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Social Justice
june/july2020
Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship: Catholics Participate in Public Life
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We need to participate for the common good. Sometimes we hear: a good Catholic is not interested in politics. This is not true: good Catholics immerse themselves in politics by offering the best of themselves so that the leader can govern.”- Pope Francis, 9/16/13
The Catholic bishops of the United States are pleased to offer once again to the Catholic faithful Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship (en Español), our teaching document on the political responsibility of Catholics. This statement represents our guidance for Catholics in the exercise of their rights and duties as participants in our democracy. We urge our pastors, lay and religious faithful, and all people of good will to use this statement to help form their consciences; to teach those entrusted to their care; to contribute to civil and respectful public dialogue; and to shape political choices in the coming election in light of Catholic teaching. The statement lifts up our dual heritage as both faithful Catholics and American citizens with rights and duties as participants in the civil order.
Read Forming Consciences
for Faithful Citizenship: A Call to Political Responsibility from the Catholic Bishops of the United States (en Español), which provides a framework for Catholics in the United States. Go to www.faithfulcitizenship. org for more information. You can view a number of YouTube videos on Faithful Citizenship and Catholics participating in public life here: https://www.youtube.com/ playlist?list=PL18AF7577177E12D9
What does it mean to form my conscience?
Catholics have a long tradition of engagement in the public square. Sometimes that engagement requires making difficult moral decisions that impact our own lives and those of others. Our conscience can help guide the decisions we make. The Second Vatican Council guides us: “Always summoning [one] to love good and avoid evil, the voice of conscience can when necessary speak to [one’s] heart more specifically: do this, shun that” (Gaudium et Spes 16). However, our conscience doesn’t just come to us when we are born. We must work throughout our lives to form it through prayer, learning, and conversation.
How do I form my conscience?
It takes time to form our consciences so that we can make well-reasoned judgments about particular, real-life situations. The Church teaches that it is important to work continually on conscience formation so we can be prepared to make decisions whenever the opportunity arises. Some specific ideas to form your conscience are: 1) Begin by being open to the truth and what is right. 2) Study Sacred Scripture and the teaching of the Church. 3) Examine the facts and background information about various choices and be discerning in where we gather information. 4) Prayerfully reflect to discern the will of
God (Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship, no. 18). Additionally, it is important to consider how our community of faith can help us form good consciences through some of these steps:
1)
2)
3)
4) Seek the prudent advice and good example of trusted leaders and others to support and enlighten our conscience. Learn about the authoritative teaching of the Church. Pray for the gifts of the Holy Spirit to help us develop our conscience. Regularly partake in an examination of conscience to hear God’s voice in your life. 1
Doing the work of forming our consciences can seem daunting. Fortunately, we have many church teachings that can help us in this important task. Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship is an important resource for U.S. Catholics and helps us prayerfully reflect on how we can apply Church teaching in our civic life. “Conscience is not something that allows us to justify doing whatever we want, nor is it a mere "feeling" about what we should or should not do. Rather, conscience is the
voice of God resounding in the human
heart, revealing the truth to us and calling us to do what is good while shunning what is evil.” 2
Here are some questions for further reflection:
1.
2.
3. When has my conscience guided me to “do good and avoid evil”? What are some key resources I can use to form my conscience? Forming conscience is a “lifelong task.” What do I do to regularly form my conscience? What more should I do?
1 Catechism of the Catholic Church (2nd ed.). Washington, DC: Libreria Editrice Vaticana–United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), 2000, no 1777
2 USCCB. Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship. Washington, DC: 2015, no. 17
Copyright © 2019, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. All rights reserved. This text may be reproduced in whole or in part without alteration for nonprofit educational use, provided such reprints are not sold and include this notice. Find this pledge and other resources and prayers at civilizeit.org.
