Greetings!
Each one’s calling contributes to God’s Kin-dom.
Today I am joyfully remembering Fr. Jack Kern, who passed to eternal life on March 15. Fr. Jack was a long-time member of Catholics for Peace and Justice, and served on the Catholics for Peace and Justice Leadership Council for several years. As a leader of CPJ, Fr. Jack often pointed out that our national military spending was directly connected to the lack of resources for the most vulnerable of God’s people, both in the United States and elsewhere.
Fr. Jack’s special calling was parish ministry in the inner city, both in Milwaukee and Racine. His heart stretched to embrace concerns beyond his parish boundaries. His joy, his energy, was evident when he worked with parishioners and neighbors for the common good, from marching for civil rights in the 1960s to parish-assisted neighborhood events in the 2000s.
Fr. Jack’s life, like countless other lives given to service, continues to bless us with his particular focus and his example. Whatever our personal special calling, let us pursue it for the good of all.
Peace,
Mary Krolikowski
Visit us at www.catholicsforpeaceandjustice.org and the Catholics for Peace and Justice Facebook page
Visit Collars on the Corner on Facebook
Looking for more social justice resources?
Visit the Social Justice Resource Center
|
|
|
GENERAL
Pray: Mothers
Reflect: Joy in the Happiness of Others
|
|
GENERAL
Pope Francis Quote
I prefer a Church which is bruised, hurting and dirty because it has been out on the streets, rather than a Church which is unhealthy from being confined and from clinging to its own security.
Pope Francis, Joy of the Gospel # 49
[ back to top]
ACTIONS | ISSUES
Unlearning Racism
YWCA Southeast Wisconsin is excited to announce that our Unlearning Racism: Tools for Action ©
series is now open for summer enrollment!
Unlearning Racism: Tools for Action © is a six-part series, four hours each session, utilizing facilitated dialogue, activities, documentaries, and listening pairs to move us all forward in addressing racism where and when we can. Topics include the roots of racism, institutional racism, your role in addressing racism, and taking action.
Course Information
To register and see further details, please check out the online registration page.
We hope you either consider attending or passing on to those you believe may be interested. Please register by Wednesday, June 26, a week prior, to ensure we can provide enough program material.
|
[ back to top]
What Teens Need to Know about Trafficking
Trafficking is a billion dollar plus criminal industry. Its real and its happening in our communities. Social media plays a huge role in the proliferation of trafficking. Lean what trafficking is, how to recognize it, the role of social media and how we can keep our kids safe.
Tues, May 14, 6:00 – 7:30 pm. St. John Vianney Catholic Church, Brookfield – Church Hall. Register at www.ConvTrafficking.org Please help promote this event. Post this image to your Facebook page. Print this Flyer.
[ back to top]
Justice for Immigrants
More bad news as usual: President Trump purges Dept. of Homeland Security to get rid of anyone who might stop him and Steven Miller from implementing even harsher, often illegal policies. Possible changes being floated: putting Customs and Border Protection officials in charge of interviewing asylum applicants, presumably because they’d be likely to reject more of them immediately, and resuming family separations by forcing parents to choose between being detained with their children indefinitely or separated from them so the children can avoid detention. Trump also announced an end to about $500 million in aid for Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador –– a move to punish those governments for failing to address the large number of migrants heading to the United States. Meanwhile, AG Barr hands ICE more power to keep asylum seekers in detention, and the public charge rule change we fought is leading to a spike in visa denials.
But, some signs of hope: The Administration’s moves on immigration keep getting thrown out in court. A federal judge ruled on Monday evening that migrants can’t be forced to wait in Mexico. A Republican and Democrat present a potential bi-partisan comprehensive reform plan, and the US Bishops endorsed legislation providing permanent legal protection and a pathway to citizenship for qualifying Dreamers and TPS holders.
Read Mark Peters' full article here.
Visit Mark's webpage for more information and important news stories.
[ back to top]
CALL TO ACTION: Catholic Ecology Center
I am excited to share with you a new endeavor of Laudato Si’ Project.
It is the creation of the Catholic Ecology Center.
It will be a central location that will allow us to increase and amplify the impactful programming we offer, connecting more school children, parishes, and families through educational programs, day retreats, stewardship projects and recreational outings. We work to deepen faith while fostering a stewardship ethic through hands-on encounters with the natural world. As you know, we need to get young people active in their faith and into nature if we want them to care for it!
We are in the process of attempting to purchase a beautiful 130 acre parcel near Wales that contains forests, prairies, creeks, ponds, moraines and more. We are partnering with Waukesha County Land Conservancy in which Laudato Si' Project is fundraising to purchase 21 acres that will house the Catholic Ecology Center and WCLC will be purchasing the remaining 109 acres (accessible to our use and programs).
