Washington Island at the northern tip of Door County is a wonderful escape amid the summer heat. The surrounding waters almost assure that no matter which way the winds blow, there is a lake breeze. Internet and cell phone service are spotty so all that “important” stuff just must wait. There are only a few restaurants and one grocery store, making the dinner choice easier. And best of all, as you drive the roads, if the oncoming car is an islander, you are assured of a peaceful hand wave instead of some of the gestures offered on the freeway. You pay more attention to creation, slow conversation is always welcome, all because you are on an island together.
It is easy to forget we are all on an island together, no matter where we are. Yes, it might be bigger, with more roads and restaurants, but the truth we lose in the rush of life it that we share the air, the water, the land. We run like there is somewhere so important to go, that the here, right here, isn’t important. As August arrives, and summer rolls along, take a few moments and create your own island experience. Say hi to someone you don’t know, what could be more just. Give someone a break instead of a horn, how merciful.
We seek peace and justice, we do it with the wisdom of Catholic Social Teaching as our foundation. We can speak up, write letters, attend meetings, all good things. But amid the social heat, what might make the difference is slow conversation, or a friendly wave. Changing minds is challenging work, changing hearts begin with our own.
Blessings always,
Deacon Jim Banach
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Visit the Social Justice Resource Center
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GENERAL
Pope Francis Quote
“Love is the greatest power for the transformation of reality because it pulls down the walls of selfishness and fills the ditches that keep us apart.” Pope Francis
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ACTIONS | ISSUES
Faces of Migration
Children Separated from their Parents
Latest News: According to federal lawyers, more than 400 parents of separated children are no longer in the country, furthering concerns among advocates that the parents were deported without their children. Some call ICE the “American Gestapo” and calls to abolish it grow, as the agency steps up its arrests of immigrants in formerly “safe spaces.” Meanwhile, TPS for Somalia extended but not redesignated.
Going Deeper:
A way out: 15 years after the U.S. Bishops pastoral letter, "Strangers No Longer," how do its principles translate into concrete legislative proposals?
Action: The Families Belong Together coalition is calling on Wells Fargo and JPMorgan Chase to stop financing for-profit prison companies benefiting from family separation and detention (here is a recent report of abuse in these centers). You can sign one group’s petition here.
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Organization Highlight: Franciscan Peacemakers
Franciscan Peacemakers Street Ministry started as the dream of two Franciscan Capuchin priests in 1995, Fr. Robert Wheelock and Fr. Michael Sullivan, who in the words of St. Francis were called” to start doing what was necessary” to address escalating violence against women in the city of Milwaukee. Today Franciscan Peacemakers provides a pathway to a sustainable healthy, safe, productive life for women in prostitution due to trauma, sex trafficking, or drug addiction.
For the past 22 years the ministry has continued to evolve under the leadership of Deacon Steve Przedpelski. In January 2013, Gifts for the Journey a social enterprise providing employment and skills training for women in recovery was introduced. In January 2014 Clare Community a resident-based 2-year trauma care facility for women seeking a way out sex trafficking and prostitution was opened. Led by the Holy Spirit, Franciscan Peacemakers continues to grow in service and faith to do what’s necessary for women in need.
If you have been following our articles or listening to the news, you are aware that the greater Milwaukee area is notorious for its levels of sex trafficking. Milwaukee has consistently been ranked by the FBI in the top 5 cities for trafficking during its annual Operation Cross Country sting operation.
WHAT YOU CAN DO. Invite Deacon Steve Przedpelski of Franciscan Peacemakers to speak at your church. Invite the women of Clare Community to sell their products at your next event or following a presentation, mass or service. Contact Deacon Steve Przedpelski at sprzedpel@gmail.com
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Wisconsin State Wide Trafficking Awareness Campaign – Do Your Part
In an effort to shed light on the issue of trafficking in Wisconsin, the Department of Children and Families (DCF) has recently launched the WI, We Need to Talk public awareness campaign aimed at informing Wisconsin citizens about youth sex trafficking. News Release
Create awareness in your community by distributing and hanging posters in public places. Posters are available for printing from the https://dcf.wisconsin.gov/wisconsintalks website
View and Use the "WI, We Need To Talk" Partner Tool Kit
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Vatican Video on Celebrating the Anniversary of Laudato Si’
On the anniversary of Laudato Si’ the Vatican organized an incredible conference to celebrate three years since publication was released. Here is a fantastic video about the conference. It beautifully captures the spirit of solidarity and hope that was present. We encourage you to share the video on social media through this template social media post or on your own.