P EOPLE of G OD june/july2020
Get Resources for Religious Freedom Week For the Good of All (June 22-29 th )
All people desire to know their Creator. All people have a natural impulse to seek the good and to live in accordance with that good. All people can flourish when they pursue the truth about God and respond to the truth. Religious freedom means that all people have the space to flourish. Religious freedom is both an American value and an important part of Catholic teaching on human dignity. When we promote religious freedom, we promote the common good and thus strengthen the life of our nation and the community of nations. Beginning June 22, the Feast of Saints Thomas More and John Fisher, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops celebrates Religious Freedom Week. Join us in promoting religious freedom For the Good of All. Find resources for prayer, education, and public action, to promote religious freedom for Catholics and for people of all faiths at usccb.org/ ReligiousFreedomWeek.
Christ Finds Us Where We Live: Exploring the Church’s Social Mission By Cynthia Roberson, CCHD Intern live.” Catholic social teaching reminds us of the Church’s social mission
“Each of us, let repeat from the heart: no family without lodging…, to reach out to those in need, and is rooted in the proclamations no people without sovereignty, no individual without dignity…” (Pope of the Hebrew prophets, who taught God’s people about His love Francis, Address at the World Meeting of Popular Movements, Bolivia) and justice. Catholic social teaching is inspired by the words of
During the months of June and July, the Church celebrates the Jesus Christ, as He claimed “to bring glad tidings to the poor... Solemnity of the Corpus Christi and Feast of the Sacred Heart of liberty to captives...recovery of sight to the blind” (Lk 4:18-19). As the Jesus. The Solemnity of the Corpus Christi is the unveiling of the real Catechism of the Catholic Church explains, “To receive in the truth presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist during the Last Supper, the Body and Blood of Christ given up for the us, we must recognize the miracle of the Eucharist. When we pray a devotion to the Sacred Christ in the poorest” (no. 1397). Heart of Jesus, we are calling to mind His love that was manifested During these difficult times, let us not be controlled by the fear, through His death on the Cross. but rather be open to the spirit of creativity, to reach out to others
Coupled, these feast days call Catholics to contemplate God’s alland build relationships of love and justice. Catholic social teaching powerful love and mercy, through prayer and the Eucharist. During provides the Church with principles to help God’s people cultivate the Covid-19 pandemic, we wonder how we will celebrate these a sense of social responsibility, built a society where each person’s feasts in a new way. In the face of fear and uncertainty spawned from dignity is recognized and protected, and to know how to address this virus, the social teachings of the Catholic church remind us that social problems with a spirit of creativity. we are one human family united in love and hope, called to transform If you are interested in learning more about how you can the world with prayer an action. While we are unable to join together participate in the social mission of the Church, and learn more about at Mass to receive Eucharist, we make acts of spiritual communion at Catholic social teaching, please contact me at croberson@archdiosf. home trusting God is transforming us in love. As Archbishop Wester org or (505) 440-1962 to schedule an appointment for an interactive states, “Christ and the Church finds us,” and seeks us out “where we presentation (English or Spanish) via Zoom.
june/july2020 P EOPLE of G OD 33
2020 Census: We Need You! By Oscar Arriaga, Media Specialist, U.S. Census Bureau
In 2020, our nation is conducting the once-a-decade census with the goal to count every person living in the United States once, only once and in the right place. Everyone matters and responding to the census helps communities get their fair share of federal funding. Census data guides how billions of dollars in funding gets distributed to states and communities each year and helps communities create jobs, provide housing, prepare for emergencies, and build schools, roads and hospitals. The census also helps determine how many seats a state receives in Congress and state and local governments use the data to redraw boundaries for congressional districts, state legislative districts and school districts, adapting to population shifts.
Conducting the census is a massive undertaking and it requires years of planning with the support of thousands of people. The 2020 Census is easy, safe and important. Responses are safe and confidential. It’s against the law for the census to publicly release your responses in any way that could identify you or your household and we take strong precautions to keep responses safe from cyber threats.
Households throughout the U.S. have received their invitations in the mail to complete the Census. For the first time, people have the option to respond online, from their home computer or mobile device. The census provides a unique census ID that is included with the questionnaire. This allows the census to count people in the correct place. If someone does not have access to the Internet, they also have the option to respond by phone or mail, as in years past. If people need help responding in their language, staff can guide them to the phone numbers and online questionnaires available in 12 non-English languages. Staff also have guides available in 59 languages that walk people through the process.
