February 4, 2022

Inside this issue

• CCUSA Presents the Washington Weekly
• Faith and the Common Good
• Trivia
• Connections

  CCUSA Presents the Washington Weekly  
 
Overview: CCUSA submitted testimony to the U.S. House Committee on Financial Services, Subcommittee on Housing, Community Development and Insurance about Catholic Charities' service to people experiencing homelessness. Congress faces another government funding deadline on Feb. 18. The fate of the Build Back Better Act remains in question. It is expected that Congress will advance some version of the legislation before the midterm elections. 

Budget reconciliation: There continue to be discussions about how to move a smaller, targeted legislative proposal, or several proposals, forward sometime before the midterm elections. 

Economy: U.S. jobless claims declined for the second week running as the labor market continues to bounce back from the disruption caused by the recent surge in omicron cases, which spiked claims to a three-month high in mid-January. The seasonally adjusted number of initial unemployment claims declined by 23,000 to 238,000 in the week ended Jan. 29. The U.S. added 467,000 jobs in January.

Funding the government: Congress continues to work toward a bipartisan omnibus bill before the current continuing resolution expires on Feb. 18. A short-term continuing resolution to keep the government funded is expected, allowing Congress more time to arrive at a final  agreement. The final funding agreement is expected to include additional funding for policies addressing the COVID pandemic and possible other provisions supported by CCUSA.  

Reducing homelessness: CCUSA submitted congressional testimony about how the Catholic Charities ministry throughout the United States helps reduce homelessness. Read the testimony here. 
 
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  Faith and the Common Good  
 
The gospel for Sunday's Mass (Luke 5:1-11, Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time) shows what happens when we follow the Word of God.

"Lower your nets for a catch," Jesus tells Simon Peter. Peter replies that they've been fishing all night long and have caught nothing. However, he tells Jesus, "at your command I will lower the nets." The result is famous: Peter's boat and a second one were filled with so many fish that the boats were in danger of sinking.

Peter wants to hide; he's embarrassed about not heeding the Lord immediately. "Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man," he says. But Jesus tells him, "Do not be afraid." God's word "that goes forth from my mouth; It shall not return to me empty, but shall do what pleases me, achieving the end for which I sent it" (Is 55:11). Trust me. Trust my word.

We can feel like Peter at times: doing the same thing over and over with nothing to show for it. However, we can also imitate Peter by listening to the word of God and doing what God says, that God's will may be done. We might be surprised to discover what God accomplishes through us.
 
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  Trivia  
 
Q. Born on this day 109 years ago, who became an icon for the civil rights movement in the U.S.?

Please send your answers to [email protected]. 

Last week's question and answer:

Q. Many people remember exactly where they were on Jan. 28 at 12:51 p.m. EST 36 years ago. Why?

A. Thanks to Christie Dade of Catholic Charities Kansas City St. Joseph for giving the right answer and sharing her memory from that day: "Space Shuttle Challenger explosion - was a senior in college watching lift off on a big screen at Student Union.  Never forget hearing everyone's cheers turn to gasps of disbelief and tears."
 
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  Connections  
 
Please share the weekly with your friends, family and networks so that we can build a movement of solidarity for those most in need!

Be sure to text CCUSA to 50457 to receive our action alerts! 

You can also access advocacy opportunities through our advocacy and policy page.

Stay connected with our work to end poverty: Follow us on Twitter at @CCharitiesUSA.   

If you would like to help further Catholic Charities' commitment to alleviating, reducing, and preventing poverty, you can contribute here.
 
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