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Need info on where and how to vote? Primary Election - August 14.
For information on voting go to myvote.wi.gov for
- My voter info
- Find my polling place
- What's on my ballot
- Update my name or address
- Register to vote
- Vote absentee
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Faithful Citizenship
To help Catholics prepare for the elections, the Wisconsin Catholic Conference (WCC), the public policy voice of Wisconsin’s bishops, is distributing two series of resources. Catholics are encouraged to utilize these resources as they navigate the election process and fulfill their responsibilities as voters. Review the resources on the Archdiocesan website. (You will need to scroll down a bit and they are also listed below).
While the series and resources are designed for parish bulletins, they can also be reproduced on a parish website or on posters.
In addition, information about voting and obtaining a free identification card, if you don’t have a valid driver license, is available at the following websites:
As both our bishops and Pope Francis have reminded us, “responsible citizenship is a virtue, and participation in political life is a moral obligation”.
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Integrated Voter Engagement Campaign
WISDOM members across the state are canvassing in target areas through our Integrated Voter Engagement Campaign. In Kenosha and Racine it’s about immigration. Milwaukee and Waukesha members are talking about the #CLOSEmsdf Campaign and about public transit issues.
You can be part of the fun! Sign the petitions and invite your friends and family members to do the same.
https://closemsdf.org/petition/
https://mkejoblines.com/
Contact wisdomforjustice@gmail.com for more information.
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EVENTS AND EDUCATION
Share your Gift of the English Language
- Participate in this wonderful volunteer opportunity at St. Michael’s Parish, 1445 N. 24th Street. We are looking for tutors to help the adult refugees from Myanmar, the former Burma, in learning English and in preparation for citizenship.
Tutoring would be on a one-on-one basis for one hour once a week. The day and time are agreed upon by the teacher/tutor and the student. Easy to follow materials are provided.
If you are interested or would like more information, please contact Patricia (Pat) Roehrig, at proehrig@wi.rr.com or call 414-461-5592.
Shoptalks: Human Trafficking in Wisconsin: Myths and Realities
Sponsored by the Lotus Legal Clinic. Two opportunities to attend:
- Wednesday, September 5, 6:30 p.m., Waukesha Public Library, 321 Wisconsin Ave,
- Saturday, October 20, 6:00 p.m., St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, 12700 W Howard Ave., New Berlin.
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Faith and Ecology Conversation Series
Every 3rd Tuesday, 7:00-8:30 p.m., Riverside Park Urban Ecology Center, 1500 E. Park Pl. Milwaukee. Learn more.
- August 21: Do we have a moral obligation for the stewardship of God's creation?
- September 18: Do we have a moral obligation because compassion requires it?
Weekly Prayer for Reconciling and Healing Racism in Our City.
Join us in person at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, Fridays at 12:15 p.m. for this 30 minute communal contemplative prayer with the intention of reconciling and healing racism in our city. Feel free to pray privately wherever you are in solidarity with those gathered at the Cathedral if you are not able to join in person. Brought to you by:Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, Three Holy Women, Our Lady of Divine Providence, Old St. Mary's, Saints Peter and Paul Human Concerns/Social Justice Commissions, Urban Ministry of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. For more information, please contact: Anne Haines hainesa@archmil.org
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100% Clean Energy - Aug 2
The Milwaukee Economic and Climate Justice Coalition!, together with Sierra Club and 350.org Milwaukee, is kicking-off a campaign for Milwaukee to take action demanding 100% clean energy creating 100% good jobs! Thursday, August 2, 6:00-8:00 p.m., Plymouth Church, 2717 E. Hampshire Ave., Milwaukee. Learn more and register here.
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Home Funerals & Natural Burials - Aug 6
Learn how to make more meaningful and environmentally sustainable end-of-life choices. Monday, August 6, 6:00-7:30 p.m., Riverside Park, 1500 E. Park Pl., Milwaukee. Learn more and register here.
