September 23, 2022

Inside this issue

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

  CCUSA Presents the Washington Weekly  
 
Overview: Negotiations continue over the stopgap spending bill needed to avert a government shutdown. Two severe weather events hit the country. Alaska suffered a typhoon that resulted in floods, washed out roads, and power outages. And Puerto Rico was hit by Hurricane Fiona, prompting President Biden to approve an emergency declaration for the island. DHS and FEMA are running disaster relief efforts. CCUSA is accepting donations to help the residents of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

A Catholic Approach to Hunger, Nutrition, and the Farm Bill. CCUSA staff and Sara Lindsay, chief program officer at Catholic Charities West Virginia, attended the congressional briefing titled "A Catholic Approach to Hunger, Nutrition, and the Farm Bill." Lindsay urged Congress to prioritize efforts through the Farm Bill, and by working with nonprofit partners, to help those people who are food insecure. She said, among other things, that the rising cost of food compounded the problems which already existed for people struggling with low or no income.

From left to right: Frankie Chevere, senior manager for policy and government affairs at CCUSA; Anthony Granado, vice president of government relations at CCUSA; Sara Lindsay, chief program officer at Catholic Charities West Virginia; David Werning, director of social policy engagement at CCUSA; Lucreda Cobbs, senior director of policy and legislative affairs at CCUSA; and Jane Stenson, vice president for poverty reduction strategies at CCUSA.

Catholic Charities disaster response: Hurricane Fiona struck the U.S. Virgin Islands and  Puerto Rico's southwest coast on Sept. 18, 2022, as it unleashed landslides, knocked the power grid out and ripped asphalt from roads. Hundreds of people were evacuated or rescued across the island as floodwaters rose swiftly. The island is without power as residents deal with widespread flooding and assess damages. CCUSA is accepting donations to support disaster response efforts.

World Day for Migrants and Refugees. This Sunday, Sept. 25, 2022, marks World Day for Migrants and Refugees. The Church asks us to pray for people leaving their homelands in search of a better - and, in many cases, a safer - life. The day is an opportunity to reflect on ways we can help migrants and refugees. Sometimes it means helping those who want to return to their homeland by creating effective programs, as Pope Francis said in a previous WDMR message. It also means welcoming them to a new homeland, supporting their efforts at integration, honoring their dignity and respecting the unique contributions they can make, as the pope says in this year's message. Bishop Mario Dorsonville, auxiliary bishop of Washington and chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' Committee on Migration, will celebrate a special Mass at the Cathedral of Saint Matthew the Apostle in Washington, DC, this Sunday.  

Immigration. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security repealed two rules that made it more difficult for asylum seekers to work in the U.S. while their appeals are pending. The rules required asylum seekers to wait 365 days to apply for work permits, instead of 150 days which was the previous limit. The rules also no longer require that asylum seekers must have crossed at an authorized port of entry or be free from certain crimes in order to receive work permits. 

White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health: The Biden administration will host the White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health on September 28, 2022, in Washington, DC - and there are many ways to get involved: 

• Sign up to watch the Conference livestream. You'll learn about a national strategy that identifies steps the government will take and catalyzes the public and private sectors to address the intersections between food, hunger, nutrition, and health. 

• Host a satellite event. The White House is asking anti-hunger and nutrition advocates, community-based organizations, food companies, the health care community, trade associations, universities, philanthropy groups, governments at all levels, and others to host satellite events. You can host an event in the days before, during, or after the conference. The type of event is up to you - but you might consider a watch party town hall, panel discussion, day of service, or fun run. Check out the Satellite Events Toolkit [PDF - 1.37 MB] for help planning and hosting your event.

• Share your ideas and stories. The White House wants to hear about your experiences with hunger or diet-related diseases. Hearing from people who have been directly affected is key to taking effective action. Submit your ideas and stories today.

• Promote the Conference. Help spread the word about the conference through your social media accounts. Be sure to use #WHConfHungerHealth and tag @WhiteHouse.

To learn more about the conference, sign up for email updates.

Economy: In the week ending September 17, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial [unemployment] claims was 213,000, an increase of 5,000 from the previous week's revised level. The previous week's level was revised down by 5,000 from 213,000 to 208,000. The 4-week moving average was 216,750, a decrease of 6,000 from the previous week's revised average. The previous week's average was revised down by 1,250 from 224,000 to 222,750.
 
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  Faith and the Common Good  
 
Today (Sept. 23), the Church celebrates the Memorial of Saint Pius of Pietrelcina, known popularly as Padre Pio. 

Padre Pio has been a controversial figure from the beginning of his popularity. Many people have been either attracted to or repulsed by him because of his extraordinary experiences. The stigmata, the ability to bilocate, and the so-called "odor of sanctity" that surrounded Pio were the evidence given by both sides.

A tapestry depicting Padre Pio hangs from the central balcony on the facade of St. Peter's Basilica during his canonization ceremony June 16, 2002. (CNS photo from Reuters)

Responding to the controversies, the Vatican at different times forbade Padre Pio from offering public Masses and corresponding with people, restrictions that Padre Pio accepted obediently. In 1934, Pope Pius XI lifted the bans and said, "I have not been badly disposed toward Padre Pio, but I have been badly informed." 

Individuals have made up their own minds. Graham Greene, the British novelist, was told by a Vatican official that "Pio is a pious old fraud." But after attending a Mass celebrated by the saint, Greene said that Padre Pio had "introduced a doubt in my disbelief." 

Beyond the controversies, one can consider Padre Pio's words and actions. He often spoke of God's mercy and spent hours in the confessional celebrating God's reconciliation with sinners. He also counseled that, like Jesus, Christ's disciples should have a special care for those who are poor and sick, and responding to that duty, he worked diligently to open a hospital: The Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza or the House for the Relief of the Suffering.

Upon the hospital's completion on May 5, 1956, Padre Pio stated its mission: to open its arms to suffering bodies and spirits, offering to all, regardless of status, from the wealthiest to the less well-off, generous care and love. The Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza is now considered one of the most efficient medical facilities in Europe.

Padre Pio reminds us that what others think of us should not carry more weight than what God thinks of us, and we know from Jesus and from Scripture that each of us is loved fully and unconditionally by God. The important thing is to respond to God's love by serving others, knowing that such service is never wasted.

Padre Pio would often say, "Pray, hope, and don't worry." He was able to remain fixed on God and serve his neighbor by following his own advice.
 
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  Trivia  
 
Q. Where did Padre Pio get his religious name when he entered the Capuchin friary at Marcone?

Please send your answers to [email protected]. 

Last week's question and answer:

Q. What event happened on this day in 1620 that had major consequences for the United States and England?

A. Someone with an email address from St. Joseph Church sent in the right answer: On September 16, 1620, the Mayflower sails from Plymouth, England, bound for the Americas.
 
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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: @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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