He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. --Micah 6:8
Save the Date: Fair Trade Gift Sale, Sunday, Oct 16, 8am - 1pm, courtyard.
Back by popular demand, we will be selling fairly traded craft items suitable for Christmas gifts or any occasion. "Fair Trade" means that the artisans receive a living wage for themselves, and that Catholic Relief Services is on the ground, assisting the artisans, their families and their communities to work themselves up and out of poverty. These craft items are of high quality and the price is low: this is a win-win situation for all. The Social Concerns Ministry is selling these gift items at cost: our goals are to raise awareness, to help the artisans and to provide you with affordable gift items.
First Friday Fast for Food Security is a campaign by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.
The goal is to deepen our compassion for the hungry by cutting back to $3 per person for food on the First Friday of the month. It is a real challenge to eat on $3, and you may go hungry: just like people on food stamps. Learn the details on Facebook ("First Fridays for Food Security") or http://usccb.org/sdwp/Fasting-Resource-Intro-May-6.pdf
Feast of St. Francis, Tuesday, Oct 4th: Take the Pledge.
The US Bishops' initiative, "the Catholic Coalition on Climate Change", encourages everyone to take their "Saint Francis Pledge" to pray, to learn about environmental issues, and to take action to care for God's Creation. Learn more at: http://catholicclimatecovenant.org/the-st-francis-pledge
Pope Benedict on the Environment:
“The environment is God's gift to everyone, and in our use of it we have a responsibility towards the poor, towards future generations and towards humanity as a whole.” -- Pope Benedict XVI, Caritas in Veritate (48)
Building Communities of Salt and Light: Developing Effective Pro-Life and Social Ministry (November 5th).
The Diocese of Oakland’s Office for Life and Justice will be hosting a special training for Social Justice and Respect Life Ministers. Tom Ulrich, Director for Parish Outreach at Catholic Relief Service, will lead a discussion around how to develop thriving parish social ministry. Sat, Nov 5th, 9am – 3pm, Christ the Light Cathedral Conference Center, Oakland. For more information: John Watkins (jwatkins@oakdiocese.org, 510-267-8379).
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 Angvick, 443-1422.
But let justice roll on like rivers, and righteousness like a mighty stream. -- Amos 5:24
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Social Concerns Column for Sunday, September 18, 2011
Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed. --Psalm 82:3
Please Contact Your Congressperson to Defend the Unborn and Healthcare Workers.
You, the Catholic voter, are the one to make a difference: joined with millions of Catholics across America, you have a voice in Washington, D.C. As of this writing, the National Committee for a Human Life Ammendment (NCHLA) lists the following Action Alerts. It will take a few mouse clicks and 5 minutes of your time. Sign-up on the NCHLA website to receive Action Alerts directly: http://www.nchla.org
Building Communities of Salt and Light: Developing Effective Pro-Life and Social Ministry (November 5th).
The Diocese of Oakland's Office for Life and Justice will be hosting a special training for Social Justice and Respect Life Ministers. Tom Ulrich, Director for Parish Outreach at Catholic Relief Service, will lead a discussion around how to develop thriving parish social ministry. Sat, Nov 5th, 9am - 3pm, Christ the Light Cathedral Conference Center, Oakland. For more information: John Watkins (jwatkins@oakdiocese.org, 510-267-8379).
Pope Calls for Clean Energy.
"We must adopt a lifestyle that respects the environment and support research and the exploitation of clean energy sources, respectful of the heritage of creation and harmless to humans, these must be our political and economic priorities." -- Courtesy of Catholic News Agendy, http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/pope-benedict-calls-for-clean-energy/
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.
Do not deprive the alien or the fatherless of justice, or take the cloak of the widow as a pledge. --Deuteronomy 24:17
Please Contact Your Congressperson to Defend the Unborn and Healthcare Workers.
You, the Catholic voter, are the one to make a difference: joined with millions of Catholics across America, you have a voice in Washington, D.C. As of this writing, the National Committee for a Human Life Ammendment (NCHLA) lists the following Action Alerts. It will take a few mouse clicks and 5 minutes of your time. Sign-up on the NCHLA website to receive Action Alerts directly: http://www.nchla.org
- Support Respect for Rights of Conscience Act (H.R. 1179)
- Support ban on funding elective abortion in the District of Columbia (Public Law 112-10)
- Support the Abortion Non-Discrimination Act (H.R. 361)
- Support the No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act (H.R. 3)
- Support the Protect Life Act (H.R. 358, S. 877)
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| Cathedral of Christ the Light |
Building Communities of Salt and Light: Developing Effective Pro-Life and Social Ministry (November 5th).