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Making Change Happen: Strategies for Inspiring Sustainable Practices - Aug 7
This Wisconsin Green Muslims Sustainability Webinar will occur on Tuesday, August 7 at noon. Learn more and register here.
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Peace Action Wisconsin Lanterns for Peace - Aug 10
This annual event commemorates the 1945 atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Family activities will include the making of traditional Japanese lanterns and origami peace cranes. Food will be available. A formal program will be followed by the symbolic and beautiful floating of lanterns on the lily pond. Friday, August 10, 6:30-9:00 p.m., Riverside Park Urban Ecology Center, 1500 E. Park Pl. Milwaukee. Learn more.
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Interfaith Bus Tour and Retreat - Aug 17-19
Sponsored by Wisconsin Conference Commission on Christian Unity and Interreligious Relationships. Bishop Hee-Soo Jung invites you to join him for an Interfaith Bus Tour and Retreat August 17-19, 2018. The theme for the event is “Alike and Different: Understanding Real Religious Lives.” Learn more.
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Liturgy for Peace and Justice - Aug 19
Milwaukee Archbishop William Listecki will be the celebrant for the 2018 Milwaukee Irish Fest Liturgy for Peace and Justice, which will begin at 9:30 a.m. at the Henry Maier Festival Park/Summerfest Grounds. The Irish Fest Choir for Peace and Justice will begin with a selection of music at 9 a.m. Learn more.
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The Talk: What Parents Need to Know about Combating a Culture of Sexual Exploitation - Oct 8
Sponsored by the Lotus Legal Clinic. Monday, October 8, 6:00 p.m., St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, 12700 W Howard Ave., New Berlin.
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Human Trafficking Panel Discussion: Exploit No More and the Benedict Center - Oct 10
Sponsored by the Lotus Legal Clinic. Wednesday, October 10, 3:00 p.m., St. John's on the Lake, 1840 N Prospect Ave, Milwaukee,
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Affordable Housing Forum - Nov 6
Learn about the efforts of CommonBond Communities and our partners to address the eviction crisis in Milwaukee. Tuesday, November 6, 11:00 a.m., Miller Park. Learn More.
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SAVE THE DATE: Catholics at the Capitol - April 30, 2019
Every two years, the Wisconsin Catholic Conference (WCC) joins several Catholic organizations in hosting Catholics at the Capitol. Hundreds of Catholics from around the state come to Madison for this day of formation and legislative advocacy. Catholics at the Capitol 2019 will take place at the Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center in Madison, Wisconsin, on Tuesday, April 30, 2019. Watch the Wisconsin Catholic Conference site for more information as it becomes available.
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REFLECT
Think of the hubris of our lives. Think of our individual arrogance, the way we pursue our own well-being at the neglect and even expense of [others]. . . . Think of the hubris of our nationhood, pretending that we could look after the safety of our homeland by ignoring and even violating the sovereignty of other lands. Think of the hubris of our religion, raising ourselves up over other wisdom traditions and even trying to force our ways on them. Think of the hubris of the human species, pretending that we could look after our own health while exploiting and endangering the life of other species. . . .
[This] is opposite to the way of Jesus, who taught the strength of humility, of being close to the humus, close to the Ground from which we and all things come. The humblest, says Jesus, are “the greatest” (Matthew 18:4)
From Richard Rohr, Daily Devotions, Hope and Humility, Wednesday, July 18, 2018
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PRAY
Loving Father, in your infinite compassion, we seek your divine protection for refugee children who are alone and afraid. Provide solace to those who have been witnesses to violence and destruction, who have lost parents, family, friends, home, and all they cherish due to war, persecution and forced separation. Comfort them in their sorrow. Bring help in their time of need. Reunite them with their families and loved ones. Guide them to a place of peace and safety. Comfort them in their sorrow. Bring help in their time of need. Show us how we might reach out to these precious and vulnerable children. Open our hearts so that we might see in them your own migrant Son. Give us courage to stand up in their defense. For this we pray through our Lord Jesus Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen
www.justiceforimmigrants.org
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