You are needed to help stop physician-assisted suicide from expanding; assisting and praying for Hurricane Ida and wildfire victims and placing your vote in the recall election in this week’s Insights.
All Hands On Deck to Defeat SB 380
The legislative session ends next Friday, and we will see a flurry of activity at the Capitol this coming week as bills are either passed and sent to the Governor or meet their end for this round.
The CCC is asking for all hands on deck to defeat SB 380 , the bill extending physician-assisted suicide. The emails sent to legislators have made an impact. Thank you for your emails that helped force an amendment to the bill to put back in a sunset date, which proponents initially sought to remove. Now, with your continued help, we can defeat this bill.
There is no question that this bill will hurt all Californians, but it will do so disproportionately to the vulnerable and disadvantaged. Instead of addressing shortfalls in Medi-cal funding for those most in need, the State is choosing to focus on extending end-of-life options. This demonstrates a lack of compassion for those amongst us who need it most.
Click here to tell your legislators that we cannot subject the vulnerable to abuse with this bill.
As reported last week, we would also like to thank the thousands who sent email alerts to lawmakers on SB 245, the bill that would have ended abortion co-pays in the state. This bill became a two-year bill, and while it will still be a threat next year, getting it stalled is partly thanks to the thousands of emails that were sent. Every alert counts, so thank you to all who heeded the call.
Stay with the CCC as things rapidly change during the last week of Session.
Pray for Hurricane Ida Victims
Hurricane Ida hit Louisiana as a Category 4 hurricane last Sunday, leaving a wake of destruction and devastation. There have been fatalities, widespread flooding, and more than one million remain without power, which officials believe could last up to one month. Multiple states have been affected as Ida travelled up the eastern seaboard dumping record levels of rain.
USCCB President and Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles issued a statement asking for prayer, “for the safety, well-being, and protection of everyone in these impacted areas. We also pray in a special way for the first responders, health care workers, and emergency personnel who bring relief, comfort, and healing. I urge our Catholic faithful and all people of goodwill across the country to stand in solidarity with these impacted communities.”
You can support those affected by Hurricane Ida by donating to Catholic Charities USA now.
Fire Relief Efforts
As the Caldor fire descends on South Lake Tahoe, taking with it ski resorts and popular tourist areas, homes, and businesses, we are reminded of the extent of destruction taking place not only there but in several locations around our state.
If you haven’t already, please support the organizations working so hard to provide relief to those who are displaced or have lost their homes during this time.
“Then they will reply, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison and didn’t do anything to help you?’ Then he will answer, ‘I assure you that when you haven’t done it for one of the least of these, you haven’t done it for me.’” -Matthew 25: 44-45
Click here to support Caldor fire efforts and Dixie Fire efforts, and continue to pray for those affected and for the fire firefighters and first responders on the front lines battling the blazes.
Your Vote Counts
The California Gubernatorial Recall election is less than two weeks away, and all ballots have been mailed out.
Please remember that your vote counts! Review your options, vote your conscience, and mail your ballot now, or take it to the appropriate dropbox on Sept. 14.
The Church calls us to be civically responsible members of our democratic society, and that includes voting. Click here for more information.
USCCB Prayer for Labor Day
As the sun rises to bring in the new day:
We remember those who descend into the earth, their work begins in darkness, pulling from the earth, the resources we steward.
We remember those who work inside a building away from the light and brightness of the day.
We remember those who work outside in the harsh elements of our world, the bitter cold and sweltering heat of extremes.
We remember those who do not have a job to go to, who are struggling to meet the needs of their daily living expenses, for whom the day becomes long and arduous.
As the sun sets to bring in the evening of rest:
We remember those who work in the night.
We remember those who are trying to recover from their labor and toils of the day.
We remember those who participate in unsafe and dangerous work.
We pray for a renewed sense of dignity in their lives and in their work.
God, in your goodness, you have made a home for the worker. Make a place in our hearts for compassion to the men and women who labor tirelessly for basic necessities. Ensure a place for the men and women who are struggling to find work. Grant us your wisdom to greet and care for those who are unable to work due to illness or circumstances that prevent their participation. Be with the children who are not able to run and play, but instead must put in a hard day’s work to help their family afford to eat, to live. Be with us all, Christ Jesus, as we go about the busyness of our work. Hold us accountable not only for our actions, but most importantly to each of our neighbors. May we continue to work together to bring about your reign! We ask this in your holy name, through the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Click here for the USCCB’s statement on Labor Day.
Today we need prophecy, but real prophecy. Miraculous demonstrations are not needed, but lives that demonstrate the miracle of God’s love. @Pontifex
Sept. 3, 2021
Vol. 14, No. 31