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October 6, 2023


News


Overview: This week, Congress passed and President Biden signed a continuing resolution ([link removed]) that prevented a shutdown and keeps the government running through Nov. 17, 2023. The CCUSA social policy team had sent an action alert to the Catholic Charities network urging people to contact their members of Congress. As a result, 1,090 messages were sent via the CCUSA alert, urging senators and representatives to prevent a shutdown. Thanks to all who sent a message to their elected officials in DC! You helped to keep available vital food supplies to people who struggle to feed themselves and their families, as well as funds for disaster relief across the country.

Also this week, history was made in the House of Representatives with the ouster of the Speaker of the House, the first time ever. The impact of this historic action leaves a lot of uncertainty as to how the legislative process will be doing business moving forward until a new Speaker is elected, a critical question in light of the fact that - as already noted - the current federal funding expires next month.

Annual Gathering: The CCUSA Annual Gathering took place in Cleveland, Ohio, this week. Members of CCUSA's social policy team were there hosting a social policy forum, as well as presentations on advocacy basics and advancing racial equity through advocacy.

Economy: In the week ending September 30, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial unemployment claims ([link removed]) was 207,000, an increase of 2,000 from the previous week's revised level. The previous week's level was revised up by 1,000 from 204,000 to 205,000. The 4-week moving average was 208,750, a decrease of 2,500 from the previous week's revised average. The previous week's average was revised up by 250 from 211,000 to 211,250. According to the Department of Labor, the labor market added 336,000 jobs ([link removed]) in September.

New papal document: Pope Francis released Laudate Deum ([link removed]) on the feast of St. Francis, Oct. 4, this week. Read CCUSA's statement on Laudate Deum here ([link removed]). The apostolic exhortation is an update of Laudato si ([link removed]), which was published eight years ago and explores care for the earth. Laudate Deum focuses on the climate crisis and how to mitigate its effects. The pope says that national and international organizations will bear most of the responsibility through agreements and policies at the global level. Some kind of world authority needs to monitor compliance of states and corporations, but such authority must never be in the hands of an elite few or bow to special interests. Subsidiarity applies to global efforts too, so local communities and even individuals need to be part of the process as well. When it comes to each human being, the pope says, we can adopt habits that reduce pollution and we also can advocate for our elected officials ([link removed]) to pass meaningful legislation that cares for creation and respects human dignity.

 

Trivia

Q. What does the memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary, celebrated on Oct. 7, commemorate?

Please send your answers to "Michael" means "Who is like unto God?" "Gabriel" means "God is my strength." "Raphael" means "God has healed." ([link removed])

 

Connections

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Text "CCUSA" to 855-564-3197 to receive our action alerts! You can also access advocacy opportunities through our Action Center ([link removed]).

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If you would like to help further Catholic Charities' commitment to alleviating, reducing, and preventing poverty, you can contribute here ([link removed]).

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