Issues

Nonviolence . . . Human trafficking . . . Women . . . . The elderly . . . Immigrants' rights . . . Housing. . . Children . . . Prisoners' rights . . . Health care . . . World Hunger . . . Globalization, as it affects Latin America . . . Care of the earth . . . Seamless ethic of life

Note: The ideas and opinions expressed in this blog are solely those of the author's and should not be ascribed to the Congregation of Sisters of St. Agnes or its members.





Thursday, December 28, 2017

Blessings on the New Year

Greetings!

As we continue our holiday celebrations this thought, posted by Franciscan Action Network, reminds us of what Christmas is all about.  Our justice work makes every day Christmas. 

“Want to keep Christ in Christmas?
feed the hungry,
clothe the naked,
forgive the guilty,
welcome the unwanted,
care for the ill,
love your enemies,
and do unto others as you would have done unto you.” 

An end of the year message arrived today from Pace e Bene.  It’s  draws us into the center from which we continue the work of justice, peace and integrity of creation.  I offer it for your own pondering. 

“Every day is made from joy. Every day is precious. As we continue to move through these times of great incertitude, these are important things to remember, to cherish. Not just every day but every action we make can be filled with precious joy.  Joy breeds joy, happiness breeds happiness.   It is the joyful thought that can lift the spirits, the joyful face that can light up the darkness, the joyful heart that can change the world.  At Pace e Bene Campaign/Nonviolence we teach that true change starts within, becomes manifest in our actions and then becomes a gift that shared with the world makes all things possible. We are grateful for all that we have been able to give and receive this year and look forward to filling the world with joy in this coming year.” 

Here is the link to Pace e Bene -- http://www.paceebene.org/   Each day the provide a one or two sentence reflection.  It is a must read to the start of my day.

There will be no shortage of issues in 2018 calling for our attention, prayer, and action.  Don’t let it overwhelm you.  Choose an issue or issues that you are passionate and would like to affect change -- an outcome of knowledge, skill, attitude, value, behavior, activity and make an achievable plan for yourself or your family, then begin.

Blessing of joy and Peace through the New Year!

Sister Ruth Battaglia, CSA
Justice, Peace, Integrity of Creation Coordinator
Congregation of Sisters of St. Agnes

Thursday, December 21, 2017

JusticeAlert December 21, 2017


A good effort was put forth to stop the GOP tax bill, but it came up short.   Here are some of the worst parts of this bill:
  • Opens the Arctic Refuge to oil drilling
  • Gives massive handouts to corporate polluters and other corporations
  • Balloons our deficit by about $1.4 trillion which will force funding cuts to public health and environmental programs in the months to come
  • Repeals a key part of the Affordable Care Act, leaving 13 million people without healthcare in the next 10 years, increasing premiums, and creating uncertainty for many hardworking families1
  • Imposes a devastating excise tax on Puerto Rico that would kill job-creating industries on the hurricane-ravaged island while it's still recovering
We do give up hope or our efforts to bring about a “cleaner, safer, and more just and equitable future for all” (Michael Brune, Sierra Club). 

With the few short days left, Congress could pass a Dream Act.  Call your representatives and senators to pass a clean bill protecting Dreamers from deportation and providing a way toward citizenship. 

The message in one of Sister Doris Klein’s Christmas card creations is my Christmas prayer for you.
May you and our world
    be blessed with
             Hope, Healing, and Peace
throughout this coming year.

Thursday, December 7, 2017

Senators Need to Hear From You


Greetings!

Just a few reminders that a lot of things could happen in Congress before they break for Christmas:

Pressure is being put on Congress to pass a clean Dream Act.  Keep it up.
The tax bill will likely come up for a vote.  Two bad bills (both the House and the Senate) are not going to create a good one coming out of conference.  House members, who face re-election next year, are most likely to hear your encouragement to vote no, but senators need to hear from you, too.

The House voted to sharply expand concealed-carry gun rights.  Senators need to hear from you.

Net neutrality is being threatened.  To protect it Congress will need to act.

Most importantly as we continue to prepare for Christmas, the birth of the Prince of Peace, let peace reign in your heart.

Friday, December 1, 2017

Justice Alerts - December 1, 2017


Greetings!

I have heard from a number of you that you have been diligently making phone calls.  Great!

These issues continue to need attention:

  • The senate tax bill has run into a glitch, but efforts continue to get a vote today. 
  • A clean Dream Act
  • Cuts to the Environmental Protection Agency.   Here are some talking points you can use: 
    • You are concerned about funding for our environmental protections
    • The EPA is an essential line of defense between polluters and our communities
    • The Senate’s spending bill would cut millions from its budget
    • Cuts to the EPA are unacceptable
    • The Senator must oppose any year-end spending deal that cuts the EPA