Week of

 Pan- Amazon Synod - Oct.3-27

The International Union of Superiors General (UISG) is inviting congregations worldwide to unite together in prayer for the Pan-Amazon Synod.  Among the opportunities offered by UISG are:

• A prayer reflection online on Tuesday, 

        Oct.24 at 8:00 AM ET

 • Webinar: “Sowing Hope for the Planet: 

      Amazon” on Wednesday, October 16

 • Meeting online and at UISG “The Synod Through the Eyes and Hearts of the Religious Sisters who Attended the Synod” on Oct. 28 (There are 20 women religious present at the synod).  In Rome, the Network for the Pan-Amazon Region (REPAM) will open the Tent for Our Common Home in the Church of Traspontina where the indigenous people and others attending the synod will meet for prayer and conversation. 

Action:  UISG is encouraging women religious around the world to build a symbolic tent (or picture)  in their own communities as a reminder to pray for the synod.  (#SinodoAmazonico -- #SowersOfPropheticHope --#SowingHopeForOurPlanet)  Visit www.amazonia-casa-comun.org

October 15 -- BOLD ACTION FOR IMMIGRANT CHILDREN

We bow our heads in prayer and we remember the children known to have died in US custody since December 2018: 

Jakelin Caal Maquin: Guatemala: Age 7: December 8, 2018     Felipe Gómez Alonzo: Guatemala: Age 8: December 24, 2018 Juan de León Gutierrez: Guatemala: Age 16: April 30, 2019 Mariee Juárez: Age 1: May 10, 2018                                             Wilmer Josué Vázquez: Guatemala: Age 2: May 14, 2018
Carlos Gregorio Vásquez: Guatemala: Age 16: May 20, 2019 Darlyn Cristabel Valle: El Salvador: Age 10: May 29, 2019             

Action: Join the National Call-In Day on Tuesday, October 15,  A  Journey for Justice. We’re asking folks to call Dept. of Homeland Security Acting Secretary Kevin McAleenan to demand justice for immigrants. As a 

Catholic community, we can no longer sit on the sidelines as we see how our immigrant community is being attacked. Together, we have a strong voice and this is the time to use it! In partnership with the LatinxCatholic Leadership Coalition, we are demanding that the White House and Department of Homeland Security recognize the dignity and rights of all immigrants.

BOLD ACTION:   On Tuesday, October 15 contact DHS Headquarters
                             Operator Number: 202-282-8000  Comment Line: 202-282-8495

Suggested script:

Hello, my name is (insert name) from (Location: City, State, Zip Code). As a person of faith (and a Catholic sister), I am calling DHS Acting Secretary Kevin McAleenan to demand humane changes on immigration policies. As Catholic leaders we are asking the Administration and the Department of Homeland Security to honor the dignity and rights of all immigrants and to: recognize the internationally recognized legal right to seek asylum, to stop the remain in Mexico program and the use of the "metering list", to make Due Process the standard NOT the exception, to collaborate with NGOs and local communities to support and expand humane services for asylum seekers, to provide additional funding for immigration courts and asylum officers and to grant Latinx Catholic Leadership Coalition a face-to-face meeting with Acting Secretary Kevin McAleenan.  Thank you for your time and concern for our immigrant families.

October 16—World Food Day  

2019 will focus on achieving #ZeroHunger by 2030. Zero hunger means working together to ensure  everyone, everywhere, has access to the safe, healthy, and nutritious food they need. For resources and actions on how to reduce your food footprint go to:  www.greeningtheblue.org or www.fao.org/world-food-day  
Action:  Reduce meat consumption by having a  “Meatless Monday”

S O S  -- CAN YOU HELP? 

BABY DIAPERS NEEDED FOR IMMIGRANT FAMILIES

As you read in the September 30 relay, the Passaic Neighborhood Center for Women is in need of diapers and wipes for its diaper bank.  In response to this request, we are asking each local community to bring a pack of diapers (preferably size 5 or 6) or baby wipes to the October assembly.  A box will be provided in the entrance for this donation.  If your local community prefers to make a monetary donation rather than purchasing and transporting diapers, please give this donation directly to Sr. Ann Marie Paul.  Thank you for your support of this social justice initiative that directly impacts the lives of immigrant families.