The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) is inviting you to take action on issues related to the federal “Build Back Better” bill. The action alerts include a sample message that will be sent to your members of Congress.
We need your help to ensure the Build Back Better Act does not effectively exclude Catholic schools from child care and pre-K programs, thereby severely limiting options for families.
The USCCB is encouraged by many provisions being considered for the Build Back Better Act to support the common good, including family supports, housing, migration, and the environment. Child care and pre-kindergarten are important for families, and the Church has always affirmed that parents should choose the best environment for care and education of their children.
However, the current child care and universal pre-kindergarten provisions in the Build Back Better Act could effectively exclude Catholic providers and many other faith-based providers, and this needs to be fixed.
The bishops also ask that health care proposals in this bill be governed by the Hyde Amendment principle of NOT funding elective abortions. The Hyde Amendment protects Americans from being forced to pay for abortion with tax dollars.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO ASSIST REFUGEES
Over 13,000 Afghan individuals are temporarily being housed at the Ft. McCoy army base between Sparta and Tomah, Wis. while they are being processed and vetted. Catholic Charities of the LaCrosse diocese is taking the lead in providing humanitarian relief and they need our help to continue this important work of welcoming Afghan guests.
If you or your group is interested in volunteering at Ft. McCoy for 1-2 week deployments, please click here for more information from the Archdiocese of Dubuque Catholic Charities. The volunteer needs are changing rapidly, and volunteers should be able to be on their feet and active for 8- to 10-hour days providing social and humanitarian support to men, women, and children. Skills related to sewing, teaching, childcare, or language skills in Pashto or Dari are helpful but not required.
The Diocese of Des Moines’ Catholic Charities is resettling Afghan refugees in central Iowa. Click here to find out how you can help. Donations of time, goods and funds would be helpful.
PRAY FOR DOBBS
A national ecumenical prayer event will be held online next Thursday, Nov. 18, at 7 p.m. to pray for the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization case. This is the case that could overturn Roe v. Wade - the Supreme Court decision that made abortion legal in all 50 states. Event leaders include the superior general of the Sisters of Life, Mother Agnes Mary Donovan, S.V., and pastor, author, and speaker, Tony Evans. To register, go to www.prayfordobbs.com.
REGISTER NOW FOR THE 2022 CATHOLIC SOCIAL MINISTRY GATHERING
Registration is now available for “Justice at the Margins,” the 2022 Catholic Social Ministry Gathering set to take place Jan. 29 – Feb. 1, 2022, in a virtual format. Scholarships are available for some to cover a portion of the registration fee.
The purpose of the annual gathering is to pray, learn, and advocate together on our Catholic vision for the post-pandemic world and call to bring justice to the margins.
This year’s virtual gathering will include:
Inspiring leading voices in Church and society.
Workshops with policy experts and grassroots community leaders.
Resources from dozens of Catholic social ministry organizations.
Virtual advocacy visits with elected officials.
The entire program will be offered bilingually (English and Spanish) and sign interpretation will be available.