Catholics Called to be Missionary Disciples
In an unprecedented gathering over the July 4th weekend, about 3,500 Catholic leaders in the United States were schooled in what it means to be missionary disciples in the world today.
The theme of the meeting and the inspiration for the content came from the words of Pope Francis in his encyclical The Joy of the Gospel (Evangelli Gaudium):
“I dream of a ‘missionary option,’ that is, a missionary impulse capable of transforming everything so that the Church’s customs, ways of doing things, times and schedules, language and structures can be suitably channeled for the evangelization of today’s world rather than for her self-preservation.” (Evangelii Gaudium 27)
Delegates to the Convocation of Catholic Leaders in Orlando began by looking at the history of the Church in America and how the world has changed during the past 50 years.
Society has moved from the relative religious “stability” of the mid-20th century to an explosion of those who now profess to have no religious affiliation. Along with the growth of secularization has come the loss of the priority to worship together.
California Issues First Assisted Suicide Report
In the first seven months after California’s new Physician-Assisted Suicide (PAS) law went into effect 111 Californians legally committed suicide with state approval.
The first annual report by the California Department of Public Health shows that 191 people received lethal prescriptions from doctors between June 9, 2016 and Dec. 31, from 173 physicians.
Of the people who received the prescriptions, 111 died using the drugs. Another 21 died without taking the prescriptions. Status of the remaining 59 was not reported. Also not reported, but would be important is the disposition of the lethal drugs not used by the 21 who died naturally and the 59 who have chosen not to report.
Of the people who died with the assistance of doctors, nearly 90 percent were older than 60, and nearly 60 percent were suffering from cancer. Some 90 percent were white and 54 percent were female. Another statistic that would be helpful is to know how many requesting the lethal drugs have been offered and use psychological assessment or services. Depression and mental distress are a natural part of terminal conditions and requests for death.
Virtually all 111 had health insurance.
National Catholic Pledge to End the Death Penalty
Pope Francis has called on all Catholics to fight to end the use of the death penalty.
The Holy Father has charged that Catholics are also called “improve prison conditions, with respect for the human dignity of the people deprived of their freedom.”
The Catholic Mobilizing Network has created an online pledge and is inviting people of all faiths and good will to sign. The pledge is focused on education, advocating for the dignity of all life, and prayer.
The belief in the dignity of the human person is a pillar of our Catholic faith. The death penalty represents a failure of our society to fulfill the demands of human dignity, as evidenced by the 159 innocent death row inmates and counting who have been exonerated since 1973. This denial of human dignity calls all to make known the mercy of God and uphold the Church’s teaching: in a modern society where the death penalty is not needed to maintain public safety.
Click here to sign the pledge.
FAQ on US Supreme Court Travel Ban Ruling
After the Supreme Court’s recent ruling on Executive Order 13780, (commonly known as the Travel Ban) the California Catholic Conference has found answers to help unwrap the Court’s decision and how it impacts refugees and the immigration system in the U.S.
While this is the most accurate information we are able to provide at this time, this situation is still fluid, so please be sure to keep reading for updates as more information becomes available.
What happened with the Supreme Court decision?
Visit Our Action Alert Page
As the legislature looks to accomplish all it can before the Summer Recess begins on July 21, please visit the CCC Action Alert page to let lawmakers know about the most pressing issues at hand.
There are important bills, such as AB 569 that targets religious employers that are making their way through both houses. Now is the time to let your elected official know where you stand.
Click here to quickly send letters to your representatives on these bills before time is out.
Diocese of San Bernardino Seeks Young Adults Program Coordinator
The Diocese of San Bernardino Ministry of Youth office is seeking a Young Adults Program Coordinator to provide direction, consultation and follow-up to Pastors, Administrators, Pastoral Coordinators, CYAM, CPJH, and parish leadership to promote and develop comprehensive young adult ministry programing.
For more information and how to apply, please visit www.sbdiocese.org.
July 7, 2017
Vol. 10, No. 23