June Newsletter 

We are excited to share the latest from CCO including action alerts, legislative news, updates, and more.

Learn more about CCO: View our brochure or visit our website.

Action Alerts

Abolish the Death Penalty

Our desire to foster a culture of life throughout Ohio requires a commitment to recognizing the sanctity of human life in all stages and circumstances, including those who, at one time, blatantly disregarded the humanity of others and need to face justice. Additionally, the Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that "the death penalty is inadmissible because it is an attack on the inviolability and dignity of the person." It is time for Ohio to end this practice and ensure our laws respect life without exception.

Click "Take Action" to ask your Ohio Senator to support SB 101 and abolish the death penalty. 

August Special Election

Issue 1 Ballot Language
Issue 1 will be voted on in a special election on August 8, 2023 and asks voters if Ohio should “Require that any proposed amendment to the Constitution of the State of Ohio receive the approval of at least 60 percent of eligible voters voting on the proposed amendment.” The amendment also increases signature requirements and removes the signature collection extension to propose a constitutional amendment.
Click to read the Issue 1 ballot language >
Click to read the Issue 1 explanation >
 

Important Dates

 

Promote voter registration or hold a non-partisan voter registration event at your parish! Download flyers and how-to guides at: www.ohiocathconf.org/voting 

Legislative Updates & CCO Testimonies

HB 33 - House's Budget Bill
Members of the HB 33 FY24-25 operating budget committee are expected to finalize the State budget this week. CCO Executive Director, Brian Hickey, sent a letter to the committee advocating for the rights of parents to choose the educational option that best fits their children and for addressing the needs of pregnant women, seniors, and children. 
Read the full letter here >
 

HB 5, HB 34, and HB 68 All Passed Out of the House 
Three CCO-supported bills that passed out of the Ohio House this month will now go to the Ohio Senate for consideration. HB 5 would raise the adoption living expense disbursement to the birth mother from $3,000 to $6,000, simplify the process of finalizing international adoptions, and permit adult adoption of those with developmental disabilities. HB 34 would excuse breastfeeding mothers from jury service. And HB 68, the Saving Adolescents from Experimentation (SAFE) Act, would ban gender transition drugs and surgeries for minors and includes legislation that mandates participation in sports according to one's biological sex.


HB 199 - Computation of the Personal Income Tax Joint Filer Credit
On Tuesday, June 20, CCO testified in support of House Bill 199. Under the current tax code, married couples in Ohio often receive a tax penalty, as the couple pays more in taxes than they would if they filed taxes as unmarried individuals. HB 199 changes the computation of the non-refundable tax credit offered to married couples, so that marriage will no longer carry a tax burden. The Catholic Conference expressed that the expanded credit represents a step toward a society that privileges marriage and family life.

CCO Updates

We're Hiring: Associate Director of Education
The Associate Director of Education provides leadership and advocacy for the Conference’s activities related to educational issues, particularly those affecting Catholic school communities. They monitor, evaluate, and propose responses to legislative and public policy issues and interpret educational laws, rules, and policy proposals for their impact on Catholic schools, students, families, and educators. This position also convenes regular meetings for diocesan superintendents of schools and gathers other program directors or diocesan staff, as needed.

View Full Job Description >

Happening in Ohio


Sacred Music Institute Conference - July 19-21
"Inheritors of Heaven: The Call to Eucharistic Worship"

Open to anyone interested in sacred music, this 3-day conference will focus on the centrality of the Eucharist in the liturgical prayer of the Church and in the life of the baptized. 

July 19-21
Mount St. Mary's Seminary & School of Theology
Cincinnati, OH
Click Here to Learn More and Register >

 

The FEST - August 6

A day of FAITH, FAMILY, and FUN for all ages... 
and it's FREE!

The FEST is a Catholic event with Adoration, the Sacrament of Confession, and concludes with an Outdoor Mass with Bishop Malesic. 

Sunday, August 6, 12 noon - 10pm
Center for Pastoral Leadership
Wickliffe, OH 
www.thefest.us

 

National Conference on Eucharistic Miracles - August 11-13

The conference offers an in depth opportunity to grow deeper in our faith in God thru what he has revealed to us in the Holy Eucharist. Register at www.hostofmiracles.org

August 11-13
Our Lady of the Holy Spirit Center
Cincinnati, OH
www.hostofmiracles.org 

Special Feature


Religious Freedom Week

Today is the last day of Religious Freedom Week, June 22-29, in which the USCCB invites Catholics to pray, reflect, and act to promote religious freedom. Religious freedom allows the Church, and all religious communities, to live out their faith in public and to serve the good of all.

Learn more about Religious Freedom Week >

 

Catholic Ministries Serving Migrants and Refugees
One prayer intention during Religious Freedom Week is for the protection of all migrants and refugees, and that all those who work with people on the move would be free to serve. To address recent hostility and some common misconceptions about the Church's ministries serving migrants and refugees, the USCCB issued the following document: 
FAQ on Catholic Ministries Serving Migrants and Refugees >

Let Us Pray

Prayer for Religious Liberty

O God our Creator, 
from your provident hand we have received
our right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
You have called us as your people and given us
the right and the duty to worship you, the only true God,
and your Son, Jesus Christ.
Through the power and working of your Holy Spirit,
you call us to live out our faith in the midst of the world,
bringing the light and the saving truth of the Gospel
to every corner of society.

We ask you to bless us
in our vigilance for the gift of religious liberty.
Give us the strength of mind and heart
to readily defend our freedoms when they are threatened;
give us courage in making our voices heard
on behalf of the rights of your Church
and the freedom of conscience of all people of faith.

Grant, we pray, O heavenly Father,
a clear and united voice to all your sons and daughters
gathered in your Church
in this decisive hour in the history of our nation,
so that, with every trial withstood
and every danger overcome—
for the sake of our children, our grandchildren,
and all who come after us—
this great land will always be “one nation, under God,
indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Catholic Conference of Ohio
100 E. Broad St., Suite 600
Columbus, OH 43215
614.224.7147
www.ohiocathconf.org

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