Sep 14 2020

September 16, 2020

JPIC Update

Dear Friends,

I am very grateful that I had the opportunity to participate in the Province's anti-racism planning meeting this past weekend, because it left me feeling hopeful. We all know that things are not right, and sometimes it feels like the world is coming to an end, but if we come together as one human family, we can make a difference. The extended Sacred Heart family is a gift, and it was a gift to me to see it represented around one table this weekend. 

I want to call your attention to a few things that I hope will help each of you in your work to create the world that we all long for.

Creation Spirituality

As children of one Father, we are bonded in a kinship relationship with every created being. The Incarnation reveals definitively that the Heart of God beats at the center of the entire network of life.  Discovering this ecological spirituality orients us toward reverence for all life, and provides the foundation for all of our work for justice, peace, and integrity of creation. Sr. Mary Frohlich, RSCJ, will lead us in a reflection on this religious vision of God's Creation and some spiritual practices that foster it, this Monday, September 21, at 4 pm EDT. Details and registration information here. 

Election Guidance

We are inching closer to November's national elections in a divided and suffering country. Many Catholic organizations have developed election guides to help us to discern whom to support in light of our faith. The Leadership Conference of Women Religious is offering weekly reflections for prayer and discernment, starting this week and for 8 weeks. Information is at this link, which also houses a document providing links to many of the other Catholic election guides.

Death Penalty Action

This month, Attorney General Barr will accept an award for faithfulness at the National Catholic Prayer breakfast. This, at a time when he is leading the Trump Administration's decision to reinstate federal executions, in contradiction of Catholic teaching. Individuals can sign Franciscan Action Network's letter to Attorney General Barr making this point here. But act quickly: the deadline is Wednesday. Catholic Mobilizing Network also has a petition that you can sign, also addressed to Attorney General Barr, here. 

World Day of Migrants and Refugees

The World Day of Migrants and Refugees is Sunday, Sept. 27. The Catholic Church has honored this day since 1914. Often leaving behind family, friends, careers, their homes and more, migrants and refugees face incredible challenges so that their families might have safety and a brighter future.

This year the Holy Father has chosen the theme: Forced Like Jesus to Flee, for a focus on the pastoral care of internally displaced persons. His full message is at this link. Pope Francis points out that the drama of migration has only been exacerbated by Covid-19, and he urges international cooperation, global solidarity, and local comitment. Resources in multiple languages are here. He also invites us to pray these words together on September 27.

Much peace to each of you.

Kim

JPIC Director, Society of the Sacred Heart USC