Communities of Faith, Knowledge and Service

Happy Catholic Schools Week (January 29-February 4) to everyone involved in Catholic education throughout the country.  This year's theme is:  Catholic Schools: Communities of Faith, Knowledge and Service.

We send special prayers to all Sisters of Christian Charity who minister in education, their colleagues and students.  (Click here to see a listing of the schools and colleges where SCCs from the Eastern Province minister.)  

To learn more about Catholic Schools Week, visit the website of the National Catholic Education Association.  

9 Days for Life: Day 9

Today, on day 9 of "9 Days for Life," we pray for God's peace to fill the hearts of all who travel the path of adoption.  Click here for today's reflections from the USCCB.

9 Days for Life: Day 8

On day 8 of "9 Days for Life," we pray for an end to the use of the death penalty in our country.  Click here for today's reflections from the USCCB.

9 Days for Life: Day 7

Today, on day 7 of "9 Days for Life," we pray that those who long for a child of their own may be filled with trust in God's loving plan.  Click here for today's reflections from the USCCB.

We remember, too, that today is the annual March for Life.  Let us pray for the safety of all "marchers."

9 Days for Life: Day 6

Click here for day 6 of "9 Days for Life," in which we pray that those affected by pornography experience God's mercy and healing.

9 Days for Life: Day 5

Click here for day 5 of "9 Days for Life," in which we pray for an end to domestic violence.

9 Days for Life: Day 4

On day 4 of "9 Days for Life," we pray that those near the end of their lives may receive medical care that respects their dignity and protects their lives.  Click here for today's reflection.

9 Days for Life: Day 3

On day 3 of "9 Days for Life," we pray that all people may embrace the truth that every life is a good and perfect gift, and is worth living.  Click here for today's prayer, reflection and action suggestions.

9 Days for Life: Day 2

Today, on day two of "9 Days for Life," we pray that each person suffering from the loss of a child through abortion may find hope and healing in Christ.  Click here for today's suggestions for prayer, reflection and action.

(Reminder:  Because January 22 occurs on a Sunday this year, the "Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children" is observed on Monday, January 23.)

9 Days for Life: Day 1

Today, on day one of "9 Days for Life," we pray for the conversion of all hearts and an end to abortion.  Click here for today's suggestions for prayer, reflection and action.

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

The theme of this year's Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (January 18-25) is "Reconciliation -- The Love of Christ Compels Us."  Click here for prayer resources and other information about this observance.

"Young People, the Faith and Vocational Discernment"

Click here to access the Holy Father's letter to young people introducing the October 2018 Synod of Bishops to treat the topic "Young People, the Faith and Vocational Discernment."  The preparatory document introduced in the letter is available here.  Both were released on Friday, January 13.  Stay tuned for more information as the preparations continue.

Reminder: 9 Days for Life

Click here to access the USCCB resources for "9 Days for Life" -- an annual period of prayer and action focusing on cherishing the gift of every person's life -- taking place this year from January 21-29.

Human Trafficking Awareness Day

January 11 is National Human Trafficking Awareness Day.  Click here for prayer resources from U.S. Catholic Sisters Against Human Trafficking.  Included in these resources is a calendar that runs from January 11 through February 8, containing a prayer and intentions for each day.  (Remember that February 8, the Feast of St. Josephine Bakhita, is also the International Day of Prayer and Awareness Against Human Trafficking.)

National Migration Week 2017

The theme for National Migration Week 2017 (January 8-14)  is "Creating a Culture of Encounter."  Click here for more information from the USCCB website.

Poverty Awareness and the Three Kings

As we shared earlier this week, January is Poverty Awareness Month.  Today's entry from the USCCB calendar to commemorate this month follows:

In the spirit of the three wise men, how do you offer your gifts to help bring forth God's kingdom on earth?  Green Street Park and Drop by Drop are children's books about young people using their gifts to help others.

What is Human Trafficking?

Sometimes we have discussed a subject so frequently, that we forget that new people have joined the conversation or that the language we are using is understood differently by different people.  So, during this month's National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, we are going "back to the basics."  Today, we attempt to answer the question, "What is human trafficking?"  Please click here to find a very informative brochure the defines human trafficking and offers so much more.

Poverty Awareness Month

January is Poverty Awareness Month.  Find more information -- including a calendar with daily reflections/suggestions -- on the USCCB website.

Stop Trafficking Newsletter

The January 2017 issue of Stop Trafficking -- exploring the growing victimization of women and children in the sex trade throughout North America -- is available here.

Remember, too, that January is "National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month."  Resources for the month are available here.