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September 5, 2025


 

Overview: Back from its summer recess, Congress is considering how to avoid a government shutdown that will take place on October 1, 2025, if funding is not allocated. With both parties at odds with each other about how to fund the government, another continuing resolution may be the final choice.

Appropriations: Kerry Alys Robinson, president and CEO of CCUSA, submitted letters to congressional leadership on appropriations regarding Department of Homeland Security programs ([link removed]) that support vulnerable populations, including disaster-affected communities, individuals experiencing financial hardship, survivors of human trafficking, and others who depend on this assistance, and Department of Justice grant programs ([link removed]) that serve youth, families, and communities affected by crime and the justice system. Both letters request that congressional leadership fund these programs, which help some of the people with the greatest need in our society.

Additionally, CCUSA joined with the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, Catholic Relief Services, and the National Council of the U.S. Society of St. Vincent de Paul in writing a letter to Congress concerning agriculture appropriations ([link removed]). The letter urges Congress to increase funding for a number of critical programs that address food insecurity. At a minimum, the letter asks thatFY2025 funding levels for these programs be maintainedand that the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is fully funded.

Economy: In the week ending August 30, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial unemployment claims ([link removed]) was 237,000, an increase of 8,000 from the previous week's unrevised level of 229,000. The 4-week moving average was 231,000, an increase of 2,500 from the previous week's unrevised average of 228,500. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the economy added only 22,000 jobs in August. The unemployment rate rose very slightly to 4.3 percent, and wages grew at 3.7 percent over the past year.

 

Do you want to honor Christ's body? Then do not scorn him in his nakedness, nor honor him here in the church with silken garments while neglecting him outside where he is cold and naked. For he who said: This is my body, and made it so by his words, also said: You saw me hungry and did not feed me, and inasmuch as you did not do it for one of these, the least of my brothers, you did not do it for me. What we do here in the church requires a pure heart, not special garments; what we do outside requires great dedication. From a homily on Matthew by St. John Chrysostom

 

Q. Why does the Church celebrate the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary on September 8?

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