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WASHINGTON (September 21, 2000) -- October 4 is the celebration of the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi. This great saint, who gave up his wealth to serve the poor, is also remembered for his deep affection for other creatures and his thankfulness to God for the wonder of creation. The National Conference of Catholic Bishops' Conference's Secretariat for the Third Millennium/Jubilee 2000, in collaboration with the U.S. Catholic Conference's Environmental Justice Program, has issued an attractive resource concerning the Church's approach to environmental concerns. It includes examples of projects, homily helps, prayer services and bulletin inserts. "St. Francis' feast day is a good day to initiate activities to care for God's creation," says Walt Grazer, Policy Advisor, USCC Office for International Justice and Peace. "There are also ample opportunities throughout the year to exercise environmental stewardship from the perspective of Catholic social teaching."
Walt Grazer can be reached at (202) 541-3160
October Guests on Personally Speaking
Personally Speaking is a weekly talk show produced by the Catholic Communication Campaign (CCC). It features guests from the worlds of entertainment, religion, sports, journalism, literature and more who discuss the impact of faith on their personal and professional lives. Hosted by Msgr. Jim Lisante from the Diocese of Rockville Centre, N.Y., Personally Speaking can be seen Fridays from 10:30-11:00 a.m. on the Odyssey cable network (www.odysseychannel.com). October's guests will include actress Theresa Saldana; entertainer Steve Allen, spokesman for the watchdog group Parents Television Council; opera star Roberta Peters; and political commentator and former White House policy advisor Ted Sorensen. "It's interesting for everybody, Catholic and non-Catholic alike, to explore the ways that faith can inform our judgment about day-to-day life as well as larger issues," says Ellen McCloskey, Production Manager of the CCC. "These faith stories from public people send a real message to all of us."
Ellen McCloskey can be reached at 202/541-3236.
Children to be Seen, Heard During Jubilee Celebration
When thousands of families from all over the world gather with the Holy Father for a Jubilee Day of Families on October 14-15 in Rome, children will not be confined to a "crying room" or nursery as often happens in churches for weekend liturgies. The theme of this day is "Children, Springtime of the Family and Society." Children will definitely be seen and heard at this event, according to Richard McCord, Director, of the U.S. Bishops' Secretariat for Family, Laity, Women and Youth, who will attend the jubilee program along with several hundred people, including children, from the United States. "This jubilee day will celebrate the gift of children, seen not only as the future of society and church, but also as a present reality calling forth our best efforts of care, moral formation, and advocacy for policies that will ensure their well being and development," he said.
Richard McCord can be reached at 202/541-3040.