February Newsletter 

The latest from CCO - action alerts, legislative news, updates, and more.

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

New Event: Catholics at the Capitol 2024
Tuesday, April 9th from 9:15 am - 4:30 pm 

The Catholic Conference of Ohio is bringing Catholics from across Ohio to the Statehouse to meet with elected officials and advocate for policies that respect life, focus on the poor and vulnerable, and recognize families as the central social institution of society.
 

The event is free to attend, and lunch will be provided.
 

Click here for details and register by April 1st >  

Legislative Updates & CCO Testimonies

SB 159 - Authorize Tax Credit for Pregnancy Resource Center Donations
The Catholic Conference of Ohio testified this week in support of Senate Bill 159, which would authorize a tax credit for donations made to pregnancy resource centers. Studies in Ohio have shown that black women and women of low socio-economic status are more likely to visit a pregnancy resource center. Given the plight of maternal health outcomes in Ohio by race and class, it is obvious that pregnancy resource centers are invaluable institutions serving women most in need. SB 159 would encourage directing funds to organizations whose efforts to support women with material resources, counseling, and personal accompaniment are a heroic witness to the dignity of women and their preborn children. Read the full testimony here >

SB 198 - Provide Inmates with State ID Cards, Education Documentation
The Catholic Conference of Ohio testified this week in support of Senate Bill 198, which would provide inmates with state identification cards and documentation relating to work experience, education, and trade skills upon their release. The Bureau of Justice Statistics finds that three out of five of those once incarcerated struggle with unemployment, in part due to the difficulty of procuring necessary documentation. Providing applications for identification cards, copies of training records, a birth certificate, and other documents that assist a returning citizen in obtaining employment will yield manifold benefits for those involved in the justice system and their communities. Read the full testimony here >

Action Alerts

Urge Congress to Protect Children Online
USCCB Alert
Members of both parties in Congress are putting forward various pieces of legislation that would address and help prevent the destructive effects of online child exploitation. Your voice is needed to urge Congress to use their authority to protect children and vulnerable people online. To learn more, read the USCCB’s letter outlining three moral principles Congress can use to protect children online.

Ask your member of Congress to protect children online today >

Abolish the Death Penalty
Make your voice heard and urge your state legislators to support Senate Bill 101 and House Bill 259 to abolish the death penalty in Ohio. We cannot solve violence with more violence, or obtain justice via the state of Ohio directly and intentionally killing a defenseless human life.

Use the following action alerts to easily send a message:

• Action Alert for SB 101 - Contact Your Senator
• Action Alert for HB 259 - Contact Your Representative

Special Feature

Bishop Malesic (speaking) and  Bishop Danylo (sitting).

IN REMEMBRANCE
Two Years of War in Ukraine

"We gather tonight to offer our prayers for the repose of the souls of those killed in this war. And for healing, and for recovery for those who have been maimed.”
- Bishop Edward C. Malesic

February 24 marked two years since Russia invaded Ukraine. An ecumenical prayer vigil was held this past Saturday, February 24, at the Cathedral of St John the Evangelist in Cleveland to honor the lives lost and devastated as a result of the war and to pray for peace. Bishop Bohdan J. Danylo of the Eparchy of St. Josaphat and Bishop Edward C. Malesic and Bishop Michael G. Woost of the Diocese of Cleveland led the many Ukrainians in the Cathedral in stirring prayers and songs. 

Kids singing at the prayer vigil. Photos courtesy of the Diocese of Cleveland

Bishop Malesic echoed Pope Francis in lamenting the futility of war while recounting violence in Ukraine, the Holy Land, Sudan, and other areas of the world. He noted the distinctly horrific killing and maiming of Ukrainians across the country and the forced displacement of families separated across Europe and the United States. At the same time, Bishop Malesic recognized the ways Catholic Charities and various parishes have welcomed, protected, promoted, and integrated Ukrainians in the Cleveland area, many of whom participated in the service. The Ohio Bishops have shared their gratitude to Governor DeWine for his administration’s support of the Church’s work to help provide refuge for the forcibly displaced.

On February 23, the chairman of the USCCB Committee on International Justice and Peace urged the U.S. government to provide more aid immediately to alleviate the suffering of Ukrainians. He also expressed concern at Russia’s targeting of religious communities in Ukraine, destroying churches and arresting religious leaders, some of whom have been tortured and killed.

Since the war began, Bishop Danylo has visited Ukraine and helped organize spiritual and social support for Ukrainians fleeing violence and those remaining in the country. In addition to tending to the Ukrainian diaspora in Ohio and across the U.S., he responds to the many effects of the war through his roles as secretary of the Patriarchal Commission for Clergy in the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church and a member of the Working Group for the Development of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church.

Watch the prayer vigil at: www.dioceseofcleveland.org/events/2024/02/24/vigil-of-remembrance-prayer-service-for-peace-in-ukraine

Let Us Pray

Prayer for Peace of Pope Francis
Source: USCCB

Lord Jesus,
we adore your cross
which frees us from sin, the origin of every division and evil;
we proclaim your resurrection,
which ransoms man from the slavery of failure and death;
we await your coming in glory,
which will bring to fulfillment your kingdom of justice, joy and peace.

Lord Jesus,
by your glorious passion,
conquer the hardness of our hearts, imprisoned by hatred and selfishness;
by the power of your resurrection,
save the victims of injustice and maltreatment from their suffering;
by the fidelity of your coming,
confound the culture of death and make the triumph of life shine forth.

Lord Jesus,
unite to your cross the sufferings of the many innocent victims:
the children, the elderly, and the persecuted Christians;
envelop in paschal light those who are deeply wounded:
abused persons, deprived of freedom and dignity;
let those who live in uncertainty experience the enduring constancy of your kingdom: the exiles, refugees, and those who have lost the joy of living.

Lord Jesus,
cast forth the shadow of your cross over peoples at war;
may they learn the way of reconciliation, dialogue and forgiveness;
let the peoples so wearied by bombing experience the joy of your resurrection:
raise up Iraq and Syria from devastation;
reunite your dispersed children under your gentle kingship:
sustain Christians in the Diaspora and grant them the unity of faith and love.

O Virgin Mary, Queen of peace,
you who stood at the foot of the cross,
obtain from your Son pardon for our sins;
you who never doubted the victory of his resurrection,
sustain our faith and our hope;
you who are enthroned as Queen in glory,
teach us the royal road of service and the glory of love.

Amen.