July 20-25 - Social Action Summer Institute, Atlanta

The national Social Action Summer Institute will be held in Atlanta, Georgia, on July 20-25, 2008.  Speakers include Rev. Clarence Williams, CPPS, Director of Racial Equality and Diversity for Catholic Charities USA; Jack Jezreel, founder of JustFaith Ministries; Joan Rosenhauer of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops' Department of Justice and Peace, and Human Development; and many more.  The institute includes tracks in Foundations of Catholic Social Teaching, Advanced Symposium on Racism, and Parish Social Action Skills.  For more information, access the registration form at www.nplc.org/roundtable/events/SummerInstituteBrochure08.pdf or contact the diocesan Office for Social Concerns at 614-241-2540. 

July 25-27 -- Life, Justice, and Family Convocation, Cherry Hill, NJ

Life, Justice, and Family, a historic convocation of family life, social justice, and respect life leaders exploring new pathways to partnerships in promoting human life and dignity will be held on July 25-27, 2008, in Cherry Hill, New Jersey.  The event, sponsored by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops' Secretariat for Pro-Life Activities will explore the connections between Respect Life, Social Justice, and Family Life ministries, delve into Catholic moral and social teaching from Vactican II, Humanae Vitae and Deus Caritas Est, and embrace the spirit of generosity and solidarity that animates Catholic thought and action.  For a promotional brochure, go online at www.usccb.org/prolife/ljfconvocation4.5.pdf or contact the diocesan Office for Social Concerns at (614) 241-2540.


August 2008

August 13 -- NCPD Webinar on U.S. Bishop's Pastoral Statement on People with Disabilities

On August 13, 2008, the National Catholic Partnership on Disability will highlight have an online webinar "The Bishops Pastoral Statement on People with Disabilities at 30:  Bright Past, Bold Future."  The webinar is from 1-2 p.m. and is free to those in the Diocese of Columbus since the diocese is an affiliate member of NCPD.  For more information, go to www.ncpd.org/Webinars.htm or call NCPD at (202) 529-2933.

September 2008

September 1 -- Labor Day

The 2008 Labor Day Statement by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops' Domestic Policy Committee is available online. The statement calls attention to the needs of the nation's workers, current economic inequalities, and the responsibilities of all citizens to help improve conditions.  To read the statement online, go to www.usccb.org/sdwp.  For more information about the statement, contact the diocesan Office for Social Concerns at (614) 241-2540.

September 4, 5, 6 -- Disability Conference, Huron, Ohio

The National Apostolate for Inclusion Ministry, an organization which promotes the inclusion of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the life of the Church, will host a conference on September 4-6, 2008 at the Sawmill Creek Resort & Conference Center in Huron, Ohio.  Topics of the conference include the parish as a welcoming community, education, sacramental preparation, children with autism, and family support.  For more information, visit NAfIM's website at www.nafim.org or call Kitty Kruse at (800) 884-9580.

September 12 -- Growing Season:  The Life of a Migrant Community - A photo Exhibit

Growing Season:  The Life of a Migrant Community, an exhibit of photographs and text from the book by Gary Harwood and David Hassler will be on display from August 26-September 26, 2008, at the Martin de Porres Center, 2330 Airport Drive, Columbus, Ohio.  A presentation by the authors will be on Friday, September 12, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.  Optional buffet supper at 6 p.m.  For details, gallery hours, and registration for the September 12 event, call the Martin de Porres Center at (614) 416-1910.

September 17 - Faithful Citizenship Presentation Series

Prepare for the 2008 Election and live out your political responsibility.  Four-part event presentation series on the U.S. Bishops' statement Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship.  St. Elizabeth Church, 6077 Sharon Woods Blvd., Columbus.  Program 7:00-8:30 p.m.  For more information, call (614) 891-0150.  For a copy of the flyer, click here.

- Wednesday, September 17 - Faithful Citizenship:  An Introduction and Overview by Jerry Freewalt, Office for Social Concerns.
- Wednesday, September 24 - Applying the Teachings of Faithful Citizenship:  Human and Family Life by Mark Huddy, Office for Social Concerns and Stephanie Jenemann, Family Life Office.
- Wednesday, October 1 - Applying the teachings of Faithful Citizenship:  Social Justice and Global Solidarity by Erin Cordle, Office for Social Concerns.
- Wednesday, October 8 - What's a Catholic to do?  Living Out Faithful Citizenship by Jim Tobin, Catholic Conference of Ohio.

