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Catholic Charities West Michigan 2019 Agency Book-Read!

Join Catholic Charities West Michigan as we embark on a book study! Our agency is reading and discussing Saints and Social Justice, A Guide to Changing the World by Brandon Vogt (content director for Bishop Barron’s Word on Fire Ministries). We are using this book over the next year, looking at each of the seven themes of Catholic Social Teaching. We’ll also be choosing a patron saint for our agency and want to give parishes in our diocese a chance to help us choose a saint. Watch for further details. For more information on our book read or choosing a Patron Saint, contact Maggie Walsh at mwalsh@ccwestmi.org or (616) 340-1824.
Save the Date: Social Justice Gathering!
Laudato Si’ and Catholic Creation Care
Our speaker will be Sister Damien Marie Savino, F.S.E., Ph.D., Dean of Science and Sustainability at Aquinas College. Lunch provided. A donation to help cover cost of lunch would be appreciated.
Date/Time: Thursday, April 4, 11am - 1pm
Location: Cathedral Square Center
CCHD Local Grant Application Process Open Through March 31
The Catholic Campaign for Human Development is the national anti-poverty program of the U.S. Catholic Bishops, working to break the cycle of poverty by helping low-income people participate in decisions that affect their lives. Contact Maggie Walsh for more information or to apply.

U.S. Bishops' Letter on Racism

Open Wide Our Hearts: The Enduring Call to Love

“All Human beings have dignity and value: Men and women, young and old, immigrant and citizen, the sick and the healthy, the prisoner and the victim. Unfortunately, recognizing that worth happens too little within communities. Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis has talked about society’s tendency to adopt a “throwaway” culture, to view everything as disposable, replaceable, or temporary. That tendency has permeated the way individuals treat one another. Laudato Si, the Holy Father’s 2015 encyclical (or papal letter), challenges readers to “regain the conviction that we need one another, that we have a shared responsibility for others and the world, and that being good and decent are worth it.”

This is the kind of society worth seeking, engaging, and defending. Read the full publication here.

Encounter Lent

Join your parish—and more than 14,000 Catholic communities across the United States—in a life-changing Lenten journey of encounter with CRS Rice Bowl. During the 40 days of Lent, as companions on the journey, we will encounter our neighbor.

Find CRS Rice Bowl Resources here

Upcoming Events

Rachel's Vineyard Retreat
March 22 - 24, 2019

If you or someone you know is struggling from a past abortion, Rachel’s Vineyard is a great place to work through the grief, find healing, and peace. To learn more, contact Maggie Walsh by calling (616) 340-1824 or emailing mwalsh@ccwestmi.org. For more about Project Rachel, visit rachelsvineyard.org.
Franciscan Life Process Center Presents:
Spark a Conversation Series

March 21 at 6:30 p.m.
Location: St. Robert of Newminster Parish

Topics:
Banana Peels & Climate Change
A Daily Examen

For full details and to register, click here.
Holy Smokes BBQ Competition
May 11, 1 - 4 pm
Location: Pigeon Hill Production Facility
Ticket Price: $20

NEW THIS YEAR! Gather to taste and vote for a variety of BBQ entries from local restaurants. Guests will also be able to sip on craft brews, play yard games, and enjoy live entertainment. For ticket and sponsorship information, visit ccwestmi.org/holysmokes or contact kmaurer@ccwestmi.org.

Thriving in Rural Ministry

Catholic Rural Life has received a $1 million grant to help establish its Thriving in Rural Ministry program. The purpose of the program is to strengthen pastoral leadership in rural parishes, and to help pastors thrive in their rural communities. To read the full press release, visit here.
 

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