The Diocese of Oakland's Office for Life and Justice will be hosting a special training for Social Justice and Respect Life Ministers. Tom Ulrich, Director for Parish Outreach at Catholic Relief Service, will lead a discussion around how to develop thriving parish social ministry. Sat, Nov 5th, 9am - 3pm, Christ the Light Cathedral Conference Center, Oakland. For more information: John Watkins (jwatkins@oakdiocese.org, 510-267-8379).
Pope Calls for Clean Energy.
"We must adopt a lifestyle that respects the environment and support research and the exploitation of clean energy sources, respectful of the heritage of creation and harmless to humans, these must be our political and economic priorities." -- Courtesy of Catholic News Agendy, http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/pope-benedict-calls-for-clean-energy/
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.
Do not deprive the alien or the fatherless of justice, or take the cloak of the widow as a pledge. --Deuteronomy 24:17
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Social Concerns Column for September 11, 2011
And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? -- Luke 18:7
Building Communities of Salt and Light: Developing Effective Social Ministry (November 5th).
If you are a looking to make your parish’s Social Justice or Respect Life Ministry more effective this conference is for you. The Diocese of Oakland’s Office for Life and Justice in partnership with Catholic Relief Service and JustFaith Ministries will be hosting a special training for Social Justice and Respect Life Ministers at Christ the Light Cathedral Conference Center in Oakland . Tom Ulrich, Direct for Parish Outreach at Catholic Relief Service and author of Strategies for Success: Parish Social Ministry will lead a discussion around how to develop thriving parish social ministry. Saturday, November 5th, 2011 (9:00 – 3:00 PM), Christ the Light Cathedral Conference Center, for more information: John Watkins (jwatkins@oakdiocese.org, 510-267-8379).
US Bishops in Solidarity with the Church in Africa.
"Responding to the call of the Church in Africa, as pastors in the United States we recognize the mutual bonds of solidarity that unite us -- bonds that have been forged through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We stand in solidarity with the Church and the peoples of Africa, to recognize and support their courageous commitment to peace, justice, and reconciliation . As we do this, we are reminded of the words of the Holy Father: 'Africa is not destined for death, but for life!' " (United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, A Call to Solidarity with Africa, 2001). For more information, visit the website of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops: http://old.usccb.org/churchinafrica/
Torture is a Moral Issue: Study Guide from US Bishops.
Waterboarding? Electric Shocks? What does the Church have to say about torture? This four chapter study guide offers reflections on torture as a moral issue. Get a group together to discuss this timely issue and what you can do to stop torture. Actions include fasting for justice and peace, praying for enemies, overcoming evil with goodness, and advocating for the abolition of torture. We, as Catholic voters, have a voice with our Congresspersons. For detailed information, search for "stop torture" on the home page of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, or go to: http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/human-life-and-dignity/war/torture/torture-is-a-moral-issue.cfm
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 does execute justice for the fatherless and widow, and loves the foreigner, in giving him food and clothing. --Deuteronomy 10:18
Building Communities of Salt and Light: Developing Effective Social Ministry (November 5th).
If you are a looking to make your parish’s Social Justice or Respect Life Ministry more effective this conference is for you. The Diocese of Oakland’s Office for Life and Justice in partnership with Catholic Relief Service and JustFaith Ministries will be hosting a special training for Social Justice and Respect Life Ministers at Christ the Light Cathedral Conference Center in Oakland . Tom Ulrich, Direct for Parish Outreach at Catholic Relief Service and author of Strategies for Success: Parish Social Ministry will lead a discussion around how to develop thriving parish social ministry. Saturday, November 5th, 2011 (9:00 – 3:00 PM), Christ the Light Cathedral Conference Center, for more information: John Watkins (jwatkins@oakdiocese.org, 510-267-8379).
US Bishops in Solidarity with the Church in Africa. 
Torture is a Moral Issue: Study Guide from US Bishops.
