Monday, 06 May 2013 08:17

Immigration is an issue that we as Catholics must educate ourselves about. Much has been written by the Bishops of the United States and we can learn a great deal on changing our attitudes on Immigration to be more intune with Catholic Social Teaching. But first we must have a desire to do so. I invite you to click on the links below to educate yourself on what the Catholic Church teaches on this issue. Parish groups can find more information by clicking the link to Justice for Immigrants.

The Catholic Catechism instructs the faithful that good government has two duties, both of which must be carried out and neither of which can be ignored. The first duty is to welcome the foreigner out of charity and respect for the human person. Persons have the right to immigrate and thus government must accommodate this right to the greatest extent possible, especially financially blessed nations: "The more prosperous nations are obliged, to the extent they are able, to welcome the foreigner in search of the security and the means of livelihood which he cannot find in his country of origin. Public authorities should see to it that the natural right is respected that places a guest under the protection of those who receive him." Catholic Catechism, 2241.

Below is a short statement from "Strangers No Longer: Together on the Journey of Hope."

The Church recognizes that all goods of the earth belong to all people. When persons cannot find employment in their country of origin to support themselves and their families, they have a right to find work elsewhere in order to survive. Sovereign nations should provide ways to accommodate this right. (Page 15, Paragraph 35)

IMMIGRATION INFORMATION FROM USCCB
JUSTICE FOR IMMIGRANTS WEBSITE

DOWNLOAD 2013 PARISH SCHEDULE

Beginning in May 4, the Diocesan Respect Life & Social Justice Office will once again sponsor the monthly First Saturday Rosary at South Wind Women’s Center, previously known as Tiller’s abortion clinic at 5107 E. Kellogg, Wichita. The new clinic has been outspoken in saying it will provide abortions up to the 14^th week of pregnancy.  A child may not be considered a piece of property, an idea to which an alleged 'right to a child' would lead. In this area, only the child possesses genuine rights: the right 'to be the fruit of the specific act of the (marital) love of his parents,' and 'the right to be respected as a person from the moment of his conception (CCC 2378, DV,II,8).

Once the sperm and egg join in the fallopian tube, a unique human being is created.

By day 20 after conception, a very young person's heart, brain, spinal column, and nervous system are almost complete and his eyes begin to form

By Week 5 after conception a very young person's face is taking shape; his forehead, eyes, nostrils and mouth are evident; external ears are beginning; hand and foot plates appear in his limb buds.

By Weeks 9-10 after conception, all areas of a very young person's body are sensitive to touch. He sucks his thumbs, swallows, squints, frowns and puckers his brow. If his palm is stroked, he will make a tight fist.

By 11 weeks - spontaneous breathing movements, has fingernails, all body systems working.

By 13 weeks- Although this baby was already a boy or girl at fertilization, his/her sex is now identifiable. To learn more about fetal development go the Respect Life Social Justice website.

Bonnie Toombs, director of the office, invites all to come and pray for the intention of an end to abortion and the establishment of a culture of life in our society. The Rosary will be prayed at 9 a.m. each first Saturday at the clinic, 5107 E. Kellogg in Wichita. The first Saturday was chosen because of the First Saturday devotions to the Immaculate Heart of Mary asked for by Our Lady of Fatima. As a diocesan family we join our prayers and hearts with Mary and ask her intercession for the conversion of all who provide or receive abortions.

Toombs said that although anyone is invited to join in the monthly recitation of the Rosary on any first Saturday, specific parishes will be asked to support the Rosary. Check The Catholic Advance calendar section for the list of parishes each month or download it here.

Through the First Saturday Rosary, the Respect Life & Social Justice Office offers the faithful of the Diocese the opportunity to join together in a prayerful vigil to give witness to our belief about the sanctity of life from the very moment of conception. You may contact the office at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 316 269-3935.

Monday, 23 April 2012 09:10

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops will periodically release updates to the HHS Mandate and prayers for religious freedom for parishes to include in their bulletins. Find monthly updates posted here.

Bulletin inserts can be found here in English and Spanish.

Prayers for religious freedom can be found here in English and Spanish.

Tuesday, 08 November 2011 12:14

As Kansas comes to a crucial time of deciding the fate of the Death Penalty in Kansas, please click here for information and these links are helpful as well, "What you can do" and "Some Facts".

Friday, 21 October 2011 14:00

Leaders of 20 national Catholic organizations signed a joint statement to protest the “preventive services” mandate issued by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). They also called for legislative reform of health care law to protect conscience rights. See ad /open letter on conscience protection.

Monday, 08 March 2010 14:08

In 2010, federal tax credits will mean more for working families than ever before, as they continue to grapple with the pressures of the weak economy. Many have seen their incomes decline steeply because their work hours have been cut or because they have become unemployed. The challenges they face have not let up and they continue to struggle to keep on top of day-to-day expenses, avoid utility shut-offs, fend off eviction or mortgage foreclosure, and stay out of debt. Working families and individuals need to know that help may be there when they file their tax returns in 2010: They may be eligible for tax credits worth as much as $5,657, and they may qualify for credits even if they did not earn enough in 2009 to owe income tax.

Visit the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities now to learn much more!