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Catholic Youth Set To Receive Cardinal Bernardin New Leadership Award
The USCC Committee for the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) will host a reception November 14 in Washington, DC to honor the winner of the second annual Cardinal Bernardin New Leadership Award. This award recognizes young Catholics who put their faith, especially the Church's teachings on social justice, into action. "Amid a climate of concern about the behavior of today's youth, CCHD is proud to give public witness to young people reaching out from their faith toward solidarity with the poor," said Alicia Bondanella, CCHD's Youth and Young Adult Coordinator.
Alicia Bondanella can be reached at 202-541-3151.
Human Development Campaign Continues to Help
The national Catholic Campaign for Human Development collection is November 20-21. Contributions to this collection help fund anti-poverty projects that empower low-income people to work for positive change. Donated dollar by dollar by Catholics in the United States, the money from last year's parish collection allowed CCHD to award $10 million in funding to 306 projects in 1999. These were located in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. "This is grassroots fundraising to meet grassroots needs," said Father Robert J. Vitillo, executive director of the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD).
Father Robert Vitillo can be reached at 202-541-3210.
Simulated Refugee Experience Is On Site at Catholic Youth Conference
For the second year, the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) and Catholic Relief Services (CRS) are co-sponsoring an Obstacle Course of Justice at the National Catholic Youth Conference in St. Louis, November 18-21. Many of the twenty thousand young people expected to attend will deepen their understanding of the seven principles of Catholic social teaching at this interactive site in the conference's Gateway Park. According to Alicia Bondanella, CCHD's Youth and Young Adult Coordinator, "Youth take on the identity of international refugees to increase their sensitivity to the dignity of the human person, work, and solidarity." They then "enter" the United States, as a middle class or poor person, and learn about making an option for the poor, community and the common good, care for God's creation, and rights and responsibilities.
Alicia Bondanella can be reached at 202-541-3151.
Give Thanks to Seniors This Season
As families gather to celebrate Thanksgiving on November 25, we are reminded to give thanks for Grandma -- as well as for her apple pie. "Grandma and Grandpa are often the ones who pass on the family's heritage through stories and celebrations," notes Sheila Garcia, an adviser to the U.S. Bishops on women and families. In a proposed new statement, The Blessings of Age, the Bishops' Committee on the Laity points out that traditional stereotypes about aging are crumbling. Increasing numbers of healthy, active older persons bring a wealth of experience and skills to our faith and civic communities. "On Thanksgiving Day, families have the opportunity to listen to and learn from their senior members," adds Ms. Garcia. "They may just find a whole new perspective on growing older!"
Sheila Garcia can be reached at 202-541-3041.