert or drinks. Committee members will deliver the food. Volunteers will be contacted with additional information on when and where to drop off their contributions.
Faithful Citizenship
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops write, "In the Catholic tradition, responsible citizenship is a virtue and participation in political life is a moral obligation." They urge Catholics to:
- Form your conscience;
- Learn about the issues;
- Practice civil dialogue;
- Register to vote; and
- Be a Faithful Citizen
Visit www.faithflcitizenship.org to learn more and access resources on forming your conscience, making moral choices, and applying Catholic principles.
Catholics Care. Catholics Vote.
Pope Frances states, "We need to participate for the common good. Sometimes we hear: a good Catholic is not interested in politics. This is not true: good Catholics immerse themselves in politics by offering the best of themselves so that the leader can govern." (9/16/13)
The deadline for voter registration is 30 days before the primary/general/special election. Go to https://www.luzernecounty.org/417/Register-to-Vote to register online or print a paper registration form.
Human Trafficking Initiatives
Click on the "More" tab to find resources on Domestic Violence and Human Trafficking.
"Human Trafficking: What Health Care Providers Need To Know" is a slide presentation for providers working in Northeastern Pennsylvania. The program reviews the new Pennsylvania law and federal protections, provides information on recognizing victims, gives tips on what to do and not to do to help victims once they decide to disclose, and lists some local resources and contacts.
Salt & Light
The Social Justice Committee now has a newsletter to keep the parish informed of upcoming events! You can view the issues by clicking on the "Home" tab above.
Resources for Seniors
Please check out our resources for Seniors page. There you will find links on caregiving, healthy aging, long-term care, Medicare, Social Security, benefits and services, and more.
If you are interested in joining the Social Justice Committee, we meet on the second Monday of the month at 6:30 p.m. in the rectory basement. All are welcome!
Days of Awareness and Prayer
January
January is National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. Visit the Office on Trafficking in Persons, an Office of the Administration of Women and Children for more information on Human Trafficking and how you can do to help end it.
National Human Trafficking Awareness Day
January 11
This day began with a presidential proclamation in 2011 as part of National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month and is observed on January 11 of each year.
Nine Days for Life Novena
January 14-22, 2019
9 Days for Life is a "digital pilgrimage" of prayer and action focused on cherishing the gift of every person's life. A multi-faceted novena highlighting a different intention each day provides reflections, bonus information, and suggested actions.
Join to receive the novena through the 9 Days for Life app, daily emails, or daily texts. Go to http://www.usccb.org/about/pro-life-activities/january-roe-events/nine-days-of-prayer-penance-and-pilgrimage.cfm for the novena and information on how else you can get involved!
Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children
January 22
The General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM), no. 373, designates January 22 as a particular day of prayer and penance, called the "Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children." Visit the USCCB's website for more information and resources.
February
International Day of Prayer and Awareness Against Human Trafficking
February 8
The Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace and the International Union of Superiors General has designated February 8 as an annual day of prayer and awareness against human trafficking. February 8 is the feast day of St. Josephine Bakhita, who was kidnapped as a child and sold into slavery in Sudan and Italy. Once Josephine was freed, she became a Canossian nun and dedicated her life to sharing her testament of deliverance from slavery and comforting the poor and suffering. She was declared a Saint in 2000.
For more information go to the USCCB's website. More information on Human Trafficking is available here. Also click here for other links on this issue.
March
World Water Day
March 22
April
April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Go to https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/preventing/preventionmonth/ for more information and resources.
Earth Day
April 22
Earth Day 2019 will focus on the need to protect and save all species. For more information go to the Earth Day website. You can nominate your favorite animal or plant species to be featured on the Earth Day poster.
June
World Refugee Day
June 20
This day is designated each year by the United Nations. More information can be found on their website.
September
World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation
September 1
This day was designated by Pope Francis in 2015. For additional information visit the Global Catholic Climate Movement's website or the USCCB's website for prayers for the care of creation.
November
World Day of the Poor
33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time: November 18, 2018
This day of prayer was designated by Pope Francis in 2017.
"It is my wish that, in the week preceding the World Day of the Poor, ... the Thirty-third Sunday of Ordinary Time, Christian communities will make every effort to create moments of encounter and friendship, solidarity and concrete assistance.
--Pope Francis