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"User's Manual" for Social Doctrine Launched at WYD
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Pope Francis directed that a new resource on the Church's social doctrine be prepared for young people and introduced at last month's World Youth Day (WYD). It is called DOCAT and it is available as an app and a book. Ignatius Press is also offering a study guide. In the Introduction, Pope Francis described DOCAT as "a user's manual that helps us to change ourselves with the Gospel first, and then our closest surroundings, and finally the whole world. For with the power of the Gospel, we can truly change the world." |
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Pope Francis at WYD: Blaze Trails & Spread Joy
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On July 30, Pope Francis addressed more than one and a half million people at a prayer vigil, part of World Youth Day: "This is no time for denouncing anyone or fighting. We do not want to tear down, we do not want to give insult. We have no desire to conquer hatred with more hatred, violence with more violence, terror with more terror. We are here today because the Lord has called us together. Our response to a world at war has a name: its name is fraternity, its name is brotherhood, its name is communion, its name is family."
Mentioning first the paralysis that comes from being afraid, Pope Francis said that there was an even more dangerous paralysis: "I like to describe it as the paralysis that comes from confusing happiness with a sofa. In other words, to think that in order to be happy all we need is a good sofa. A sofa that makes us feel comfortable, calm, safe. ... Dear young people, we didn't come into this world to 'vegetate', to take it easy, to make our lives a comfortable sofa to fall asleep on. No, we came for another reason: to leave a mark. ... Jesus is not the Lord of comfort, security and ease. Following Jesus demands a good dose of courage, a readiness to trade in the sofa for a pair of walking shoes and to set out on new and uncharted paths. To blaze trails that open up new horizons capable of spreading joy, the joy that is born of God's love and wells up in your hearts with every act of mercy. To take the path of the 'craziness' of our God, Who teaches us to encounter Him in the hungry, the thirsty, the naked, the sick, the friend in trouble, the prisoner, the refugee and the migrant, and our neighbors who feel abandoned. To take the path of our God, Who encourages us to be politicians, thinkers, social activists. The God who encourages us to devise an economy marked by greater solidarity than our own. In all the settings in which you find yourselves, God's love invites you bring the Good News, making of your own lives a gift to Him and to others. This means being courageous, this means being free."
To read the entire text of the Holy Father's words at the prayer vigil, click here. For all of the Pope's presentations during his trip to Poland, visit the Vatican website. |
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2016-2017 Respect Life Program
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"Moved by Mercy" is the theme of this year's Respect Life Program, sponsored annually by the US Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). In addition to the bilingual bulletin insert, the program materials include six full-color pamphlets on topics such as post-abortion healing, suicide, God's creation and accompanying expectant mothers considering adoption. The 2016-2017 Resource Guide includes homily helps for Respect Life Sunday (Oct. 2, 2016), additional resources for the six pamphlets, and suggestions for participating in the 9 Days for Life - an annual period of prayer and action surrounding the Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children on January 22 (also the anniversary of Roe v. Wade).
To find details on all of the USCCB's Respect Life Program materials, click here. |
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Eco-Parish Guide for Catholic Parishes
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In his encyclical Laudato Si', Pope Francis does not mince words: "Living our vocation to be protectors of God's handiwork is essential to a life of virtue; it is not an optional or a secondary aspect of our Christian experience." The Eco-Parish Guide: Bringing 'Laudato Si" to Life is a tool for pastors, staff, pastoral councils and parishioners to combat climate change - what Pope Francis refers to as "one of the principal challenges facing humanity in our day." Divided into three main sections, the guide includes initiatives that can help parishes reduce emissions, suggestions for how they can inspire and engage parishioners about environmental issues, and ways to practice solidarity and advocacy that serve the neediest and build up the common good. |
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Important Dates for 2016-2017
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Make sure the following dates are on your calendar:
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The Washington State Catholic Conference (WSCC) is the public policy voice of the Catholic Bishops of Washington State.
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