Haiti: One Table, Many Partners

A national solidarity conference, "Haiti: One Table, Many Partners," will be held from June 1-3 at Catholic University, Washington, DC.  Sponsored by Catholic Relief Services and the USCCB, this conference will bring together more than 300 participants, representing dioceses, parishes, and religious congregations throughout the United States and partnership organizations, Catholic institutions, and representatives from Haitian dioceses and parishes. Click here for more information.

Connecticut Abolishes the Death Penalty

Today, Connecticut became the 17th state to abolish the death penalty.  Click here to read the CNN article and here to read the Amnesty International blog.

Earth Day

Earth Day is celebrated on April 22.  Click here to find resources on the Earth Day 2012 website and here to access the Evening Prayer commemorating Earth Day (which includes the Eastern Province's Statement on Ecology).

Recent Human Trafficking Legislative Successes

The Polaris Project keeps us informed about legislative issues surrounding human trafficking.  Click here to go to the "CQ State Track" to find out which states have passed recent legislation regarding human trafficking.

USCCB Statement on Religious Liberty

Click here to read the latest USCCB statement on religious liberty, "Our First, Most Cherished Liberty" and here to find prayer resources in solidarity with the bishops' call to penance and prayer to restore religious freedom and conscience protection.

Observing the 11th of the Month

The SCC North American Western Province has created a reflection to help us remember our observance of the 11th of each month as a day of prayer and fasting for social justice. Click here for this month's reflection on employment-based immigration.

Why do you look for the living among the dead?

Cardinal Timothy Dolan's question during his Easter morning homily is one for us to ponder: Why do you look for the living among the dead? Click here to watch/listen to the homily on the "Whispers" blog. Listening to the end finds Dolan quoting Pope Benedict XVI's pivotal question not only for our Easter season, but for our lives -- whether we say Jesus was or Jesus is.

Who was Father Felix Varela and why was he mentioned at St. Patrick's Cathedral on Easter Sunday?

At the celebration of Mass on Easter Sunday morning at St. Patrick's Cathedral, Cardinal Timothy Dolan called on Brooklyn Auxiliary Bishop Octavio Cisneros to explain to the congregation that the sainthood cause for Cuban-born Padre Felix Varela (1788-1853) has advanced. Have you heard of Father Varela? Click here to read the Wikipedia article about him and to learn more about his work for the poor and the immigrants in New York. Click here to read the Archdiocese of Miami press release about Padre Varela.

Pax Christi's 30th Annual Good Friday Way of the Cross

From Pax Christi of Metro New York:
Join with over 500 people in the largest public Christian peace witness in New York City. The Way of the Cross is a modern-day Stations of the Cross, witnessing for peace and justice in the streets of our city. This year our focus is on how I do for others what Jesus is doing for me – how I am called to live in this world. At each Station we reflect on our participation in a world still characterized by crucifixion. The walk begins at 8:30 AM on April 6th at 47th Street between First and Second Avenues, proceeds along 42nd Street and ends on 42nd Street between Eighth and Ninth Avenues around noon. For more information, click here to read the flyer at the Catholic Charities of New York site.

The Faithful Budget Campaign

Are you familiar with the Faithful Budget Campaign? Click here to learn more -- and click here to read the document, "Priorities for a Faithful Budget: Acting with Mercy and Justice as One Nation Under God," released on March 22.