Social Concerns Column for 17 June 2012

He will judge the world in righteousness; he will govern the peoples with justice. --Ps 9:8

US Bishops Issue Call to Action to Defend Religious Liberty: “Fortnight for Freedom”. 
The U.S. bishops have issued a strong call to action for all Catholics to defend religious liberty in the 13-page proclamation “Our First, Most Cherished Freedom”. The bishops call for “A Fortnight for Freedom,” the two-week period from June 21 to July 4—where “all the energies the Catholic community can muster” are focused on prayer, study, catechesis, public action and special events revolving around Religious Liberty. Contact Trish Spindler, tspindler@cacatholic.org, for more information.  Read the proclamation at: http://tinyurl.com/ActForReligiousLiberty

US Bishops Statement on Faithful Citizenship.
“Responsible citizenship is a virtue, and participation in political life is a moral obligation.  By our baptism, Catholics are committed to following Jesus Christ and to be salt for the earth, light for the nations . . . As far as possible citizens should take an active part in public life.”  Learn more at: http://tinyurl.com/USCCB-Citizenship

Care for God’s Creation and poor people by reducing your carbon footprint
http://catholicclimatecovenant.org
Plant a garden and start a compost pile.  Eat less meat: the UN concludes that “the livestock sector emerges as one of the top two or three most significant contributors to the most serious environmental problems,” including climate change. Dry your clothes outdoors when possible and use the dryer less.

Senior Support Program of the Tri-Valley
http://www.ssptv.org
925-931-5379
Call to volunteer.  Call to ask for help for yourself or a loved one.  SSPTV provides case management, family caregiver support, alcohol/drug program, friendly visits, transportation, exercise and nutrition program, health screening and more!

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.

The community of believers was of one heart and mind, and no one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they had everything in common.  With great power the apostles bore witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great favor was accorded them all.  There was no needy person among them, for those who owned property or houses would sell them, bring the proceeds of the sale, and put them at the feet of the apostles, and they were distributed to each according to need.  -- Acts 4:32-35