Social Concerns Column for Sunday, March 11, 2012

The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed, stronghold in times of trouble. – Psalm 9

Priests for Life Call for Your Prayers for Life. 
Fr. Frank Pavone (www.priestsforlife.org) says: "Abortion will end when local communities say it will end -- no sooner, and no later. We have the power to stop abortion, even while it remains legal. Now is the time to mobilize, sustained by prayer. Women and men who have lost children to abortion need to hear the witness of others who have experienced that pain and have found healing. 40 Days for Life is an opportunity for a local community to hear that witness. "  To learn how you can participate in 40 Days for Life in the Bay Area, go to: http://40daysforlife.com/sanfrancisco/

US Bishops Campaign: Justice for Immigrants. 
In advocating on behalf of migrants, immigrants, and refugees, it is important to understand that the Catholic position is based on Catholic social teaching, which is derived from the Gospels and the words of Christ; statements and encyclicals of the Popes; and statements and pastoral letters of bishops. Understanding these teachings, which support the U.S. bishops’ public policy positions on immigration, is helpful in understanding and defending these positions.  Read more at: http://tinyurl.com/JusticeTeaching

The Stations of the Cross Around the World with Catholic Relief Services (CRS).
Station 5 Simon helps Jesus carry the cross.  Since 1943 Catholic Relief Services has helped carry the cross for our brothers and sisters in need by providing assistance with housing, water systems, health services, agriculture, and response to emergencies.

Catholic social teaching: SOLIDARITY. 
We are one human family, regardless of our differences. Answering the call to love our neighbors will promote a culture of respect and lead to peace in our communities around the world. – Courtesy of CRS, http://tinyurl.com/Stations2012

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.

Tell them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous, ready to share,  thus accumulating as treasure a good foundation for the future, so as to win the life that is true life. --1Timothy 6