Please donate then share this link on your social media and with your friends and family:
[ back to top]
A Classic Recommendation for Improving States’ Economies
As we interact with state legislators (and the lobbyist influencing them) on budget issues, an article by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (2017) may help us evaluate the proposals being discussed. To what extent does each item promote an economy that increases equity and is likely to benefit the most people in our state? And of course, communicating our conclusions to our legislators is a powerful way to influence policy for the better.
https://www.cbpp.org/research/state-budget-and-tax/a-fiscal-policy-agenda-for-stronger-state-economies
[ back to top]
Tell the Governor & Legislature to Support Accepting Federal Dollars for BadgerCare!
The Lutheran Office for Public Policy in Wisconsin urges you to use your voice to expand Badger Care and access funding for vital programs. Accepting federal dollars for BadgerCare is one of our priorities in the proposed state budget. It would be a win-win to accept federal funding through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) to expand BadgerCare to cover about 80,000 more low-income Wisconsinites while saving at least $160 million per year in state tax dollars,
We are already paying taxes for the ACA, which is funding several other states, with both Republican and Democratic governors, to help them expand healthcare for their constituents. It is time to expand healthcare for vulnerable Wisconsinites and save money to invest in other vital programs.
... so that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it. For the body is not one member, but many. 1 Corinthians 12:26
Tell the Governor & Legislature to Support Accepting Federal Dollars for BadgerCare!
[ back to top]
Hog farm of enormous scale stirs intense debate in Burnett County – water pollution threatens more communities under lax regulatory environment
In far northwestern Wisconsin, plans are underway for a large-scale hog farm to be located in the town of Trade Lake in Burnett County. The site is near the Trade River, a tributary of the St. Croix River, the Fish Lake Wildlife Area, and several lakes. It will hold 26,000 hogs (a number it is hard to even imagine) in just three buildings. It is one of the largest Concentrated Agriculture Feeding Operations (CAFO) ever proposed in the state.
According to Wisconsin Public Radio (WPR), it is estimated that the farm will produce more than 6.8 million gallons of manure yearly. Erik Melin, whose family farm consists of 250 acres, welcomes the project since low prices on corn and soy have made it difficult to make a living. He intends to purchase 2,000 acres owned by his father, and will sell 35 acres to Cumberland, LLC, the company that will own and operate the CAFO, to set up the operation. In addition, Melin will set aside 1,000 acres for manure spreading. What Cumberland gets, among other things, is a supply of cheap feed for its hogs.
Read Margaret Swedish's full article here.
[ back to top]
Faith Based Social Justice Issue Advocacy Education Web Sites and Action Alerts
[ back to top]
|
|
|
EVENTS AND EDUCATION
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.
Recurring Events:
Advocacy that Works
An Online Course with Advocacy Expert Breon Wells. Faith-based communities and grassroots organizations can and should express their values in the public square. We have a responsibility to speak truth to power in strategic ways. Whether you’re dealing with local community needs, statewide or national issues, an effective advocacy strategy depends on credibility and consistency. Join us for four online sessions at noontime on Thursdays in April and May to make yourself a more effective faith-based advocate. Learn more and register here.
- April 25 | Developing an Agenda
- May 2 | Leveraging Your Capacity
- May 9 | Speaking Truth to Power…The Right Way
- May 16 | Effective Days of Action (Foundations of Demonstration)
Siena Retreat Center - Many opportunities for growth and healing
May Programs
- May 04 - Bird Watching & Eco-Spirituality
- May 11 - The Ecological Merton
- May 18 - Cameras: Contemplative Tools in a Digital Age
- May 18 - Women for Women
- May 20 - Meditation and Life Integration
- May 25 - Christian Spirituality & Contemplative Yoga
Learn more
Conversation on Race: A Talk Worth Having
Bringing people together from across the community to be agents of transformation as we work to dismantle racism. Gatherings occur on the 2nd Tuesdays of each month (dates are set through 6/11/19) from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Brown Deer United Methodist Church, 5736 W Brown Deer Rd. Learn more.
[ back to top]
Interfaith Earth Network Faith & Ecology Conversation Series
Moral Ground: a reflective call to ethical action for environmental justice. Every 3rd Tuesday from 7:00-8:30 p.m., Urban Ecology Center Riverside Park, 1500 E Park Place, Milwaukee.
[ back to top]
Nonviolent Communication Practice Groups (Flyer)
- Milwaukee Friends Meeting House, Milwaukee, Every Wednesday, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
- St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Parish, New Berlin, 1st and 3rd Monday of every month, 7:00-8:30 p.m. through May 2019. Learn more.
