St. Mary's Peace & Justice Events
The Catholic Church’s Moral Stand Against Torture
Most of us know that the Church has taken a stand on many vital issues, from abortion to the death penalty and stem cell research in an effort to promote and protect the "life and dignity of the human person." But did you know that the Church has also taken a moral stand against torture because it violates the principle of human dignity? In fact, the Church has produced a Catholic Study Guide on torture to help us reflect on this issue. Especially during Lent, we recall that Jesus himself was tortured. A moral theologian from the Jesuit School of Theology at Berkeley will be coming to St. Mary’s in June of this year to help us understand the Church’s teaching on torture in our time. Dr. Lisa Fullam will speak at St. Mary's on Monday, June 22, at 7:00 p.m. Read or download the study guide Torture is a Moral Issue.
U.S. Catholic Bishops Office Urges Catholics To Get Involved…
Health Care Reform
“Cover the Uninsured Week:” March 22-28, 2009.
The nation has begun a vigorous debate on heath care reform and this is an opportune time to begin praying, learning and advocating for reform, advises Kathy Saile, Director of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Domestic Social Development. The debate will extend over the next several months and the resources listed below can continue to be used during this week’s “Cover the Uninsured” campaign and in the months ahead:
How You Can Participate in Reforming Our Health Care System
Make a commitment to learn more:
◊ Attend the upcoming Social Justice Forum on Health which begins Thursday evening, April 30 at St. Thomas of Canterbury Parish on McCoy Avenue off Quito Road in San Jose.
◊ Learn about the Church’s teachings by reading the U.S. Catholic Bishops’ A Framework for Comprehensive Health Care Reform.
◊ Read the recent backgrounder on health care from the Department of Justice, Peace and Human Development.
◊ Read Catholic Charities USA’s materials on health care and the role health care reform plays in CCUSA’s Campaign to Reduce Poverty in America.
◊ Read Catholic Health Association’s Vision for U.S. Health Care and access information on hosting community meetings and reaching out to local media.
◊ Visit the Cover the Uninsured Week website for educational resources, local events, and ideas for action as an individual, parish, or community.
◊ Use the Prayer and Liturgy resources to engage your parish or community in this issue.
Download a two-page handout with resources for you to use and to share with others. The handout also includes information on how to connect with other Catholic partners, such as Catholic Campaign for Human Development-funded groups, Catholic Health Association members, Catholic Charities agencies, and other community organizations.