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Wednesday, January 6, marked one of the darkest days in recent American history. On a day that Congress was supposed to conduct the ceremonial act of voting to certify the presidential election, beginning the government's long history of a peaceful transfer of power, that vote was interrupted by violence. America watched in horror as a mob overran the Capitol building.
At this moment it seems inappropriate to discuss the results of the Georgia runoff election and the major change of power in the Senate. The Washington Weekly attempts to provide readers with an informative look at what is happening in Washington with a Catholic-faith lens on the policy implications for people in poverty. Catholic Charities USA works with all members of Congress to raise the concerns of Catholic Charities agencies and their clients. During one of the most difficult weeks, coming from one of the most difficult years, it is important that we take a step back and reaffirm our organizational mission:
The mission of Catholic Charities USA is to provide service to people in need, to advocate for justice in social structures, and to call the entire church and other people of good will to do the same.
The road of repair does not solely rest on the shoulders of any singular entity, whether it be a political party, the media, or the church. It is up to each one of us to participate, speak up, listen, and pray so that we as Americans may begin to heal and work toward promoting the common good of our nation. As Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said, "Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that."
Faith and the Common Good
For I know well the plans I have in mind for you-oracle of the LORD-plans for your welfare and not for woe, so as to give you a future of hope. Jeremiah 29:11
God of Peace, we come to you in faithful prayer with hearts of hope. As Isaiah the prophet said, "justice will bring about peace." Help all leaders in the United States and around the world to work together for peace. Help them to assure that, "... people will live in a peaceful country, in secure dwellings and quiet resting places."
In this time of uncertainty, give us your grace so that we seek
justice instead of power
love in response to anger and
peace as an alternative to conflict
Remind us of your certainty, rebuild our hope, and restore us to be peacemakers at home and with our sisters and brothers across the land so that we all might be called children of God.
We ask this through your son Jesus Christ who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever.
Amen.
Trivia
In which document, did Martin Luther King, Jr. defend his strategy of nonviolent resistance?
Please send your answers to socialpolicy@catholiccharitiesusa.org
On December 18th, the trivia question was: When was the first State of the Union delivered?
Happy Birthday to Sister Marcianne Bzdon, SSND. She was the first to correctly answer that George Washington delivered the First State of the Union Address on January 8, 1790 in Federal hall in New York City.
The State of the Union Address is an annual message delivered by the President of the United States to a joint session of the United States Congress at the beginning of each calendar year in office. The message typically includes a budget message and an economic report of the nation, and also allows the President to propose a legislative agenda and national priorities.
The address fulfills the requirement in Article II, Section 3, Clause 1 of the U.S. Constitution for the President to periodically "give to the Congress Information of the State of the Union, and recommend to their Consideration such measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient." During most of the country's first century, the President primarily submitted only a written report to Congress. After 1913, Woodrow Wilson, the 28th U.S. President, began the regular practice of delivering the address to Congress in person as a way to rally support for the President's agenda. With the advent of radio and television, the address is now broadcast live across the country on many networks.
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You can also access advocacy opportunities through our advocacy and policy page.
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