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Hurricane Irma: Prayer and Preparedness
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Prayer for Protection from Hurricanes
God, our Father, Creator of the Universe, You have set the earth on its foundation and all the elements of nature obey Your command. We humbly beseech You to keep us safe from all dangers and calm the storms which may threaten us. May we be secure in Your loving protection and serve You always with grateful hearts. We ask this through Jesus Christ, Your Son, Who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen. |
Hurricane Irma has already taken lives and caused tremendous damage to several Caribbean islands as a dangerous Category 5 storm. The latest forecasts have this large and powerful hurricane on a direct path toward Florida. Regardless of where Irma makes landfall, the entire state will experience its impact.
Governor Rick Scott has declared a state of emergency for all of the state's 67 counties. Floridians and tourists planning to evacuate in advance of the storm should do so now, before winds and surging waters arrive. "This is serious, and we cannot take chances. It is life threatening." Scott said after receiving an update at the State Emergency Operations Center in Tallahassee at 5 p.m. Wednesday. "This is not a storm you can sit and wait through."
As you prepare for Hurricane Irma, visit the Catholic Charities of Florida Emergency Management webpage for many helpful resources. |
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Florida Legislature Cancels Committee Meetings as Irma Approaches
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In anticipation of what could be the most devastating hurricane to make landfall in Florida in decades, legislative leaders Wednesday canceled committee meetings scheduled for next week.
Senate President Joe Negron and House Speaker Richard Corcoran called off what would have been the first committee meetings to prepare for the 2018 legislative session, citing concerns about potential damage from Hurricane Irma.
In separate memos, the leaders urged their members to take necessary precautions in advance of the major storm. |
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Death Warrant Signed by Governor; Execution Set to Take Place October 5
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Governor Rick Scott has scheduled an October 5 execution for Cary Michael Lambrix, a Death Row inmate convicted of killing Aleisha Bryant and Clarence Moore in 1983. Scott ordered Lambrix to be put to death last year, but the Florida Supreme Court put the execution on hold after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the state's death-penalty sentencing system. The death warrant for Lambrix, issued Friday, September 1, came little more than a week after Mark Asay was executed by lethal injection in the state's first execution in 19 months.
The FCCB will continue to urge that death sentences be commuted to life in prision without parole. The Church teaches that if non-lethal means are available to keep society safe from an aggressor, then authority must limit itself to such means." (cf. Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. 2267)
We are grateful for those who contacted Governor Rick Scott prior to the August 24 execution of Mark Asay and who joined us in prayer either privately or at one of the many prayer vigils held across Florida. Please be on the lookout for an action alert that urges our governor to spare the life of Mr. Lambrix and for upcoming opportunities in your diocese to pray for those on death row, the victims of their crimes, and Governor Scott. |
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FCCB Welcomes New Associate Director for Health
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On September 5, Marco T. Paredes, Jr. joined the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops (FCCB) as associate director for health. His primary responsibility is to serve as a representative of the bishops on issues pertaining to access to health care, freedom to serve and end-of-life care before the legislative and executive branches of government and community organizations. He will also work closely with staff and directors in Florida's seven Catholic dioceses through the activities of the health desk and committees of the FCCB. Paredes succeeds Michael J. McQuone who retired on June 30.
"We are pleased that Marco has chosen to bring his talents and expertise to the FCCB. His deep knowledge of the health care industry and government relations will be of great help as he advocates for policies that ensure broad access to care and solid health policies for Floridians," said Michael B. Sheedy, executive director.
Read more. |
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Respect Life State Conference: October 20 & 21, 2017 in Weston, FL
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Join us for the 31st Annual Respect Life State Conference, October 20 & 21 at the Bonaventure Resort & Spa in Weston, Florida.
The conference title, For the Least of Them, and "fingerprint heart" image speak to our personhood and how we are each unique, unrepeatable human beings with inherent dignity, made in God's image. The theme and program are designed to inspire, educate, and equip participants in upholding the dignity of the most vulnerable members of society against attacks from the culture of death. Come hear dynamic speakers present Catholic Church teachings on today's critical life issues. Be inspired and equipped to protect the least among us.
More information and registration form. |
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Recent News from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB)
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Joint Letter to Congress: 33 Organizations Urge Passage of Conscience Protection Act of 2017
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) joined thirty-two other major pro-life, religious, and health care organizations on September 6 urging the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate to pass the Conscience Protection Act of 2017 (H.R. 644/S. 301). Signatories include numerous medical groups representing tens of thousands of health care professionals who object to abortion and are seeking legal protection to serve their patients in good conscience.
USCCB Denounces Administration's Decision to End DACA and Strongly Urges Congress to Find Legislative Solution
The President and Vice President along with Chairmen of the USCCB have issued a statement denouncing the Administration's termination of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program after six months.
Over 780,000 youth received protection from the DACA program since its inception by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in 2012. DACA provided no legal status or government benefits but did provide recipients with temporary employment authorization to work in the United States and reprieve from deportation.
U.S. Bishops' Anti-Racism Committee Chair Lifts Up National Day of Prayer
Bishop George V. Murry, SJ, of the Diocese of Youngstown, Ohio, Chairman of the U.S. Bishops' Ad Hoc Committee Against Racism, called on Catholics and all people of faith to observe an annual Day of Prayer for Peace in Our Communities on September 9, the Feast of St. Peter Claver.
To help dioceses, parishes and other places of worship, communities, and families observe this National Day of Prayer, the Ad Hoc Committee Against Racism and USCCB staff offer pastoral and prayer resources which can be found at www.usccb.org/racism. |
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September 7, 2017
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