Special Update 

May is off to a busy start, and timing is crucial to contact your legislators on state and federal budget requests, so we're sending a special update! Please see below for a statement from the Bishops of Ohio on the Child Tax Credit, Important Action Alerts, Adoration Invite, and a Prayer for the Conclave. 

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

Bishops of Ohio Statement on Child Tax Credit 

The Catholic Bishops of Ohio issued a signed statement urging lawmakers to include the child tax credit from the Executive Budget in the final version of the FY 2026-2027 State Operating Budget. The Executive Budget included a refundable tax credit of up to $1,000 per child under the age of seven, but it was removed in the House version. CCO has long advocated for the creation of a refundable child tax credit as “a hallmark of pro-family public policy, as reflected in their broad, bipartisan support at the federal level.”

Click to view the full statement >

Action Alerts 

Local Action Alerts (CCO):

Support Economically Disadvantaged Students
Ohio Senators are actively reviewing the State’s Operating Budget, as passed by the House. Now is the time to ask Senators to provide students living in high-poverty areas with the support they need to flourish, regardless of what school they attend.

Catholic schools have historically welcomed students of all backgrounds, with a special focus on those facing economic challenges. Ask your Senator to expand support for these students by extending Disadvantaged Pupil Impact Aid (DPIA) to chartered nonpublic school students living in high-poverty areas. DPIA provides economically disadvantaged students with reading and math intervention, mental health support, and safety upgrades.

Take Action Now >

Prohibit State-Funded Death
House Bill 72 and Senate Bill 134 uphold a consistent ethic of life. Fostering a culture of life throughout Ohio requires a commitment to recognizing the sanctity of the human person in all stages and circumstances, including the child in the womb, the infirm, and those who, at one time, blatantly disregarded the humanity of others and need to face justice. 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, reinforce laws to ban state funding for abortion, and strengthen protections against assisted suicide. Send a message asking your legislators to prohibit state-funded death.

Take Action Now >

National Action Alerts (USCCB):

Educational Choice for Children Act
Your help is urgently needed to pass a national school choice bill! Contact your representatives in the U.S. Congress and urge them to support including the Educational Choice for Children Act (ECCA) (H.R. 833/S. 292) in Budget Reconciliation. Urge your Member of Congress to maintain the ECCA's most important provisions: 

  • $10 billion in annual credits for individual and corporate giving
  • 100% credit on the donation by the taxpayer

Take Action Now >

Religious Worker Protection Act
An increasing number of priests, religious sisters and brothers, and others serving the Church throughout the United States will be forced to abandon their ministries if policymakers do not act soon. Ask your members of Congress to join with legislators on both sides of the aisle in supporting the Religious Worker Protection Act, a much-needed source of relief for people of faith and communities nationwide. 

Take Action Now >

Invite: Adoration at the Statehouse 
Tuesday, June 3rd 

The Catholic Bishops of Ohio invite all the faithful to spend time with Jesus and pray for our nation, state, and government leaders in the Ohio capitol building.

Eucharistic Adoration will take place:
Tuesday, June 3, from 10 am to 2 pm
Governor Thomas Worthington Center 
(inside the Ohio Statehouse) 
1 Capitol Square, Columbus, Ohio, 43215

View details at: ohiocathconf.org/adoration

Let Us Pray

Papal Conclave Novena  
(Source: Pray More Novenas)

Heavenly Father, we pray in union with the whole Church for the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Cardinals. May the Princes of the Church listen attentively to Your Spirit during the conclave.

Almighty God, we pray that the conclave brings us a Pope who pleases You by guiding Your Church to grow in faithfulness to You. We pray together with the intercession of our Mother Mary and all the Saints. Please Lord, protect and guide your Church during this time of transition.

Amen.

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

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