The U.S. Census Bureau continues to accept applications for temporary part-time positions with the 2020 Census. Here is an opportunity to be part of the Census and ensure that everyone in your community is counted. The job features flexible hours—a perfect fit if you are looking to earn extra money, even if you already have other commitments. The pay rate is $17.50 per hour for the Santa Fe County in New Mexico for Census Takers. Census takers also receive reimbursement for work-related mileage and expenses, where applicable.
For more information about the 2020 Census, please visit: www.2020census.gov
june/july2020
Covid-19: A Prayer of Solidarity
For all who have contracted coronavirus, We pray for care and healing. For those who are particularly vulnerable, We pray for safety and protection. For all who experience fear or anxiety, We pray for peace of mind and spirit.
For affected families who are facing difficult decisions between food on the table or public safety,
We pray for policies that recognize their plight.
For those who do not have adequate health insurance, We pray that no family will face financial burdens alone.
For those who are afraid to access care due to immigration status,
We pray for recognition of the God-given dignity of all.
For our brothers and sisters around the world, We pray for shared solidarity. For public officials and decision makers, We pray for wisdom and guidance.
Father, during this time may your Church be a sign of hope, comfort and love to all.
Grant peace. Grant comfort. Grant healing. Be with us, Lord. Amen.
Copyright © 2020, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. All rights reserved. This text may be reproduced in whole or in part without alteration for nonprofit educational use, provided such reprints are not sold and include this notice.
Empty your CRS Rice Bowl GIVE Online or GIVE a check!
Don’t worry that you cannot return your CRS Rice Bowl to your parish or school.
We have two ways you can give!
Through CRS Rice Bowl, our Catholic community in the United States does something amazing each Lent. We come together to practice prayer, fasting and almsgiving—and by doing so we help lift families and communities out of poverty. Rice Bowl helps us to be in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in need.
MAIL your 2020 Lenten Rice Bowl Contribution to:
Archdiocese of Santa Fe Make the check to: Social Justice and Respect Life Archdiocese of Santa Fe 4000 St. Joseph Pl. NW Put “CRS Rice Bowl” Albuquerque, NM 87120 in the memo line.
Where Does Our Lenten Rice Bowl Money Go?
100% of CRS Rice Bowl contributions support projects for the poor both overseas and here in the Archdiocese of Santa Fe. 25% of the contributions fund local poverty and hunger alleviation programs in dioceses across the United States.
From the Rice Bowl money collected from 82 parishes, schools and other organizations during Lent 2019, $19,160.00 went to 18 local organizations that work to alleviate hunger and homelessness in our Archdiocese: Where Does Our Lenten Rice Bowl Money Go?
Click here to watch a Thank You Video from CRS Rice Bowl.
For more information about CRS Rice Bowl: www.crsricebowl.org
The Archdiocese of Santa Fe entered into Chapter 11 Reorganization during the first week of December, 2018. The utmost concern is for the victims of abuse. Our prayers are with them. The CRS Rice Bowl is NOT part of the Chapter 11 filing. 100% of your donations go to people in need in our Archdiocese and across the globe where CRS works. Christ’s loving work must endure through this. Thank you for continuing to support these efforts.
june/july2020
¡Todavía puedes contribuir! No te preocupes por no poder devolver tu cajita del Plato de Arroz de CRS a tu parroquia o escuela.
¡Tenemos dos maneras en las que puedes contribuir!
A través del Plato de Arroz de CRS, nuestra comunidad católica en los Estados Unidos hace algo sorprendente cada Cuaresma. Nos reunimos para practicar la oración, el ayuno y la limosna, y al hacerlo ayudamos a que las familias y las comunidades salgan de la pobreza. El Plato de Arroz nos ayuda a ser solidarios con nuestros hermanos y hermanas necesitados.