September 24 - November 2 -- 40 Days for Life

This fall, from September 24 - November 2, our community will be uniting with more than 300 cities and 32 states for the largest simultaneous pro-life mobilization in history - the nationwide 40 Days for Life campaign.  Faithful believers across the country are praying that this effort will mark the beginning of the end of abortion in America.  For more information, please contact Keith in the Office for Social Concerns at (614) 241-2540 or click here for online information.

September 24 - Faithful Citizenship Presentation Series - Human and Family Life (see Sept. 17)

September 26 - Breakfast with the Bishop - Catholic Social Services

Please join Catholic Social Services for its 16th annual Breafast with the Bishop, which will be held on Friday, September 26, 2008, at the Hyatt Regency, 350 N. High Street, Columbus, from 7:45-9:15 a.m.  Bishop Frederick F. Campbell will provide a faith perspective on healthcare in America.  He will be joined by special guest speaker, Claus P. von Zychlin, Preseident and CEO of Mount Carmel Health Systems.  All proceeds from the breakfast will support the vital programs and services of Catholic Social Services.  Individual tickets are available for $40.  To inquire about purchasing tickets or event sponsorship, please contact Monica Henry at (614) 857-1238 or mhenry@colscss.org. 

September 27 - Climate Change Conference

Climate Change:  A New Vison for Earth is the theme for a conference to be held on Saturday, September 27, 2008, at the Martin de Porres Center, 2330 Airport Drive, Columbus, Ohio.  Presenters include Sr. Leanne Jablonski FMI, Director of Marianist Environmental Education Center in Dayton and Dr. Greg Hitzhusen, Executive Director of Ohio Interfaith Power and Light.  Gathering begins at 9:15 a.m. and program is 9:45 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Suggested donation is $15.  Sponsored by the Domincan Sisters-St. Mary of the Springs and the Ohio Catholic Rural Life Conference.  To register, call (614) 416-1047 or email rvanburen@columbusdominicans.org.


October 2008

October is Respect Life Month

October is Respect Life Month and Sunday, October 5, 2008, is Respect Life Sunday. For more information, contact the diocesan Office for Social Concerns at (614) 241-2540. Visit the U.S. Catholic Bishops’ website at www.usccb.org/prolife for online resources.

October 1 - Faithful Citizenship Presentation Series - Social Justice and Global Solidarity (see Sept. 17)

October 5 -- Meet the Candidates Forum - St. Thomas More Newman Center, Columbus

Want to know where the candidates stand on issues?  "Meet the Candidates Forums" sponsored by the non-partisan Franklin County Consortium for Good Government will take place prior to the 2008 Election.  Sunday, October 5, 2008, St. Thomas More Newman Center, 64 W. Lane Ave., Columbus, 1:30 p.m. reception / 2 p.m. program.  Three Catholic parishes, the Office for Social Concerns, and Black Catholic Ministries of Columbus are co-sponsoring these events.  For more information and additional locations, call (614) 241-2540 or go online at www.franklincountyconsortium.com.

October 5-11 - Mental Illness Awareness Week

Mental Illness Awareness Week is October 5-11, 2008. The NCPD Council on Mental Illness, an outreach program of the National Catholic Partnership on Disability (NCPD) is encouraging Catholic observance of Mental Illness Awareness Sunday, October 5, 2007. This national effort is designed to promote pastoral sensitivity to, and inclusion of, individuals and their family members who are affected by mental illness. It is an opportunity for parishes to raise awareness about this important issue, to educate Catholics about mental illness, and to help reduce the unfortunate stigma often associated with mental illness. For more information, please go to www.ncpd.org/MentalIllnessAwarenessWeek.htm or contact the diocesan Office for Social Concerns at (614) 241-2540.

October 6 -- NCPD Webinar on Mental Illness

On October 6, 2008, the National Catholic Partnership on Disability will highlight have an online webinar "Come to the Table:  Nurturing the Sacramental Life of Persons with Mental Illness."  The webinar is from 1-2 p.m. and is free to those in the Diocese of Columbus since the diocese is an affiliate member of NCPD.  For more information, go to www.ncpd.org/Webinars.htm or call NCPD at (202) 529-2933.

