Laudato Si’ Quote
33. It is not enough, however, to think of different species merely as potential “resources” to be exploited, while overlooking the fact that they have value in themselves. Each year sees the disappearance of thousands of plant and animal species which we will never know, which our children will never see, because they have been lost forever. The great majority become extinct for reasons related to human activity. Because of us, thousands of species will no longer give glory to God by their very existence, nor convey their message to us. We have no such right.
Reflection:
What is the most beautiful thing you have ever seen in nature? Take a minute to really recall what you saw, what you heard or smelled, and how you felt when you experienced it. Now imagine that no one will ever be able to see what you saw again. That animal, plant, forest, park, beach, sky has been lost forever, unable to “give glory to God by their very existence.” What does this ask of you?
Action:
Watch #4 of the SSND Integral Vision series, “That All May Be One” and talk with another person about what this reflection means for you.
Dismantling Racism
Are you looking for a way to integrate Lent and your desire to be an anti-racist? Consider registering for the workshop “White Supremacy and American Christianity” sponsored by NETWORK on April 9, 2022. Details and registration can be found here.
Climate Change
Plastic is everywhere. Last week Pope Francis called the throwing of plastic in the sea as “criminal.” "It kills biodiversity, it kills the Earth, it kills everything," said the Pope. But how much have we come to rely on plastic and not asked the cost? How much do you know about the life cycle of plastic?
* Watch this four minute video from the Story of Stuff about plastic, and share the video with others.
* And be on the lookout for a Voter Voice on the global use of plastics!
The overarching question for women religious in addressing Climate Change is: What is the role of women religious in response to the signs of these times? Please watch this two part webinar by Sr. Laurie Brink, OP. Professor of New Testament at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, “For All the Earth: Integrating Charism, Mission, and Care of the Creation.” Part 1 and Part 2.
Human Trafficking
Over half (52 percent) of Canadians are unaware that sex trafficking victims are often lured by someone they know. February 22 is National Human Trafficking Awareness Day in Canada. This year’s theme is “Love Shouldn’t Come at a Cost,” a reminder that fostering and understanding healthy relationships is ultimately the key to ending trafficking. For more information on this year’s focus, click here
In partnership with One Child and Meta (FaceBook) there is this development to address child online exploitation in Canada. Read here for excellent information and to learn more about how we must hold each other accountable for our online access and privacy – for the sake of the children. Be sure to scroll down and look at the videos produced with Meta. We have to begin somewhere.
Justice for Immigrants
This less than four minute video from late January 2022 PBS NewsHour is a reminder of what immigration requires from so many. Action comes from personal conversion for the other.
Every Tuesday night at 7:15 p.m. EST since December 12, 2000 there have been a group of people who pray at the border and call out the names of those who have died trying to reach safety. You can now join this vigil with Healing Our Borders virtually through Zoom. Hear the names, including those no identificado, and think of their mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles,..….the link to join the vigil is here.
Take action by reminding President Biden that immigration is an issue past due. For more information on #WelcomeWithDignity and a way to respond, click here.
Haiti Partnership
Learn more about what is happening politically in Haiti now by watching this five minute newsclip from last week on PBS NewsHour here.
Gospel Fund
Atlantic-Midwest Province Gospel Fund Application – Due March 1, 2022
The Gospel Fund of the Atlantic-Midwest Province is established for the purpose of assisting in the financing of projects whose goals are consistent with the SSND congregational mandate to reverence all creation and make the concerns of the poor our own. Gospel Fund applications are due by March 1, 2022. Click here for the current application. You may send the completed application via email to Cheryl Fameli at cfameli@amssnd.org. If you would prefer to send hardcopies of your application through the mail, please contact Arlene Flaherty (aflaherty@amssnd.org) for instructions.