- United Unitarian Universalist Congregation, Waukesha, (Two separate groups to choose from!)
- Tuesday Morning Group, 2nd and 4th Tuesday of every month, 10:30 a.m. - noon through May 2019. Learn more.
- Thursday Afternoon Group, 1st and 3rd Thursday of every month, 1:00-2:30 p.m. through May 2019. Learn more.
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.
[ back to top]
Peace Action Wisconsin's Stand for Peace
Every Saturday 12:00 - 1:00 P.M.. Learn more here. Updates on Facebook.
- May 4: 19Th Wisconsin EARLY TIME-11 AM-11:45 AM, in deference to the the Annual Luncheon of the United Nations Association
- May 11: 27th & Layton
- May 18: Hwy 100 & North
- May 25: Lincoln Memorial & Lafayette Hill
Catholic Social Teaching and the New Green Deal - Apr 30
The Green New Deal is an ambitious, visionary, and for some, controversial Congressional proposal to deal with the urgent climate crisis while simultaneously investing in job creation and advancing social and racial justice. Do you have questions about how we as people of faith should respond to the Green New Deal? Join us on Tuesday, April 30th at 1:00 pm for this educational webinar to discuss Catholic Social Teaching and The Green New Deal. Learn more and register here.
[ back to top]
Day without Latinx and Immigrants - Drivers Licenses for All! - May 1
On May 1st, tens of thousands of immigrant workers and their families will participate in a Day Without Latinxs & Immigrants general strike and statewide mobilization on the Capitol in Madison to urge the state legislature to restore driver licenses and state ID cards for immigrant families and low-income people in Wisconsin. This means no work, no school, and no buying. The rally at the Capitol begins in Madison at 11am. Click here to sponsor May 1st or donate to our organizing efforts. Learn more and RSVP here.
[ back to top]
175 Alive! - May 4
Join us on May 4, 2019 to commemorate and celebrate the day the first Bishop of Milwaukee, Bishop John Martin Henni, arrived in Milwaukee in 1844. The celebration will start in Pere Marquette Park, then process to the Cathedral for an 11 a.m. Mass. We will continue our celebration in Cathedral Square, as we join together in a fun-filled family day of music, food and games. Learn more. Flyer.
[ back to top]
What has the U.N. Done for us Lately? - May 4
United Nations Association of Greater Milwaukee Annual Global Citizens Awards Luncheon will host keynote speaker, Terence Blackurn and will provide a hot lunch of Middle Eastern food on Saturday, May 4, 11:30 s.m., Redeemer Lutheran Church, 631 N. 19th St., Milwaukee. Learn more and print registration form here.
[ back to top]
What Teens Need to Know about Trafficking - May 14
For Middle School & High School Youth and Parents. Guest Speakers: Ammy Myers, Lacy's Hop Project & the Women's Center. Tuesday, May 14, 6:00-7:30 p.m., St. John Vianney Catholic Church, Brookfield.
[ back to top]
15th Annual Retreat for Members of Alcoholics Anonymous and Al-Anon - May 17-19
Enjoy this weekend with other members of Alcoholic Anonymous and Al-Anon as we discuss the 12 steps and related topics. Redemptorist Retreat Center 1800 N Timber Trail Lane, Oconomowoc. Register here.
[ back to top]
Ignite Hope Gala - May 18
You can be a part of restoring women's lives. Survivor Jessica Neely and Detective Remington will present. Presentations, buffet, silent auction and live auction, Saturday, May 18, 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., Embassy Suites Brookfield, 1200 S. Moorland Rd. Learn more and register here.
[ back to top]
Iftar - May 19
Students of the M.T.O. Shahmaghsoudi® School of Islamic Sufism® Center in Franksville, Wisconsin would like to cordially invite you for Iftar, in honor of the Holy month of Ramadan, on Sunday, May 19th from 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., 5437 US Hwy. 41, Caledonia. At this event, you will have the opportunity to engage in dialogue with individuals of different faiths, experience Sufi Zekr (music, poetry and chanting of remembrance), followed by the sharing of a complimentary Persian dinner. Learn more and RSVP here. Print
[ back to top]
|
|
|
|
|
PRAY
We pray you give each mom strength. Help her to see in every mundane task the eternal, cosmic significance that you place on motherhood. Help her to understand that the most radical, world-changing events may be happening anonymously in her home. Help her to forgive those who undermine her significance. Help us to love all of humanity as a mother loves her child. For this and your peace on us we pray.
[back to top]
|
|
|
|
REFLECT
As for suffering, I do not wish even the slightest. As for happiness, I am never satisfied. In this there is no difference between others and me. Bless me so I might take joy in other's happiness.
[back to top]
|
|
|
|
|
|