Sunday, August 31, 2014

The Meaning of Labor Day

Bishop Tobin of Providence, RI has written a brief reflection on "The Catholic Meaning of Labor Day."  Click here to access the reflection.  Here is an excerpt:

"Labor Day is primarily a civil holiday and social event, but it also has religious significance, at least in Catholic circles. The Church uses the occasion to reaffirm its teaching about the dignity and value of workers and the work they do. We recall that work is not an end in itself, but rather a sharing in God’s work of creation and redemption."

Happy Labor Day!

Friday, August 29, 2014

Resources from U.S. Catholic Sisters Against Human Trafficking

Please click here to access updated resources from U.S. Catholic Sisters Against Human Trafficking.  On this page, you will find prayers, fact sheets, awareness activities and much more.  Because these are simple, yet meaningful, resources, we will feature them individually in upcoming blog posts. 

Saturday, August 16, 2014

Take 4 Minutes to Pray for Peace

Here's a beautiful video reflection by Reba McEntire, "Pray for Peace."  It's only four minutes long, but a very simple, beautiful prayer.  (Email subscribers: If you do not see a video link below, please click here to view the video.)


Thursday, August 14, 2014

Reminder for Sunday: Pray for Peace in Iraq

As we reminded you earlier this week, we are asked to pray in a special way for peace in Iraq as we gather together as a faith community this Sunday.  Click here for more information. 

Wednesday, August 13, 2014

Pray for the Pope's Trip to South Korea

Today, Pope Francis begins his five-day visit in South Korea.  Please pray for him and for the people of South Korea.

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

Advocating for Peace in Gaza

Please click here for information from the USCCB on the prayer, pilgrimage, projects and public actions being taken toward reconciliation among the people of Palestine and Israel. 

Monday, August 11, 2014

August 17: Pray for Peace in Iraq

When faced with the news of increasing violence around the world, we often wonder what we can do. 

Please click here to read the invitation from Bishop Richard Pates, chairman of the Committee of International Justice and Peace of the USCCB, to all US dioceses and parishes to pray special prayers for peace on Sunday, August 17. 

Bishop Pates has also shared the prayer of  Chaldean Catholic Patriarch of Iraq, His Beatitude Louis Rafael Sako that was shared with you on this blog yesterday: 

Lord,
The plight of our country
is deep and the suffering of Christians
is severe and frightening.
Therefore, we ask you Lord
to spare our lives, and to grant us patience,
and courage to continue our witness of Christian values
with trust and hope.
Lord, peace is the foundation of life;
Grant us the peace and stability that will enable us
to live with each other without fear and anxiety,
and with dignity and joy.

Glory be to you forever.

Sunday, August 10, 2014

Angelus Appeal for Peace

Click here to read the text of today's Angelus address, in which Pope Francis appeals for peace in Iraq and Gaza.  In his message on Twitter yesterday and in his prayers each day, the Holy Father is reminding us that we can all do something to help our suffering brothers and sisters:  prayer, social media, advocacy, donations and direct service are a few of the ways we can offer assistance.

On a related note, the Chaldean Catholic Patriarch of Iraq, His Beatitude Louis Rafael Sako, has written the following prayer for peace in Iraq, which has been shared by the USCCB:

Lord,
The plight of our country
is deep and the suffering of Christians
is severe and frightening.
Therefore, we ask you Lord
to spare our lives, and to grant us patience,
and courage to continue our witness of Christian values
with trust and hope.
Lord, peace is the foundation of life;
Grant us the peace and stability that will enable us
to live with each other without fear and anxiety,
and with dignity and joy.

Glory be to you forever.

Thursday, August 7, 2014

August Stop Trafficking Newsletter

Click here to access the August issue of Stop Trafficking, highlighting the plight of children in the U.S. and those seeking asylum because of violence and sexual exploitation.

Monday, August 4, 2014

#IAMPEACE

Click here for more information about a Global Meditation for Peace this Saturday, August 8.  Can a simultaneous global meditation make a positive difference in our war-torn world?