Nov 10, 2022
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Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Our human family continues to face an increased socio-ecological crisis, with high risks of disease, hunger, migration, and conflicts due to environmental degradation and climate change. Three years ago (Oct. 4, 2019), as a Diocese, we invited our Catholic Communities and people of goodwill to reflect on and engage in Pope Francis’ call for “Ecological Education” and “Ecological Conversion” by taking practical steps to raise awareness and live more responsibly. A year ago, the Holy Father launched an extraordinary worldwide effort to foster collaboration between the Vatican and an international coalition of Catholic organizations. The effort, called the Laudato Si’ Action Platform is aimed at mobilizing Catholics and “all men and women of goodwill” (LS 3), to take “decisive action, here and now” as we journey towards a better future together. (LS 161).
As part of our continuous Diocesan steps towards this goal, I – with the guidance and assistance of the Stewards of Our Common Earth Committee under the Office of Life, Justice, and Peace – have enrolled in the Laudato Si’ Action Platform. Our Diocesan Action plan will focus on education, conversion, and advocacy. The Laudato Si’ Action Platform invites us to review and create our own personal goals based on its seven goals: Care for the Earth, Care for the Poor, Ecological Economics, Sustainable Lifestyles, Ecological Education, Ecological Spirituality, Partnerships, and Community Engagement. It also provides practical tools and measurable parameters that help us take action and evaluate where we stand on the road towards addressing the socio-ecological crisis.
As we mark the first anniversary of the launching of the Laudato Si’ Action Platform on this 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, I make an appeal that every parish, school, parishioner, and person of goodwill enroll in the Laudato Si’ Action Platform, as we join efforts with the universal Church to achieve total sustainability in the holistic spirit of integral ecology.
Check online for more information on activities about Laudato Si’ – Care for Common Home – within the Diocese.
If you have questions, please get in touch with Stewards of Our Common Earth Committee through the Office of Life, Justice and Peace by emailing: angelbert.chikere@dsj.org.
In Christ,
Bishop Oscar Cantú
Oct 25, 2022
Bishop Patrick J. McGrath, Bishop of San José, reacted to the news of Theodore McCarrick’s laicization: “I’m relieved that the Church has arrived at a swift and just conclusion to the canonical investigation into the very troubling complaints against Theodore McCarrick. I echo the sentiments of Cardinal Daniel DiNardo (President of the USCCB) in hopes that this ruling and action by the Church brings victims and survivors one step further in the long process of healing.”
The dismissal of the former cardinal and retired archbishop of Washington, DC, Theodore McCarrick, from the clerical state, signals the Church’s resolve to hold bishops accountable for abuse or mismanagement. Involuntary dismissal, one of the most severe actions under canon law, is most appropriate, given the deep wounds that McCarrick inflicted on the innocent.
Coadjutor Bishop Oscar Cantu also weighed in: “The Church’s determination in holding bishops accountable for abuse or mismanagement just took an important step forward. We further anticipate clear resolve and directions from the meeting of the heads of national bishops conferences in Rome later this week. The good and healing of victims/survivors must be at the center of our decision-making.”
Cardinal DiNardo’s Full Statement Follows:
“The Holy See’s announcement regarding Theodore McCarrick is a clear signal that abuse will not be tolerated. No bishop, no matter how influential, is above the law of the Church. For all those McCarrick abused, I pray this judgement will be one small step, among many, toward healing. For us bishops, it strengthens our resolve to hold ourselves accountable to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I am grateful to Pope Francis for the determined way he has led the Church”
Sep 30, 2022
Vetoes doula and perinatal support
Sacramento, Calif. (Sept. 29, 2022) – On Tuesday, during a press conference and with his signature, Governor Newsom invested in a massive $200 million expansion of abortion services in California to ‘ensure all women in our state are paid their due and treated equally in all spheres of life.’
The following statement is from California Catholic Conference Executive Director Kathleen Domingo in response to Governor Newsom’s claims of prioritizing women with his historic expansion of abortion in the state:
“The abortion bills signed by Gov. Newsom include new abortion infrastructure, allowing nurse practitioners to perform abortions without physician oversight, forcing employers to pay for abortions outside of insurance coverage, and expediting board certification for abortion workers. The funding also includes $20 million from AB 1918 to pay for the scholarships and loan repayments of doctors who study abortion and $20 million from SB 1142 to pay for the travel, lodging, gas money, and doula support of women from out of state seeking an abortion.
“Yet, the governor vetoed doula support and comprehensive perinatal support for California’s mothers through Medi-Cal and investment in the rapidly dwindling mental health workforce -citing the cost (AB 2199, AB 1930, AB 2222). Earlier this year, the legislature removed copays and deductibles for abortions (SB 245). Yet, the most economically vulnerable women and children on Medi-Cal must still pay subscriber fees for prenatal and postpartum care and pediatric visits.
“The governor and this legislature have clearly prioritized abortion over the health and wellbeing of California mothers and children. This is not reproductive equity. Improving women’s health and reproductive care would see investment in maternity care, preventive care, and prioritizing the needs of all women in California.
“Tragically, the legislature prejudices the choice of abortion over women who choose motherhood by supporting and subsidizing only one option. This is not giving women and families equitable reproductive health options ‘in all spheres of life.’ California’s mothers and families deserve better.
“Proposition 1 will only take this further. By enshrining a right to unrestricted abortion, California goes far beyond Roe or current law. Rights have corresponding duties, and by eliminating viability limits and allowing unrestricted late-term abortion, Prop 1 will require an obligation of the state to provide abortion funding over and above what is already committed. This egregious prioritization of abortion over the needs of mothers and children needs to be reversed.”
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