Prayer
Join the Sisters of Charity’s Earth Connection for Recovering a Sense of the Sacred: Eco-spirituality for Our Times, Thursday, January 18 at 1:00 PM. Presented by Sr. Caroljean Willie, SC. Register.
Advocacy and Action
Can you join the NATIONAL CALL-IN DAY to tell your Representative to pass the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act of 2024? You can dial 1-888-738-3058 to reach your member of Congress. When you call, here’s an idea of what you might say: “Hello, my name is [NAME] from [TOWN]. I want to let [REPRESENTATIVE's NAME] know that our country needs to reduce child poverty. I support the bipartisan-supported Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act of 2024. I believe it is immoral for children to go without meals, medical care, housing, and other vital needs. This CTC proposal will give lower-income parents the money they need to provide for their families adequately. For people in my community and country, wages don't cover the bills. Congress must work together. Will [REPRESENTATIVE'S NAME] work with their colleagues to pass the bipartisan CTC bill immediately?
Demand Progress invites you to ask Congress to put conditions on our military aid to Israel. We cannot build peace in the midst of war. If you want to message Congress that aid should not include weapons, click above.
There is a local advocacy call to protect Burnett Woods in Clifton! The Cincinnati Park Board is attempting to install artificial turf for a clover field in Burnett Woods. The purpose is for a dog park. The local effort to stop the installation of this plastic grass is vigorous. Artificial turf sheds microplastic and contains polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), toxic chemicals that never break down. They are called “forever chemicals.” Could you submit a public comment to oppose the use of turf in Burnett Woods? SUBMIT YOUR PUBLIC COMMENT.
Education
On January 30, 2024, at PM, Faith Communities Go Green will host Living with Plastics: Myths and Facts. This is a local presentation about local issues! The line-up of presenters is exciting. I have attached the flyer for information. REGISTER.
I invite you to read this article in NCR. It calls for the church to recognize and embrace the relationship between synodality and restorative justice. The church and all her people are called to heal the hurts of the past and look toward an actual Gospel existence.
Cincinnati Folks: do you know the history of how race and racism have shaped our city? Join Ignite Peace this February to hear the people’s history in our town and stories told from the racial margins. This perspective allows us to examine our past to understand our present and create better futures.
Race and Racism in Cincinnati: A 3-Part Virtual Docuseries
Part 1: Friday, February 9
Part 2: Friday, February 16
Part 3: Friday, February 23
12:00 - 2:00 PM
Democracy Watch
More and more justice advocates are paying attention to several concerning our democratic process. It is something I have frankly tried to ignore. It seems so big and so frightening. However, ignoring concerning things has never helped anyone. I have added a section to the Weekly Update. So that you know – it will appear as needed.
LCWR invites us to engage with the upcoming election season with its Transforming Grace program. It is a process of seeing through the lens of transformative justice. It is a periodic reflection guide based on the liturgical calendar. I’m a bit behind, but you can see their Transforming Grace website's current and past items.
I highly recommend the "Just Politics" podcast from NETWORK Catholic Lobby. Check it out!
If you are unsure where you stand on issues or which way to vote, you can review what the USCCB’s Faithful Citizenship has to say on voting. Remember: “In the Catholic Tradition, responsible citizenship is a virtue, and participation in political life is a moral obligation. — Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship, No. 13.”
You can check your voter registration in Ohio here or REGISTER. For those of you outside Ohio, simply Google “check my voter registration in state name."