October 8 - Faithful Citizenship Presentation Series - What's a Catholic to do?  Living Out Faithful Citizenship (see Sept. 17)

October 13 -- Children's Holy Field Trip

A Children's Holy Field Trip will be held on Monday, October 13th, at St. Michael Church, 5750 N. High Street, Worthington, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.  This is a Holy Hour with Eucharistic Exposition, a homily, a Rosary, and Benediction, the intention being for the protection of all human life and for families.  All Catholic Schools in the Columbus Diocese are invited.  For more information and to register, please call the diocesan Office for Social Concerns at (614) 241-2540 or email at socmailbox@colsdioc.org. 

October 15 -- Meet the Candidates Forum - Corpus Christi Church, Columbus

Want to know where the candidates stand on issues?  "Meet the Candidates Forums" sponsored by the non-partisan Franklin County Consortium for Good Government will take place prior to the 2008 Election.  Wednesday, October 15, 2008, Corpus Christ Church, 1111 E. Stewart Ave., Columbus, 6:30 p.m. reception / 7 p.m. program.  Three Catholic parishes, the Office for Social Concerns, and Black Catholic Ministries of Columbus are co-sponsoring these events.  For more information and additional locations, call (614) 241-2540 or go online at www.franklincountyconsortium.com. 

October 21 - Theology and a Pub Presentation on Faithful Citizenship

Social Concerns and Political Responsibility:  Not Just Every 4 Years by Jerry Freewalt, diocesan Office for Social Concerns, October 21, 2008, Theology and a Pub event, Gresso's, 961 S. High Street, Columbus.  Doors open at 6 p.m., talk begins at 7:30 p.m.  For more information, click here.

October 22 -- Evening of Prayer for Diocesan Prison & Jail Ministers

Bishop Frederick Campbell will lead an Evening of Prayer for Diocesan Prison & Jail Ministers on Wednesday, October 22, 2008, beginning at 7:00 p.m., at St. Joseph Cathedral, 212 East Broad Street, Columbus.  All who minister to inmates in prisons and jails throughout the diocese as well as those in reentry ministry are invited to attend.  For more information, please contact the diocesan Office for Social Concerns at (614) 241-2540.

October 29 -- Meet the Candidates Forum - St. Joan of Arc Chruch, Powell

Want to know where the candidates stand on issues?  "Meet the Candidates Forums" sponsored by the non-partisan Franklin County Consortium for Good Government will take place prior to the 2008 Election.  Wednesday, October 29, 2008, St. Joan of Arc Church, 10700 Liberty Road, Powell, 6:30 p.m. reception / 7 p.m. program.  Three Catholic parishes, the Office for Social Concerns, and Black Catholic Ministries of Columbus are co-sponsoring these events.  For more information and additional locations, call (614) 241-2540 or go online at www.franklincountyconsortium.com.  


November 2008

November 4 - Election Day

"In the Catholic tradition, responsible citizenship is a virtue, and participation in political life is a moral obligation." (U.S. Bishops, Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship). To read the U.S. Catholic Bishops' statement "Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship: A Call to Political Responsibility from the Catholic Bishops of the United States" go to their website at www.faithfulcitizenship.org.  Also visit the Catholic Conference of Ohio's website at www.ohiocathconf.org.

November 15 - Ohioans To Stop Executions Annual Meeting

Ohioans To Stop Executions will hold an annual meeting on Saturday, November 15, 2008, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at St. Francis DeSales High School, 4212 Karl Road, Columbus.  To RSVP, email otse.org@gmail.com.  For more information about the Church's teaching on the Death Penalty, visit the Catholic Conference of Ohio's website on the death penalty, click here.

November 23 - Catholic Campaign for Human Development Collection

The Catholic Campaign for Human Development Collection will be on November 23, 2008, the Sunday before Thanksgiving. For more information about the Catholic Campaign for Human Development go their the CCHD website at www.usccb.org/cchd or contact the diocesan Office for Social Concerns at (614) 241-2540.

November 27 – Thanksgiving Day

“O GOD, source and giver of all things, who manifests Your infinite majesty, power and goodness in the earth about us, we give You honor and glory. For the sun and rain, for the manifold fruits of our fields, for the increase of our herds and flocks, we thank You. For the enrichment of our souls with divine grace, we are grateful. Supreme Lord of the harvest, graciously accept us and the fruits of our toil, in union with Christ Your Son, as atonement for our sins, for the growth of Your Church, for peace and charity in our homes, for salvation to all. Amen.” This prayer and other resources for parishes are available online from the National Catholic Rural Life Conference at www.ncrlc.com.


