We extend a warm Iowa welcome to Bishop Dennis Walsh, who was installed on Friday as bishop of the Diocese of Davenport. Bishop Walsh was a priest of the Diocese of Toledo, Ohio. Please keep him in your prayers!
Form your conscience before voting
As we approach Election Day, the Iowa bishops encourage you to read two bulletin inserts: “The Role of the Church in American Public Life” and “Conscience Formation.” As Pope Francis has said, “Everything, including political life, belongs to Jesus Christ, and so participation in political life belongs to the mission of the Church.” Also, please review the video “Catholics Participate in Public Life,” on the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ YouTube page, https://www.youtube.com/@UsccbOrg.
Election season is a good time to visit our Action Center at https://iowacatholicconference.org/voter-voice/. Under “View Your Election Center,” when you put in your ZIP code and address you will find personalized resources with legislator and candidate information.
Migration Week celebrated
The federal Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals heard arguments last week on a constitutional challenge to SF 2340, Iowa’s “illegal reentry” immigration enforcement measure. The law is not in force at this time.
The Church just celebrated National Migration Week, calling attention to the challenges confronting migrants and refugees, from their country of origin to their destination, and how Church teaching calls on Catholics to respond with compassionate acts of love.
For this year’s observance of World Migration Day, Pope Francis selected the theme “God walks with his people.” God not only walks with his people, but also within them, in the sense that He identifies himself with men and women on their journey through history, particularly with the least, the poor and the marginalized, the Holy Father said in his annual message.
The Justice for Immigrants website includes information on National Migration Week, including prayer resources and homily notes that illuminate the intersection between Church teaching and migration.
Respect Life Month: a ‘revival of prayer and action’
“Jesus, truly present in the Eucharist, gives us the fullness of life,” said Bishop Michael F. Burbidge of Arlington in his statement inviting Catholics to commemorate October as Respect Life Month with “a revival of prayer and action.”
Jesus calls each of us to respect that gift of life in every human person. While we live in a society that often rejects those who are weak, fragile, or vulnerable, they are the most in need of our care and protection,” he continued. “Through the graces of this revival, may we witness, work, and vote so that all children in the womb will be protected in law and welcomed in love, and that all mothers and families will be strengthened by our support and accompaniment.”
Catholics are called upon to renew their commitment to the legal protection of human life, to support policies and service ministries that assist mothers, and to extend compassion to those suffering from participation in abortion.
Novena for mental health begins October 10
“Everyone who needs help should receive help.” This is the simple message that underscores the National Catholic Mental Health Campaign. The campaign was launched in 2023 through the efforts of the chairmen of two bishops’ committees in response to growing concerns about mental and behavioral health. Its goal is to raise awareness among Catholics nationwide on the many facets of mental health.
The Iowa Catholic Conference is collaborating with a group working on a perinatal mental health access program to support new mothers.
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