Week of

Stand Up to Violence

This December people will gather to remember those who have lost their lives to gun violence. It's important to stand in solidarity in the face of persistent gun violence. By engaging in prayer, fasting and vigils we can support a culture of non-violence.

We can raise the issue of gun violence prevention in our place of ministry and urge others to take action. You might consider one of these:

1. Write postcards asking their members of Congress to take action.  Samples can be found in the toolkit.

2. Create a visual display of the impact of gun violence:

• “Shoes we can never fill”

• Points of Light – light tea lights depicting the number who have been lost to gun violence.

3. Fasting for Action – have a continuous fast during December where people commit to fasting one day  for an end to gun violence. 

4. Acts of Kindness –perform a specific number of acts of kindness to honor the number lost to gun violence in your community or in general. 

Prayer: Come O Prince of Peace and justice. Help us to cultivate peace and non-violence. 

Action:  (see above for suggestions) 

The Week Ahead...

2nd Week of Advent --  ideas for a Laudato Si’ Advent

Dec. 10 -- Members of Congress are planning to introduce the New Way Forward Act on Dec.10th which would repeal the ‘96 immigration laws. The bill would decriminalize migration.  Its provisions include ending mandatory immigration detention, restoring discretion to immigration judges, and providing an opportunity for deported individuals to return to the U.S.                                                                                                                          Action: Endorse the legislation by filling out this form.                                                     

Resources: Section by section, Backgrounder

Dec. 11 -- Pray in solidarity with our sisters in the west every 11th of the month for peace and an end to violence 

Dec. 12-- Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe -- JFI toolkit                   

Mary, mother and advocate, free those suffering under oppression.