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REJOICE AND BE GLAD!
"Jesus explained with great simplicity what it means to be holy": living simply, putting God first, trusting Him and not earthly wealth or power, being humble, mourning with and consoling others, being merciful and forgiving, working for justice and seeking peace with all. Click here to learn more. 

Grand Rapids Diocesan Youth Wins National CCHD Arts Contest
The Diocese of Grand Rapids took part in this year’s Creating on the Margins Youth Arts contest. The contest is sponsored nationally through the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD). CCHD is the national anti-poverty program of the U.S. Catholic Bishops. Creating on the Margins arts contest is a tool to engage young people in grades 7-12 in learning about poverty in the U.S., its root causes, and faith-inspired efforts to address poverty, especially through CCHD. The theme for the contest this year was:

Share the Journey with Young Migrants and Refugees
We are excited to announce that Lana Chalfoun, from St. Thomas the Apostle and 1st place winner of our local CCHD contest, received 1stplace at the national level for the Creating on the Margins Youth Arts contest. Lana won the national art contest with her original song, Bring Them Home. As the national winner Lana will receive the $500 grand prize and the ability to choose a CCHD-funded group to donate an additional $500. As the national winner, Lana also has the opportunity to perform her song at the National Catholic Youth Ministry Conference in December to be held in Tampa Bay, Florida. 
We also want to acknowledge our local 2nd place winners, Ella Rosloniec and Kenzie Thomson and our 3rd place winner, Lucy Fornetti, from St. Thomas the Apostle School. We are grateful to the schools and churches that participated in the art contest including: West Catholic High School, St. Thomas the Apostle School, St. Stephen, Holy Redeemer and Our Lady of Lavang. Thanks to the generosity of Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, the Grand Rapids Art Museum and Catholic Charities West Michigan for donating prizes, we were able to celebrate the hard work of our local winners. Locally, the contest is promoted and administered through Catholic Charities West Michigan.
Religious Freedom Week: June 22 - 29
"Religious freedom allows people to serve others in God's love in ministries like education, adoption & foster care, health care, and refugee services. We encourage people of faith to reflect on the importance of religious freedom so we have the space to carry out our mission of service and mercy." -Archbishop Joseph Kurtz. Click here to learn more. 
Vatican's Bridge of Solidarity for Migrants
Churches in South America provide practical and spiritual support for hundreds of thousands of Venezuelans fleeing from poverty and starvation into neighboring countries. Fr. Michael says these practical initiatives send a strong message to governments who are beginning to close their doors to people in need. To learn more click here.

Parishioners Help Address Community Affordable Housing Crisis
At St. Charles Borromeo in Portland, they share Pope Francis’s conviction that “there is no justification whatsoever for a lack of housing.” Inspired by these words, they are working together to address their community’s affordable housing crisis. After learning that the owner of a local mobile home park was planning to sell the park, which would displace many residents, they invited the residents into their parish to listen and discern together. Click here to learn more.

CRS Rice Bowl
With the Easter Season comes a time of gratitude. We have resources to express our gratitude to all those who participated in CRS Rice Bowl this Lent. 

Click to watch the Easter Joy: Thank You video.

Thank You!
We are so thankful for all of the parishes that participated in this year's Catholic Campaign for Human Development Collection!

Take Action
Updates on State Immigration Resolution, DACA, and the U.S.A. Act
The Senate adopted House Concurrent Resolution 15 of 2017 this week, which calls on the U.S. Congress to take bipartisan, comprehensive action on immigration. While the resolution is nonbinding and can only encourage action, it signals that this issue is important to Michigan. To learn more about this and other articles, click here.
Letter of Support for the U.S.A. Act
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Migration urges you to support and co-sponsor H.R. 4796, the Uniting and Securing America (USA) Act of 2018. This legislation, which in part provides protections from deportation for “Dreamers” was introduced by Representatives Hurd (R-TX) and Aguilar (D-CA) and is currently co-sponsored by an equal bipartisan group of Republicans and Democrats. Click here to learn more. 

Vaccinations and the Common Good
Rates of serious diseases, such as polio and measles, have significantly decreased in the United States over time, in part due to medical advances such as vaccinations. Parents and health professionals benefit from open discussions about these preventative tools, the risks of serious diseases, and the possibility of any risk that may occur after an immunization. In The Word from Lansing for April, Michigan Catholic Conference and encourage individuals and families to learn more about vaccinations, their impact on individuals and communities, and Catholic teaching regarding their use. Click here to read more. 

Conservation and the 2018 Farm Bill Draft
Conservation Programs: Maintaining the Integrity of Creation
A goal for a “common good” Farm Bill is to nurture the growth of a sustainable agriculture agenda. The fundamental principle of sustainability is to meet the needs of today, while ensuring the needs of tomorrow. Production agriculture meets current needs, but it's debatable whether its practices make for viable natural resources for years to come. Click here to learn more. 
House Ag Committee Releases 2018 Farm Bill Draft
Last week, the House Agriculture Committee passed Chairman Mike Conaway’s (R-TX) draft farm bill along a party line vote. The bill went through the full committee very quickly and with no substantial debate over the policies. Advocates are calling for greater scrutiny and discussion once the draft goes to the House floor for debate and a vote. This is expected to happen by mid-May. Click here to learn more.

Upcoming Events 
Project Rachel - Vineyard Retreat
"At a Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat I realized I had nearly two decades of intense emotional pain which literally weighed me down. In two days God did many miracles in my life." - comments from a participant. If you are struggling because of an abortion experience, consider attending our next Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat to be held on the weekend of June 1-3. Contact Maggie to find out how to move beyond the anguish of abortion: (616) 340-1824 or mwalsh@ccwestmi.org.

Let's Go to Bat for Kids
Join us for Let's Go to Bat for Kids on June 21 at 5/3 Ballpark, where the CCWM Padres play the Media Giants in softball! The event is FREE to attend (parking $7/car) and will have children’s games & activities. Gates open at 5:30pm. We'll also be selling raffle tickets for prizes & cash, leading up to the game and on the night of. Tickets are $2/each or 3/$5.

Explore these websites for social justice news, information and opportunities:

                                               

  






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Catholic Charities West Michigan · 360 Division Ave. S · Suite 3A · Grand Rapids, Mi 49503 · USA