December 2008

December 1 -- World AIDS Day

December 8 -- National Night of Prayer for Life, Feast of Immaculate Conception

December -- Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe Celebrations with Latino Communities

December 10 – Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

December 25 – Catholic Charities Collection

The annual collection for diocesan Catholic Charities will be taken up on Christmas Day, December 25. This collection allows the diocese to meet a variety of basic needs directly and through diocesan agencies and organizations including J.O.I.N., St. Stephen's Community House, Catholic Social Services, St. Lawrence Haven, and the St. Vincent de Paul Society. You can help share in this important work by generously supporting the Catholic Charities collection this year. 

January 2009

January is Poverty Awareness Month

Today, 36.5 million Americans - and 1 in 6 children - are living below the poverty line.  They live in families who are of necessity making hard choices between food, health care, heat and rent.  To bring attention to this national crisis, the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) has designated January as "Poverty in America Awareness Month."  During this special month of observance, we devote our efforts to heightening the nation's understanding of the breadth and depth of the problems of poverty.  For information about Poverty in America Awareness Month, go to www.povertyusa.org or contact the diocesan Office for Social Concerns at (614) 241-2540.

January 1 -- World Day of Peace Message

Pope Benedict XVI will issue a message for the 42nd World Day of Peace, January 1, 2009.  To read the statement and other supplementary materials, click here or contact the diocesan Office for Social Concerns at (614) 241-2540.

January 4 - 10 – National Migration Week

"Renewing Hope, Seeking Justice" is the theme for 2009 National Migration Week, January 4-10. It is important for communities everywhere to treat migrants justly and provide a welcoming presence to all people on the move.  For online resources for parishes and schools, visit the U.S. Catholic Bishops' National Migration Week website at www.usccb.org/mrs/nmw.shtml or contact the diocesan Office for Social Concerns at (614) 241-2540.

January 8 - Urban Plunge Reception - University of Notre Dame Alumni

Alumni of the University of Notre Dame are invited to the Urban Plunge reception on Thursday, January 8.  The reception marks the conclusion of the 48-hour Urban Plunge in Columbus for students of the University of Notre Dame.  Students who participate in this inner-city immersion experience visit homeless individuals and families in shelters and camps, feed the hungry at soup kitchens, food pantries and by meals-on-wheels, and volunteer at Catholic Charities agencies.  Alumni from the University of Notre Dame are invited to the 5:15 p.m. Mass at St. Joseph Cathedral and reception with the students following Mass in the first floor conference room at the Catholic Center, 197 E. Gay Street, Columbus.  The Columbus Urban Plunge is an annual program coordinated by the diocesan Office for Social Concerns and the Notre Dame Alumni Club of Columbus.  For more information, call (614) 241-2540.

January 22 -- Respect Life Mass -- Day of Penance and Prayer

The Most Rev. Frederick F. Campbell, Bishop of Columbus, will be celebrant at Mass on Thursday, January 22, 2009, 10:30 a.m. at St. Joseph Cathedral, 212 E. Broad Street, Columbus, in observance of the "day of penance for violations to the dignity of the human person committed through acts of abortion, and of prayer for the full restoration of the legal guarantee of the right to life." This day of penance and prayer falls on the anniversary of the January 22, 1973, U.S. Supreme Court decision Roe v. Wade, which legalized abortion. All are invited to attend. For more details including parking information, contact the diocesan Office for Social Concerns at (614) 241-2540. To read more about the Church's teaching on pro-life issues, visit the U.S. Catholic Bishops' website at www.usccb.org/prolife. 

January 22 - Youth Rally for Life

The annual Youth Rally for Life will be on Thursday, January 22, 2009, from Noon to 1 p.m. at the Statehouse, corner of Broad and High Streets, Columbus.  Although it is a "Youth Rally" for life, it is open to all ages.  For more information, contact Columbus Right to Life at (614) 445-8508.


February 2009

Lent 2009 - Operation Rice Bowl

As part of our faith community's Lenten observance, many parishes participate in Catholic Relief Services' Lenten program, Operation Rice Bowl. For 33 years, Operation Rice Bowl has inspired Catholics in the United States to pray, fast, learn, and give to increase their understanding of our global community throughout our Lenten journey. Family Operation Rice Bowl calendars and “bowl banks” are sent directly to the parishes. Additional materials may be obtained from the diocesan Office for Social Concerns at (614) 241-2540. All are encouraged to participate in Operation Rice Bowl at home with their families and loved ones.

