Social Concerns Column for May 15, 2011

The LORD God then took the man and settled him in the garden of Eden, to cultivate and care for it. – Genesis 2:15

Pope Reflects on Care for Creation During Easter Vigil.  
“Our profession of faith begins with the words: ‘We believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth’. If we omit the beginning of the Credo, the whole history of salvation becomes too limited and too small. The Church is not some kind of association that concerns itself with man’s religious needs but is limited to that objective. No, she brings man into contact with God and thus with the source of all things. Therefore we relate to God as Creator, and so we have a responsibility for creation. Our responsibility extends as far as creation because it comes from the Creator.”  Read the Pope’s Easter homily: http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/homilies/2011/documents/hf_ben-xvi_hom_20110423_veglia-pasquale_en.html

May 15 is the Annual Catholic Charities of the East Bay Appeal.  
The appeal is a major fundraiser to support the programs of CCEB that reach out to and serve the needy. From a handout to a hand up, CCEB's programs include safety net services for those about to lose their homes, those who have had their utilities turned off and those with other, specific one time needs all the way through to employment training for those who are ready to move to a solid place in life.  http://www.cceb.org/

Immigration Day 2011, Sacramento, May 24.  
This year’s motto is “One California: Many Peoples, One Future”.  The Social Justice Coordinator of the Oakland Diocese invites you to celebrate the 15th Annual Immigrant Day. Join immigrants and advocates in a statewide day of advocacy, education and unity.  Immigrant Day 2011 will bring a unified voice to Sacramento in support of policies that advance immigrant integration and prosperity for all Californians: http://www.caimmigrant.org/immigrantday.html

He who despises his neighbor sins, but blessed is he who is kind to the needy.  --Proverbs 14:21