Prayer
Sr Caroljean Willie, SC, director of the Sisters of Charity’s Earth Connection, will once again
provide a daily photo reflection during Lent. Attached are April 14 through April 19. May we
journey through Lent remembering our commitment to Justice, Peace, and Care of
Creation.
In addition, the Laudato Si’ Movement is asking Catholics in North America to focus on
fossil fuel reduction this Lent. You will see their Lenten Suggestions and Actions here.
Advocacy and Action
Good news and bad… the Expanded Child Tax Credit passed in the House of
Representatives. If you’ll remember, this tax relief will lift 16 million children out of
poverty in the US. It now sits before the Senate, where it faces amendments that will
weaken the effectiveness of the bill. Time to call our Senators again and ask them to
please pass as written. Catholic Charities USA has a helpful tool to compose your
thoughts before you call. There is also an email option, but it is always
more effective if you can call. Or, if you prefer, NETWORK has its tool here.
NETWORK is also asking us to write Letters to the Editor, especially in Ohio, as Sen. Vance
is still on the fence. Politicians pay attention to the LTE section of the paper! You can get
good tips on writing an effective LTE at the Network’s website.
You can find various OHIO papers to which to submit:
- The Cincinnati Enquirer
- The Dayton Daily News
- The Cleveland Plain Dealer and Sun News
- The Cincinnati Herald
- The Columbus Dispatch
- The Youngstown Vindicator
Education
Save the Date! In celebration of Earth Day 2024, the Plastics Advocacy committee of the Dorothy Stang Initiative will host Laudato Si’: Spirituality and Action on Saturday, April 20 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. in Amiens. Registration is required. Earth Day 2024 theme is Planet vs Plastic! It fits right in with the work of the Dorothy Stang Initiative! You can view their resources at the link above.
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. Just so you know – it will appear as needed.
Do you like to write letters? How about a Letter to the Editor? Common Cause is asking us to send letters in regard to the Freedom to Vote Act (S.1/H.R.11). If passed, this law will be a crucial step in protecting our right to vote and combating undemocratic practices like partisan gerrymandering and election sabotage. This legislation, which nearly passed before, is a testament to the ongoing struggle for justice and equality. As we honor the sacrifices of Black leaders who paved the way for progress, let us also recognize our responsibility to build public support for the transformative proposals within the Freedom to Vote Act. Common Cause has information about writing a LTE here.