Puedes contribuir al Plato de Arroz de la Cuaresma 2020 aquí:
Envía tu contribución para el Plato de Arroz de la Cuaresma 2020 a:
Archdiocese of Santa Fe Haz el cheque a nombre de: Social Justice and Respect Life Arquidiócesis de Santa Fe. 4000 St. Joseph Pl. NW Escribe "CRS Rice Bowl" Albuquerque, NM 87120 en la línea del memo.
¿A dónde se va el dinero de nuestro Plato de Arroz de Cuaresma?
El 100% de las contribuciones del Plato de Arroz de Cuaresma apoyan proyectos para los pobres en el extranjero y aquí en la Arquidiócesis de Santa Fe. El 25% de las contribuciones financian programas locales de alivio de la pobreza y el hambre en las diócesis de los Estados Unidos. Del dinero recaudado a través del Plato de Arroz en 82 parroquias, escuelas y otras organizaciones durante la Cuaresma del 2019, $19,160.00 se destinaron a 18 organizaciones locales que trabajan para aliviar el hambre y la falta de un techo en nuestra Arquidiócesis. Para encontrar más información sobre el Plato de Arroz de CRS en español visite: https://www.crsricebowl.org/es/
Vea el video de agradecimiento: https://photos.crs.org/rb2020spavideos/he192d9c6#he192d9c6
La Arquidiócesis de Santa Fe se amparó bajo el Capítulo 11 del Código de Bancarrota -Reorganización- durante la primera semana de diciembre del 2018. La mayor preocupación es por las víctimas de abuso. Nuestras oraciones están con ellas. El Plato de Arroz de CRS NO es parte del amparo bajo el Capítulo 11. El 100% de sus donaciones van a las personas necesitadas en nuestra Arquidiócesis y en todo el mundo donde CRS trabaja. El trabajo amoroso de Cristo debe perdurar a través de esto. Gracias por seguir apoyando estos esfuerzos.
35 God’s Mercy Awaits You: A Book Review
By Carol Feeney, Project Rachel Coordinator
God’s Mercy Awaits You, by Sister Patricia Marie Barnette, RGS, is a must-read for women experiencing trauma from abortion and for those who accompany them as family, friends or therapists. It was recently published by Pauline Books and Media (January 22, 2020). Sister Barnette gently guides the post-abortive woman from honestly facing her abortion to accepting forgiveness, recognizing her own dignity and reclaiming a healthy and joyful future.
Denial, rationalization and distortion of the truth of events surrounding an abortion are coping mechanisms which initially serve to protect humans from trauma, but if not overcome, can prevent recovery. With gentleness and wisdom, Sister Barnette offers solutions to making the climb from being trapped in trauma, to freedom and recovery of joy. She helps the reader strengthen her faith in God and reliance on Jesus as friend and companion throughout the healing process.
The book includes tips for family, friends and counselors who support the post-abortive woman in her grief. One chapter gives an insightful description of how abortion affects men who identify with the role of protector of the family. Because men and women often process their grief so differently, mistaken perceptions and poor communication can break down trust in relationships when an abortion has occurred. However, with spiritual guidance, counseling and hard work, trust can be restored.
Women who feel unable to forgive themselves are asked to explore God’s compassionate nature and to accept that they are not excluded from his grace. This can be difficult in a state of grief and remorse, but a woman can try to recall a time from her past that she remembers receiving mercy from God; to give thanks for this mercy then make the leap of recognizing God’s offer of mercy to her now.
Sister Barnette acknowledges the difficult work of healing from abortion. With understanding and compassion, she leads the reader from despair into hope. While never discounting the seriousness of abortion, she warns against judgement, since no one has the right to judge the state of a soul.
For anyone who has known sin and regret for misguided actions, God’s Mercy Awaits You is a wonderful book that reminds us of the frailty of human beings and the healing power of God’s love. This is an uplifting book with a happy ending. It is a good read for our times!
The book can be purchased on line, or if you wish, you may check out and download a free “e-copy” from the Archdiocese of Santa Fe Ministry Resource Center. The Ministry Resources Center is accessible on line at https://archdiosf.booksys.net/opac/archdiosf/index. html#menuHome
“Drop the thorns so you can pick up flowers.” ~Sister Patricia Marie Barnette, RGS
