USCCB - (Office of Media Relations) - Media Alert

Media Alert – Worth Noting in October

WASHINGTON (September 17, 2003)

Pope's Anniversary Observed
October 16 marks the 25th anniversary of the election of Pope John Paul II. The observance in Rome will be combined with the beatification of Mother Teresa of Calcutta on October 19. Here in the United States, dioceses across the country will celebrate these two events with a variety of celebrations, exhibits, pilgrimages and special publications. "Many diocesan newspapers will publish issues featuring the papal anniversary, and the celebration in Cleveland, for example, coincides with the diocese's own 60th birthday. A pilgrimage of 260 people, led by Cardinal Theodore McCarrick of Washington, leaves next month in the Pope's honor," says Monsignor Francis J. Maniscalco, USCCB Director of Communications. To learn what's going on in local dioceses, log on to the bishops' website: www.usccb.org/bishops.htm.

Monsignor Francis Maniscalco is available at 202/541-3200 or fmaniscalco@usccb.org.

Respect Life Sunday Begins Year-Long Awareness
The Church's observance of its pro-life agenda commences each year on Respect Life Sunday, the first Sunday in October which this year is October 5. The annual start-up is highlighted in liturgies and marked by special events. The USCCB Secretariat for Pro-Life Activities publishes a program packet to call attention to numerous human life issues. This year's packet focuses on human cloning, legal arguments against Roe v. Wade, why women deserve better than abortion, and the myth of overpopulation, among other topics. "While we are called to live the Gospel of Life each day," says Gail Quinn, Director, USCCB Office of Pro-Life Activities, "Respect Life Sunday provides an opportunity for us to re-dedicate ourselves to advancing a culture of life in our homes, our communities, and our nation."

Gail Quinn is available at 202/541-3070 or gquinn@usccb.org.

Proclaim Awards Recognize Diocesan Communication
Funded by the USCCB Catholic Communication Campaign (CCC), this year's 22nd annual Proclaim Awards will take place during the 2003 Catholic Academy for Communication Arts Professionals General Assembly in St. Louis on October 16. Entries in the fields of TV, radio, print, video/internet and multimedia will be recognized. This year's World Communications Day theme is Service of Authentic Peace in the Light of 'Pacem in Terris.' "People in dioceses use media every day to bring Gospel values into our lives," says Ramon Rodriguez, CCC Director of Development. "This could not be done without the special partnership of dioceses and the national office working together."

Ramon Rodriguez is available at 202/541-3237 or rrodriguez@usccb.org.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Faith communities can play a major role in stopping domestic violence. In their recently updated statement on domestic violence, When I Call for Help, the U.S. Catholic Bishops point out that abused women often approach the church for help because they see it as a refuge. The October observance of "Domestic Violence Awareness Month" provides a special opportunity for faith communities to reach out to victims and to increase awareness about domestic abuse. "This is an ideal time to become involved," says Sheila Garcia, staff to the Bishops' Committee on Women in Society and in the Church. "The bishops encourage preachers to raise the issue. Parishes can provide information about local shelters and programs to assist abused women"

Sheila Garcia is available at 202/541-3041, sgarcia@usccb.org.

A Light for the World to Shine in New York
Cardinal Edward Egan, Archbishop of New York, will present a copy of John Paul II: A Light for the World to Archbishop Celestino Migliore, Vatican representative to the UN, at a reception October 6, at Dillon Hall, 1011 First Ave, New York. The 256-page volume includes extraordinary photos, including ones of the Pope at the United Nations, St. Patrick's Cathedral and Central Park. It also highlights the pope and UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, and has a moving photo of the two word leaders together at the Vatican. "This book shows the Holy Father at home in the world," says Sister Mary Ann Walsh, editor of the book and USCCB Deputy Director for Media Relations. "We're proud that his work in the cause of peace is represented in these reminiscences." More information can be found on the book at www.Amazon.com.

Sister Mary Ann Walsh is available at 202/541-3200 or mwalsh@usccb.org.