Social Concerns Column for Sunday, February 26, 2012

He shows pity to the needy and the poor and saves the lives of the poor. – Psalm 72

Collection for Livermore Homeless Refuge, February 25-26. 
Please put your donations in the boxes located at the entrances to the church.  We need coffee, hot chocolate, cups, plastic forks/spoons/knives, paper plates / bowls, napkins, underwear and socks (men’s and women’s), generic gift cards, toilet paper cleaning supplies, blankets and sleeping bags, etc.  When you are out doing your usual shopping, why not buy one more item for the homeless?  For more information or to ask for pickup, call Bob and Donna McKenzie, 925-443-7389 or 925-895-4167.

The Stations of the Cross Around the World with Catholic Relief Services (CRS). 
Station 3 Jesus falls the 1st time.  In Zambia, 64% of the population has fallen beneath the cross of poverty. Widespread malnutrition and a high prevalence of HIV and AIDS have contributed to this reality.  In Zambia, CRS organizes Savings and Internal Lending Communities (SILC) which help people in the poorest communities earn more money to support their families and set aside savings for the future.  – Courtesy of Catholic Relief Services, http://tinyurl.com/Stations2012

Catholic social teaching: DIGNITY OF WORK AND RIGHTS OF WORKERS. 
The ability to work to earn a living is a right of all people. All workers have the right to a fair wage, to organize themselves, and to work in good conditions.  – Courtesy of Catholic Relief Services, http://tinyurl.com/Stations2012

Bishop Cordileone Endorses Two Pro-Life Ballot Initiatives: Please Sign Petitions. 
All California bishops encourage all Catholics to support these two pro-life efforts. Please help get the word out and sign petitions. (1) The Parental Notification Initiative (www.CAParentalRights.org) requires doctors to notify a parent before performing an abortion on a girl age 17 or younger. (2) The SAFE California Act (www.safecalifornia.org) will replace California’s death penalty with a sentence of life in prison with no chance of parole as the maximum punishment for murder.  This means convicted killers will remain behind bars forever – with no risk of executing an innocent person. And save considerable tax payer money.

Would you like to pursue a social justice project?
The St. Michael Parish Social Concerns Ministry would like to help you to help others!  Call Joanne, 443-1422.

He has sent me to bring glad tidings to the lowly, to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives and release to the prisoners,  -- Isaiah 61