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April 2022

In this issue:
    Sister Norma Pimentel Honored with Award
    The Lampstand - Inertia Overcome

    Learn Something New
    Call to Action
    Recommended Viewing

    Lunch and Learn
    Something To Share

    Expand Your Horizons
    Save the Date
    Video - ICC vaccination encouragement campaign

Upcoming Events
For a complete list of upcoming events see the Social Action Calendar.  
How Can YOU Make A Difference?
No one can do everything but everyone can do something. - Father John Dear

Sister Norma Pimentel Honored with Award
(Life and Dignity of the Human Person)
The 50th recipient of the Pacem in Terris Peace and Freedom Award will be honored Thursday, April 21 at Christ the King Chapel on the St. Ambrose University campus in Davenport. The 7:00 PM ceremony will recognize the tireless work of Norma Pimentel, MJ, executive director of Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley in the Brownsville Diocese (Texas). Sister Norma dedicates her life to serving asylum seekers on the border and uses her voice to advocate on their behalf. The ceremony is open to all.
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The Lampstand - Inertia Overcome
By Amy Kersten
(Call to Family, Community and Participation)
Lately, I felt overwhelmed by the wars in Ukraine, Yemen and other countries, oppression in Afghanistan, and increasing challenges resulting from climate change. Then, during the April Lunch and Learn, a message from Dr. Widad Akreyi, who won the award in 2017, said “we cannot achieve global peace without an abundance of small actions”. In the Catholic Climate Covenant newsletter, founder Dan Misleh reminded me to act with hope. Finally, the Easter Mass homily I heard concluded with a call for “those who know to tell those who do not.” So while I am tempted sometimes to hide in the dark, through the words of others God is letting me know He expects me to do my part. If you have felt discouraged and could use some inspiration, watch the April Lunch and Learn or read Dan Misleh’s message. Sometimes a reminder is all it takes to get us in motion again. 
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A prayer for peace from Catholic Relief Services (click to enlarge)

Learn Something New
(Option for the Poor and Vulnerable)
Through Bread for the World's annual offering of letters program, parishes participate in advocating to Congress by sending written or emailed messages in support of vital programs that reduce hunger and poverty. This year they urge Congress to reauthorize domestic child nutrition programs and the expanded Child Tax Credit and support global nutrition legislation and funding, especially for women and children. Consider heading up the effort yourself or with a parish group. Our local organizer, Zach Schmidt (zschmidt@bread.org / 312-890-3610), will provide the support you need.

You can also advocate individually. A recent webinar explained the impact of op-eds, which typically accept more words than letters to the editor and appear in local papers which still hold the trust of the majority of their readers, and provided training on how to write one effectively. Bread for the World has many resources to help you understand both the issue and the solutions so you can write with confidence.
Learn more about the Offering of Letters program.

Call to Action
(Care for God's Creation
)
From Catholic Climate Covenant: Join the Encounter for Our Common Home Campaign! This is a broad U.S. Catholic coalition-led training and advocacy campaign to encounter and urge U.S. Senators to support climate solutions this year from a place of faith and reason. When you join you will be the first to hear of campaign events including community-building events, trainings, young adult materials and engagement, webinars, resources, action alerts and more!
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Recommended Viewing 
(
Care for God's Creation)
From Catholic Climate Covenant: If you feel confused by the different Laudato Si' Action Platform websites, watch the video below. The Ignatian Solidarity Network has produced a three and half minute video explaining the Vatican's Laudato Si' Action Platform (LSAP) website,  Catholic Climate Covenant's We’re All Part of God's Plan(et) website, the Jesuits' Laudato Si' in Action, and Ignatian Solidarity Network's Renewing the Earth campaign.
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Lunch and Learn
(Call to family, community and participation)
Sometimes the best source of information sits in a pew near you at Mass. Many throughout our diocese are homegrown experts on different issues - immigration, housing, discriminiation, food insecurity, human trafficking and more. Join us for “Share and Tell” on Thursday, May 5, from 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM as people from around the Diocese share "go to" resources they rely on to lead them in social action efforts, whether websites, podcasts, books or videos. If you have a resource you value highly, you’ll have an opportunity to share as well. To register, go to http://bit.ly/DioDavLunchLearn.
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Something to Share
(Care for God's Creation)
​​Less is Blessed is a parish project of Our Lady of Victory, Davenport, that invites individuals and families to use less in simple, everyday activities. These actions help alleviate the suffering created by environmental neglect and assault. Parishioners commit to one or more simple ways to use less water, paper, plastic, and energy or to minimize waste. These acts of respect for our common home are for all ages and can even save money for those with tight budgets. Care for creation shows a deep reverence and gratitude for God’s beauty and bounty and fulfills our calling to love one another through care for our precious planet. For more information on Less isBlessed, contact Jean Simpson at jkdreamor@gmail.com. 

Creation Care Corner Bulletin from Catholic Climate Covenant
 
Expand Your Horizons
(Option for the Poor and Vulnerable
)
From Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA): Helping Parishes Open a Food Pantry - Learn from successful operations associated with two Catholic Charities agencies. Both agency and parish perspectives will be represented. Topics will include conducting a community assessment, addressing safety issues, choosing a pantry type, identifying institutional and community partners, and volunteer recruitment. In addition, Jane Stenson, Vice President of Poverty Reduction at CCUSA, will provide information on federal food programs. The program will be offered by Zoom on April 25 at 2:00 PM CST. You can register here.
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Save the Date
(Care for God's Creation)
From St. Ambrose University School of Social Work (Davenport): The 24th Annual Social Justice Conference on May 19, 2022 will be held from 8:00am-4:00pm at the Rogalski Center Ballroom. The United States has a severe shortage of affordable homes and gaping holes in our social safety net. The conference, The Housing Crisis: Empowering Social Workers Toward Action, will feature keynote speaker Diane Yentel, President and CEO of the National Low Income Housing Coalition. Following the keynote presentation there will be a panel discussion of community members and professionals who will share their personal and professional experiences with this social justice topic. The event is approved for 6.0 CEU's for Iowa and Illinois social workers. The conference fee is $75. More information and a registration link are found here.
 
Click to view the latest video from the Iowa Catholic Conference vaccination encouragement campaign
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