February 14 - Diocesan Respect Life Conference

The annual Diocesan Respect Life Conference will be at St. Andrew Catholic Church, 1899 McCoy Road, Columbus, on Saturday, February 14, 2009.  Fr. Tom Euteneuer, President of Human Life International, will lead a conference, and Dr. Brian Clowes will be a guest speaker.  The day starts at 8:30 a.m. with Mass and will end at 3 p.m. with the Rosary.  Lunch will be a catered buffet.  Registration fee is $15.  To register, please contact the diocesan Office for Social Concerns at (614) 241-2540 or email at socmailbox@colsdioc.org.  For a copy of the registration form, click here. 

February 22 - 25 -- Catholic Social Ministry Gathering

The Catholic Social Ministry Gathering, to be held on February 22-25, 2009, in Washington, DC, is the annual meeting of social justice ministry leaders from national Catholic organizations and dioceses throughout the nation. The meeting includes inspiring prayer and worship, challenging speakers, and social ministry strategy sessions. In addition, participants receive detailed briefings on priority peace and justice issues especially as they affect the poor and vulnerable. A highlight of the meeting involves bringing a common Catholic message on these issues to our Senators and Representatives on Capitol Hill. For more information, go online at www.catholicsocialministrygathering.org or call the diocesan Office for Social Concerns at (614) 241-2540. 


March 2009

March is Mental Retardation/Developmental Disabilities (MR/DD) Awareness Month

The National Catholic Partnership on Disability (NCPD) facilitates the implementation of the Pastoral Statement of U.S. Catholic Bishops on People with Disabilities by calling for inclusion of people with disabilities in the life of the church and the community. To view NCPD’s website, go to www.ncpd.org. To obtain a copy of NCPD’s “Opening Doors of Welcome and Justice to Parishioners with Disabilities: A Parish Resource Guide,” contact the diocesan Office for Social Concerns at (614) 241-2540.

March 1 – Catholic Relief Services Collection

The Catholic Relief Services (CRS) collection is March 1, 2009. CRS is the official international relief and development agency of the U.S. Catholic community. To learn more about their global solidarity efforts, please visit the CRS website at http://www.crs.org or contact the diocesan Office for Social Concerns at (614) 241-2540.

Resources on the Internet:

From the Catholic Conference of Ohio

Social Justice Issue Listing – State Level

This website offers positions and resources regarding issues that affect human life and dignity at the state level. Issues include abortion, death penalty, poverty, housing, immigration, death and dying, rural life, family life, among others. Visit the CCO’s issue listing at www.ohiocathconf.org/I/index.htm.

Living with Hopes…Confronting our Fears: Resource Guide on Death and Dying

The Catholic Conference of Ohio is pleased to offer this Educational Resource on Death and Dying issues. It builds upon the Ohio Bishops’ 1993 Statement entitled: "Hopes and Fears: Pastoral Reflections on Death." Our hope is that these materials will be used to raise awareness and promote dialogue around the moral, social and political issues associated with the dying process. Visit the CCO’s website to download the resource at www.ohiocathconf.org/I/Hope_Fears_Resource.htm.


From the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

Social Justice Issue Listing – Federal Level

The following websites offer positions and resources regarding issues that affect human life and dignity at the federal level. Issues include abortion, death penalty, poverty, housing, immigration, death and dying, rural life, education, persons with disabilities, family life, among others. Visit the U.S. Bishops’ Department of Social Development and World Peace at http://www.usccb.org/sdwp. Or visit the U.S. Bishops’ Office of Government Liaison at http://www.usccb.org/ogl/index.shtml.

A Place at the Table: A Catholic Recommitment to Overcome Poverty and to Respect the Dignity of All God’s Children

The website for the U.S. bishops' statement, A Place at the Table: A Catholic Recommitment to Overcome Poverty and to Respect the Dignity of All God's Children offers a wealth of resources to help you reflect and act on this important message, which calls all Catholics--pastors and parishioners, Catholic educators, leaders, and citizens—to be "ever more faithful witnesses of God's love and justice, protecting the dignity of all God's children, especially the poor and vulnerable." As our nation and world confront terrorism, war, and violence, the statement recalls the words of Pope Paul VI, "If you want peace, work for justice." Visit the Place at the Table website at http://www.usccb.org/sdwp/placeatthetable/index.htm.

Office for Social Concerns
Catholic Diocese of Columbus
197 East Gay Street
Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 241-2540
socmailbox@colsdioc.org