Important Notice

As our faithful blog readers know, the theme of "New Wine in New Wineskins" has permeated the lives of the Sisters of Christian Charity during 2019.  As we continue to search for ways to be new wine in new wineskins, we are changing the way in which you will receive our JPIC (Justice, Peace and the Integrity of Creation) messages.

What does this mean?  After 11 years and over 1600 posts, this blog is being retired as of today in order to make room for the "new wine" of a a new way of communicating.  This is the last post you will receive from the SCC JPIC blog.

How will JPIC information be communicated now?  We are pleased to report that the province has appointed a new, full-time Social Justice Coordinator, Sister Patrice Owens, SCC.  She will coordinate new ways of making social justice issues known within the province and among our friends.  Some of these ways will include email blasts, website messages (scceast.org) and monthly newsletters.

What must we do to continue to receive JPIC messages from the SCC North American Eastern Province?  Please send an email to Sister Patrice Owens at patriceowens1951@gmail.com and tell her that you would like to continue to receive JPIC messages.  When new messages are communicated via email, you will receive them in your Inbox.

Thank you for your ongoing commitment to social justice issues.  We hope that you will choose to continue to receive our communications and take action as is necessary and appropriate.

May God continue to bless you!

World Day of Migrants and Refugees

As we noted in this post last week, September 29 marks the World Day of Migrants and Refugees.  The Message of Pope Francis to commemorate this day is available here.  The Message concludes:  "In a word, it is not only the cause of migrants that is at stake; it is not just about them, but about all of us, and about the present and future of the human family.  Migrants, especially those who are most vulnerable, help us to read the 'signs of the times.'  Through them, the Lord is calling us to conversion, to be set free from exclusivity, indifference and the throw-away culture.  Through them, the Lord invites us to embrace fully our Christian life and to contribute, each according to his or her proper vocation, to the building up of a world that is more and more in accord with God's plan."

International Day of Peace

The International Day of Peace is observed on September 21 each year.  More information is available here.  Prayer resources are available in various places, including the websites of religious communities.

Also on the 21st of each month, the SCC North American Western Region invites us to pray for vocations.  Click here to access the prayer for today. 

World Refugee Day

As we approach World Refugee Day (September 29), it might be a good idea to review this background information provided by Justice for Immigrants (JFI).  Additionally, JFI has provided this message that can be sent to President Trump to urge his administration to "affirm the inherent dignity of every person and the ability of refugees to seek security and safety for themselves and family members."

International Climate Accountability Act

As we have mentioned previously, the Season of Creation is celebrated by Christians around the world from September 1 - October 4.  During this year's Season of Creation, Catholic Climate Covenant has shared this petition, asking U.S. Senators to support the International Climate Accountability Act, calling upon the President to develop and submit a plan for the United States to meet its commitments under the Paris Agreement and to prohibit the funding of our nation's withdrawal from it.

How will you be remembered?

The family of Welles Crowther, who died at the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001, spoke at the 18th annual Morris County (NJ) remembrance service.  The Sisters from Assumption College for Sisters (ACS), Denville, NJ, were present for the service, as can be seen in the photos below.  Reminding those in attendance that we should be defined by how we live and the lives we touch, Honor Crowther Fagan, Welles's sister, asked "How will you be remembered?"  

A news story about the service is available here (where you will also find some of the ACS Sisters in the slideshow).   

The story of Welles Crowther is also told in the award-winning documentary, Man in Red Bandana, referring to the red bandana Welles was wearing when he rescued 18 people from the World Trade Center before losing his life.  

Thanks to Sister Joseph for alerting us to this important, touching story.

September 11

Today as we pause to remember those who were/are affected by the September 11, 2001 terror attacks in the United States, let us remember to bring peace on earth, beginning with ourselves.  Here is a musical reminder. (Email subscribers: If you do not see a video below, please click here to view it.)