Waterboarding? Electric Shocks? What does the Church have to say about torture? This four chapter study guide offers reflections on torture as a moral issue. Get a group together to discuss this timely issue and what you can do to stop torture. Actions include fasting for justice and peace, praying for enemies, overcoming evil with goodness, and advocating for the abolition of torture. We, as Catholic voters, have a voice with our Congresspersons. For detailed information, search for "stop torture" on the home page of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, or go to: http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/human-life-and-dignity/war/torture/torture-is-a-moral-issue.cfm
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 does execute justice for the fatherless and widow, and loves the foreigner, in giving him food and clothing. --Deuteronomy 10:18
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Social Concerns Column for Sunday, September 4, 2011
If you lend money to one of your poor neighbors among my people, you shall not act like an extortioner toward him by demanding interest from him. --Exodus 22:24
Microlending Helps People to Help Themselves up and out of poverty. You can invest in a hardworking individual or group in a developing country for just $25. Because this is a loan, not a handout, you will get the money back. The Kiva website makes it extremely easy: http://www.kiva.org
Meet Entrepeneur Madame Faty of Senegal.
Through the Kiva microlending website, the St. Michael Social Concerns Ministry recently made a loan to the Begg Thierno Group in Senegal, a women's partnership in perfume and fruit sales. Madame Faty is 35 years old, married with one child. This loan will enable her to purchase a greater variety of perfume in order to expand her small business. Visit our microloan site to learn more: http://www.kiva.org/team/st_michael_parish_social_concerns_ministry/loans
Building Communities of Salt and Light: Developing Effective Social Ministry (Sat, Nov 5, 9am-3pm, Christ the Light Cathedral Conference Center).
If you are a looking to make your parish's Social Justice or Respect Life Ministry more effective this conference is for you. The Diocese of Oakland's Office for Life and Justice in partnership with Catholic Relief Service and JustFaith Ministries will be hosting a special training for Social Justice and Respect Life Ministers at Christ the Light Cathedral Conference Center in Oakland . Tom Ulrich, Direct for Parish Outreach at Catholic Relief Service and author of Strategies for Success: Parish Social Ministry will lead a discussion around how to develop thriving parish social ministry. For more information: John Watkins (jwatkins@oakdiocese.org, 510-267-8379).
10th Anniversary Observance of 9/11 Attacks.
The San Francisco Interfaith Council is joining forces with Mayor Ed Lee's office and the San Francisco Opera to convene the 10th anniversary observance of the 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States . This observance will be held in concert with the San Francisco Opera's annual Opera in the Park, scheduled for 2:00 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 11, 2011, in Sharon Meadows, Golden Gate Park.
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.
Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed. --Psalm 82:3
Microlending Helps People to Help Themselves up and out of poverty. You can invest in a hardworking individual or group in a developing country for just $25. Because this is a loan, not a handout, you will get the money back. The Kiva website makes it extremely easy: http://www.kiva.org
Meet Entrepeneur Madame Faty of Senegal.
Through the Kiva microlending website, the St. Michael Social Concerns Ministry recently made a loan to the Begg Thierno Group in Senegal, a women's partnership in perfume and fruit sales. Madame Faty is 35 years old, married with one child. This loan will enable her to purchase a greater variety of perfume in order to expand her small business. Visit our microloan site to learn more: http://www.kiva.org/team/st_michael_parish_social_concerns_ministry/loansBuilding Communities of Salt and Light: Developing Effective Social Ministry (Sat, Nov 5, 9am-3pm, Christ the Light Cathedral Conference Center).
If you are a looking to make your parish's Social Justice or Respect Life Ministry more effective this conference is for you. The Diocese of Oakland's Office for Life and Justice in partnership with Catholic Relief Service and JustFaith Ministries will be hosting a special training for Social Justice and Respect Life Ministers at Christ the Light Cathedral Conference Center in Oakland . Tom Ulrich, Direct for Parish Outreach at Catholic Relief Service and author of Strategies for Success: Parish Social Ministry will lead a discussion around how to develop thriving parish social ministry. For more information: John Watkins (jwatkins@oakdiocese.org, 510-267-8379).
10th Anniversary Observance of 9/11 Attacks.
The San Francisco Interfaith Council is joining forces with Mayor Ed Lee's office and the San Francisco Opera to convene the 10th anniversary observance of the 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States . This observance will be held in concert with the San Francisco Opera's annual Opera in the Park, scheduled for 2:00 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 11, 2011, in Sharon Meadows, Golden Gate Park.
