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October 20, 2023
News
Overview: Pope Francis has declared Friday, October 27, 2023, a day of fasting, penance and prayer for peace in response to the Oct. 7 attack against Israel and the ongoing war there. CCUSA has a "Prayer for Peace in our Communities ([link removed])" that may be suitable for this observance.
Stalemate in Congress: The House still has no path to electing a Speaker due to sharp divisions in the Republican caucus. This has paralyzed the legislative and appropriations process in that chamber while the Senate tries to work on a bipartisan way to pass appropriations bills. Crucial legislation such as the farm bill reauthorization for five years, including the SNAP program, is in limbo. The House and Senate Agriculture committees missed their initial deadline of Sept. 30, when the 2018 farm bill expired. There is still some hope they can deliver a final, negotiated bill by Dec. 31. Missing that deadline would send some programs back to operational practices of the 1940s unless Congress approves an extension of the expired farm bill. Lawmakers are starting to openly acknowledge that passing a six-month to one-yearextension before the end of the year will likely be their only option amid the House chaos.
Economy: In the week ending October 14, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial unemployment claims ([link removed]) was 198,000, a decrease of 13,000 from the previous week's revised level. The previous week's level was revised up by 2,000 from 209,000 to 211,000. The 4-week moving average was 205,750, a decrease of 1,000 from the previous week's revised average. The previous week's average was revised up by 500 from 206,250 to 206,750.
Asylum seekers: CCUSA sent a letter to Senator Susan Collins and Representative Chellie Pingree ([link removed]) commending them for introducing S. 255/H.R.1325, the Asylum Seeker Work Authorization Act of 2023. The proposed bills would expedite asylum seekers' eligibility for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), enabling them to quickly access and fill vacant jobs across various industries. Expediting asylum seekers access to work authorization would help with their integration and reduce the strain on state and local resources. Additionally, these bills establish a structure for lawful employment and will minimize their susceptibility to labor trafficking and other types of exploitation.
Resource on migrants/refugees: On the feast day of St. Luke, Pope Francis returned to the meaning and significance of St. Luke handing on Jesus' parable of the Good Samaritan ([link removed]) to his readers. The pope has taught about this parable often, even using it as the main focus in Fratelli Tutti ([link removed]). The main message of the parable, the pope says, is to "welcome, protect, promote and integrate" migrants. But in his speech on Thursday, Pope Francis wanted to point out something else, "which is not addressed in the parable." We all (individuals, nations) have a responsibility to make the "road safer" for travelers: "We need to multiply our efforts to combat the criminal networks that exploit the hopes and dreams of migrants."
Educational equity and excellence: "Raise the Bar: Lead the World" is the U.S. Department of Education's call to action to transform P-12 education and unite around what truly works--based on decades of experience and research--to advance educational equity and excellence. Raising the bar means recognizing that our nation already has what it takes to continue leading the world--if we deliver a comprehensive, rigorous education for every student; boldly improve conditions for learning; and ensure every student has a pathway to multilingualism and to college and careers. The webinar on October 24 at 2 PM ET will feature an overview of "Raise the Bar: Lead the World" from U.S. Deputy Secretary of Education Cindy Marten, followed by information and resources about the Department's work around mental health and Medicaid; Full-Service Community Schools; career pathways; and multilingualism. There will also be an opportunity for Q&A. Click here ([link removed]) to register.
 
Trivia
Q. Pope Francis published the apostolic exhortation C'est la confiance on Oct. 15, 2023, promoting the "evangelical spirituality" of St. Therese of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face. How does the pope define the two titles St. Therese chose for her religious name: "the Child Jesus" and "the Holy Face?"
Please send your answers to Laudate Deum ([link removed]), No. 44). [Normally we don't mention second place, but this time Don Clark of Springfield, MO, sent his correct answer exactly 60 seconds after Cynthia. Not a photo finish but pretty close.]
 
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