JustMatters - New Program from Just Faith Ministries

JustFaith Ministries recently introduced a new program, JustMatters.

JustMatters is a series of in-depth formation materials that invites participants to focus on a particular social reality or justice theme for the duration of six to eight weeks. The general format for these thematic modules involve 2 ½ hour interactive sessions that include prayer, reading, videos and dialogue.

The JustMatters library will cover contemporary and critical social and justice issues. Subscribing churches will have access to all thematic modules. The first module, released in October 2007, God’s Creation Cries for Justice - Climate Change: Impact and Response, represents a collaboration with the Catholic Coalition on Climate Change. The modules currently projected for the spring of 2008 will focus on Prison Reform, Immigration, and the UN Millennium Development Goals.

The 2007-08 registration fee for modules is $250, which gives a parish access to all other programs offered by JustFaith Ministries. This annual registration fee provides parishes with up to four JustMatters modules. If the parish is registered for another JustFaith Ministry program, there is no additional cost to access the modules.

For information:

Contact Elizabeth Lilly at elilly@ccsj.org. See also the website, http://www.justfaith.org/.

Catholic Coalition on Climate Change - New Program & Website

In June of 2006 the Catholic Coalition on Climate Change (CCCC) was formed with the support of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and the generous funding of the National Religious Partnership for the Environment.

They are now launching year two with a much more ambitious outreach effort. This includes a new website which highlights the Holy Father’s appeal to world leaders and the Catholic community to address climate change.

The CCCC’s website address is: http://www.catholicsandclimatechange.org/. This is a complement to the USCCB’s excellent climate change website: www.usccb.org/sdwp/ejp/climate.

On the CCCC website, you will find valuable resources on the environment and Catholic Social Teaching as well as prayers, bulletin announcements, reflection sessions, and homily suggestions. Take a look and sign up to receive regular updates.

Walk for Life West Coast - January 19, 2008

Join thousands at the 4th Annual Walk for Life West Coast on January 19, 2008. The walk begins at 11 am at Justin Herman Plaza and ends at the Marina Green.

For detailed information, visit the website: http://www.walkforlifewc.com/. Click to download flyers: color or black & white. Check out schedule and speakers here.

Guest speakers include Dr. Alveda King, niece of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Gianna Jessen, abortion survivor, Jesse Romero, Radio host, Rev Clenard Childress, Father Frank Pavone, and invited guest Eduardo Verástegui, producer and star of Bella

Amnesty International - Policy on Access to Abortions

Recently, the U.S. Catholic Bishops joined with others to call for Amnesty International to rescind its recent policy to support access to abortions. In this statement, Bishop Skylstad, Bishop of Spokane, Washington, and President of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops urged Amnesty International to "reconsider and rescind this new policy," stating that it "undermines Amnesty's long-standing moral credibility, diverts its mission, divides its own members..."

Click here for a copy of the most recent Statement dated August 23, 2007.
Click here for the Action Alert.

Juan Diego Center Helps Women in Crisis Pregnancies

The Juan Diego Women's Center off Alum Rock Road in East San Jose has been operating quietly for 21 years providing services to women in crisis pregnancies. The only Catholic Center in San Jose, the Center offers free pregnancy tests, charitable items, referrals, and emotional support to needy mothers.

Through their compassionate and supportive environment, the Center estimates that they have saved hundreds of babies. In additional to practical support, they offer moral support and encourage a spiritual life in keeping with Church teaching. Although they are a Catholic Center, their door is open to anyone in need of help.

Operating on a limited budget and staffed by volunteers, they have weathered many difficult economic times but feel they have continued to operate through the support of the community.

To find out how you can support the Center or for more information, contact Willie Lapus or Patricia Rodriquez at 408-251-0900 or view the website at http://juandiego.trulyloved.com/. The Center is located at 12 North White Street, San Jose.