Special Prayer Intentions

The USCCB has adapted its usual Friday Call to Prayer to include intentions for the upcoming elections in the United States.  Today's intention: "May we keep in mind the gift of religious freedom and our duty to defend and exercise it as faithful citizens."  The bishops also invite us to fast and pray an Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be for this intention.  Click here for more information and/or to sign up for weekly reminders from the USCCB via email or text message.

Special Prayer Intentions

The USCCB has adapted its usual Friday Call to Prayer to include intentions for the upcoming elections in the United States.  Today's intention: "May there be a transformation of politics to focus on the dignity of the human person and the common good."  The bishops also invite us to fast and pray an Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be for this intention.  Click here for more information and/or to sign up for weekly reminders from the USCCB via email or text message.

October Stop Trafficking Newsletter

The October 2016 issue of the Stop Trafficking newsletter -- highlighting the growing sexual exploitation of children throughout the world, especially on the Internet -- is available here.

Special Prayer Intentions

The USCCB has adapted its usual Friday Call to Prayer to include intentions for the upcoming elections in the United States.  Today's intention: "May Catholics recall all aspects of Catholic Social Teaching as they consider their votes."  The bishops also invite us to fast and pray an Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be for this intention.  Click here for more information and/or to sign up for weekly reminders from the USCCB via email or text message.

Hurricane Matthew Revisited

We continue our thoughts and prayers for all those affected by Hurricane Matthew.  As we reminded you previously, donations to help relief efforts can be made to Catholic Relief Services.  Additionally, the Catholic Medical Mission Board is accepting donations.

Prayers Before the Election

You will recall that in August we added the U.S. Presidential Election as an intention on the 11th of the month, our traditional day of prayer and fasting for peace.  This month,  we share this prayer (click here) prepared by the SCC  Western Region for the 11th of October, focusing on Responsible Citizenship.  On October 11 -- less than one month before the election -- perhaps we could commit to praying this brief prayer together.

R-1 Update

Did you sign the petition asking for an extension of the law to allow religious workers (that is, holders of R-1 Visas) to obtain U.S. Permanent Residence?  Good news:  The law has been extended.  Maybe not good news:  It is only extended through December 9, 2016.  Click here for more information and to sign up to receive updates.

Hurricane Matthew

Although the extent of the devastation of Hurricane Matthew is not yet know, Catholic Relief Services is already "on the ground" in Haiti and will be helping wherever Matthew's devastation is experienced.  Click here if you would like to contribute to the efforts of Catholic Relief Services.

Respect Life Month

Each year, the USCCB designates October as Respect Life Month.  Drawing on the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy, this year's theme is "Moved by Mercy."  Today, the first Sunday in October, is designated "Respect Life Sunday."

Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Chairman of the USCCB's Committee on Pro-Life Activities, issued the statement (available here) for this year's Respect Life Program, in which he states, "When we let our hearts be moved by God's mercy, it shapes everything. . . . From each tiny child waiting to be born to individuals nearing death, all are precious and deserve our care and protection."

Materials and resources for individuals, parishes and schools -- including social media kits, brochures and other items -- are available here.