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September 12, 2025
 
Overview: Negotiations continue in Congress as lawmakers argue about how to fund the government beyond the deadline of September 30, 2025. Before then, they must pass either a continuing resolution or an appropriations package (which is very unlikely) to avoid a government shutdown. President Trump has indicated that he would like to extend current funding levels until January 31, 2026, which some members of both houses did not agree with.
Anti-trafficking: CCUSA, in a letter of support to Judiciary Committee leadership ([link removed]), applauds the introduction of the Trafficking Survivors Relief Act of 2025 ([link removed]) and urges swift passage of the legislation. The bill provides support for survivors of human trafficking, allowing them to vacate certain convictions and arrests that are directly related to their victimization. Traffickers often force their victims to commit crimes to keep control over them. If the bill is passed, survivors may be able to vacate their criminal records or sentences for offenses they were made to commit, reducing barriers to accessing resources that are critical for their recovery. Read the full letter ([link removed]).
Housing: CCUSA joined other faith-based organizations in a letter ([link removed]) from the Interreligious Working Group on Domestic Human Needs ([link removed]) to Senate leadership in support of including Senate Amendment 3503 ([link removed]) in a manager's package of amendments to the National Defense Authorization Act (S. 2296). The proposed amendment would advance the "ROAD to Housing Act of 2025" (S. 2651 ([link removed])), which helps military families, veterans, and other Americans access affordable housing. It does so by expanding and preserving housing supply, reducing regulatory barriers, modernizing financing options, promoting economic mobility, and enhancing program oversight and coordination. S. 2651 passed unanimously out of the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee in July. Read the full letter ([link removed]).
Economy: In the week ending September 6, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial unemployment claims ([link removed]) was 263,000, an increase of 27,000 from the previous week's revised level. This is the highest level for initial claims since October 23, 2021, when it was 268,000. The previous week's level was revised down by 1,000 from 237,000 to 236,000. The 4-week moving average was 240,500, an increase of 9,750 from the previous week's revised average. The previous week's average was revised down by 250 from 231,000 to 230,750.
World Day of Migrants and Refugees: The Church has been celebrating the World Day of Migrants and Refugees ([link removed]) (WDMR) since 1914. It is always an occasion to express concern for different vulnerable people on the move; to pray for them as they face many challenges; and to increase awareness about the opportunities that migration offers. Every year the WDMR is the last Sunday of September but this year, on the Jubilee of Migrants, the WDMR will be celebrated on October 4 and 5. As the title for his annual message, the Holy Father has chosen "Migrants, missionaries of hope."
 
The cross is Jesus' most eloquent word of love. A word that is not shallow, sentimental or merely edifying. It is love, sheer love. That is why Saint Paul, struggling to find the right words to describe his relationship with Christ, could speak of "the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me" (Gal 2:20). This was Paul's deepest conviction: the knowledge that he was loved. Christ's self-offering on the cross became the driving force in Paul's life, yet it only made sense to him because he knew that something even greater lay behind it: the fact that "he loved me." At a time when many were seeking salvation, prosperity or security elsewhere, Paul, moved by the Spirit, was able to see farther and to marvel at the greatest and most essential thing of all: "Christ loved me." Pope Francis, Dilexit nos, No. 46
 
Q. How is Saint Helena, mother of the Roman Emperor Constantine, connected to the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross (September 14)?
Please send your answers to the right answer ([link removed]): The Church honors Mary because she is the Mother of God. Her feast is celebrated on September 8 as this is nine months from the date of the Immaculate Conception, which is celebrated on December 8th.
 
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