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.
Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed. --Psalm 82:3
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Social Concerns Column for Sunday, August 28, 2011
Blessed are they who maintain justice, who constantly do what is right. --Psalm 106:3Open Heart Kitchen Needs Volunteers.
OHK needs many willing hands to chop veggies, ladle soup, clean up: they serve thousands every week here in the Tri-Valley. Please call the Operations Director at 925-580-6793 to be assigned to a time slot with an existing team. Many hands make light work!
First Friday Fast for Food Security is a campaign by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. The goal is to deepen our compassion for the hungry by cutting back to $3 per person for food on the First Friday of the month. It is a real challenge to eat on $3, and you may go hungry: just like people on food stamps. Learn the details on Facebook (First Fridays for Food Security: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=110978892320508) or http://usccb.org/sdwp/Fasting-Resource-Intro-May-6.pdf
Please Contact Your US Senators to Support Respect for Rights of Conscience Act.
KEEPING THE FAITH: Surviving with Grace for the Long Haul for Justice and Peace, September 16 or 17.
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Megan McKenna and Bishop Gabino Zavala (President of Pax Christi USA) |
The St. Michael Parish Social Concerns Ministry would like to help you to help others! Call Joanne, 443-1422.
Rich and poor have a common bond: the LORD is the maker of them all. - Proverbs 22:2
Monday, August 15, 2011
Social Concerns Column for Sunday, August 21, 2011
I know that the LORD secures justice for the poor and upholds the cause of the needy. --Psalm 140:12
Open Heart Kitchen Needs Volunteers.
OHK needs many willing hands to chop veggies, ladle soup, clean up: they serve thousands every week here in the Tri-Valley. Please call the Operations Director at 925-580-6793 to be assigned to a time slot with an existing team. You have a variety of choices for day of the week, and number of times per month to serve. The kitchen is run by paid staff who are experienced in directing volunteers; many hands make light work!
JustFaith Introductory Workshop, August 27, St. Joan of Arc, San Ramon.
Jack Jezreel, JustFaith Ministries, will speak on Saturday, Aug 27, 10am - 1:30pm, St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 2601 San Ramon Valley Blvd., San Ramon. Our Christian faith extends an invitation to each of us to become agents of God's compassion and healing in a wounded world. JustFaith Ministries empowers ordinary people and their communities to act on that invitation. Light refreshments will be served. $25 or free will donation. Please RSVP to Meg Bowerman (LMJTBOW@pacbell.net). To learn more about JustFaith Ministries: http://www.justfaith.org
Rachel's Vineyard Retreat, September 9-11, Menlo Park.
Has an abortion left you with a broken heart? Rachel's Vineyard Retreats renew hearts broken by abortion. A confidential interdenominational retreat will take place Sept 9-11, 2011 in Menlo Park, offering a loving and supportive environment where women and men can reconcile painful post-abortive emotions and begin the process of renewal and healing. Rachel's Vineyard is therapy for the soul. For confidential inquiries call 415-260-4406 or email christinew@firstresort.net ; for more information go to: www.rachelsvineyard.org
Megan Mckenna: What Will Be Remembered of You? (Sept 15, San Lorenzo).
Based on the Gospel story of Jesus and the unnamed woman who anointed him for his burial, author Megan McKenna will lead us in a personal examination using stories of women from all religious traditions, both ancient and contemporary. Join us for this unique opportunity! Donation of $10 suggested at the door. September 15, 2011, 7pm - 9pm, Maryknoll Center Chapel, 16642 Ashland Avenue, San Lorenzo.
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.
Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy. --Proverbs 31:9
Open Heart Kitchen Needs Volunteers.
OHK needs many willing hands to chop veggies, ladle soup, clean up: they serve thousands every week here in the Tri-Valley. Please call the Operations Director at 925-580-6793 to be assigned to a time slot with an existing team. You have a variety of choices for day of the week, and number of times per month to serve. The kitchen is run by paid staff who are experienced in directing volunteers; many hands make light work! JustFaith Introductory Workshop, August 27, St. Joan of Arc, San Ramon.
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| Jack Jezreel, JustFaith Ministries |
Rachel's Vineyard Retreat, September 9-11, Menlo Park.
Has an abortion left you with a broken heart? Rachel's Vineyard Retreats renew hearts broken by abortion. A confidential interdenominational retreat will take place Sept 9-11, 2011 in Menlo Park, offering a loving and supportive environment where women and men can reconcile painful post-abortive emotions and begin the process of renewal and healing. Rachel's Vineyard is therapy for the soul. For confidential inquiries call 415-260-4406 or email christinew@firstresort.net ; for more information go to: www.rachelsvineyard.org
Megan Mckenna: What Will Be Remembered of You? (Sept 15, San Lorenzo).
Based on the Gospel story of Jesus and the unnamed woman who anointed him for his burial, author Megan McKenna will lead us in a personal examination using stories of women from all religious traditions, both ancient and contemporary. Join us for this unique opportunity! Donation of $10 suggested at the door. September 15, 2011, 7pm - 9pm, Maryknoll Center Chapel, 16642 Ashland Avenue, San Lorenzo.
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.
Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy. --Proverbs 31:9
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Social Concerns Column for Sunday, August 14, 2011
Rich and poor have a common bond: the LORD is the maker of them all. - Proverbs 22:2
Open Heart Kitchen Needs Volunteers.
OHK needs many willing hands to chop veggies, ladle soup, clean up: they serve thousands every week here in the Tri-Valley. Please call the Operations Director at 925-580-6793 to be assigned to a time slot with an existing team. You have a variety of choices for day of the week, and number of times per month to serve. Many hands make light work!
Detroit Parish Takes to Heart Stewardship of God's Creation.
Nativity of our Lord Catholic Church in Detroit has taken the message of "being good stewards of the earth" seriously: inviting speakers to discuss reducing carbon footprints, holding sustainability workshops, reducing waste management costs by 50% through aggressive recycling, upgrading lights and windows, reducing water use, creating a parish garden, and composting yard waste for the local 4H community center. Learn more at: http://tinyurl.com/Nativity-Stewardship
Reduce Energy: Turn Down Your AC.
When you leave your home (and if possible your office) remember to turn the thermostat to a higher temperature for air conditioning, so it's not cooling a vacant building. (Tip from the Catholic Coalition on Climate Change newsletter, July 13, 2011 issue)
Book Review: "God, Creation, and Climate Change: A Catholic Response to the Environmental Crisis".
This book contains essays by a distinguished group of Catholic scholars who assess the gravity of the situation and offer resources from the biblical and theological traditions. The book is edited by Richard W. Miller (Orbis Books, Maryknoll, N.Y.).
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 Angvick, 443-1422.
He upholds the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry. The LORD sets prisoners free, the LORD gives sight to the blind, the LORD lifts up those who are bowed down, the LORD loves the righteous. --Psalm 146:7
Open Heart Kitchen Needs Volunteers.
OHK needs many willing hands to chop veggies, ladle soup, clean up: they serve thousands every week here in the Tri-Valley. Please call the Operations Director at 925-580-6793 to be assigned to a time slot with an existing team. You have a variety of choices for day of the week, and number of times per month to serve. Many hands make light work!
Detroit Parish Takes to Heart Stewardship of God's Creation.
Nativity of our Lord Catholic Church in Detroit has taken the message of "being good stewards of the earth" seriously: inviting speakers to discuss reducing carbon footprints, holding sustainability workshops, reducing waste management costs by 50% through aggressive recycling, upgrading lights and windows, reducing water use, creating a parish garden, and composting yard waste for the local 4H community center. Learn more at: http://tinyurl.com/Nativity-StewardshipReduce Energy: Turn Down Your AC.
When you leave your home (and if possible your office) remember to turn the thermostat to a higher temperature for air conditioning, so it's not cooling a vacant building. (Tip from the Catholic Coalition on Climate Change newsletter, July 13, 2011 issue)
Book Review: "God, Creation, and Climate Change: A Catholic Response to the Environmental Crisis".
This book contains essays by a distinguished group of Catholic scholars who assess the gravity of the situation and offer resources from the biblical and theological traditions. The book is edited by Richard W. Miller (Orbis Books, Maryknoll, N.Y.).
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 Angvick, 443-1422.
He upholds the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry. The LORD sets prisoners free, the LORD gives sight to the blind, the LORD lifts up those who are bowed down, the LORD loves the righteous. --Psalm 146:7
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