Human Trafficking Awareness
HUMAN TRAFFICKING AWARENESS
Presented by the Illinois State Police
Monday, November 13
Day Chapel – St Jude Church
241 W Second Ave., New Lenox
7-8pm
The U.S. Catholic Church has been actively engaged in combating human trafficking, recognizing it as a grave violation of human dignity and a modern-day form of slavery. AWARENESS IS THE KEY!
A registration link can be found at the St. Jude parish website @ stjudes.org/register-for-events or call 708-743-8141.
Peace and Social Justice: Restless Hearts, Part 1, 2, and 3
St. Jude Peace and Social Justice: Restless Hearts, Videos - Part 1, 2, and 3
2022 Intermediate General Chapter
2022 Intermediate General Chapter - We Augustinians commit ourselves to work for a world of justice that seeks peace for all. We follow our Lord Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace and realize the need for conversion in ourselves and the world to build the society that by His grace we are capable of achieving.
2022 Intermediate General Chapter of the Order of Saint Augustine
We Augustinians commit ourselves to work for a world of justice that seeks peace for all. We follow our Lord Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace and realize the need for conversion in ourselves and the world to build the society that by His grace we are capable of achieving. We are committed to overcoming the crisis in our civilization, in our environment and in our spiritual core.
We Augustinians commit ourselves to the fulness of human life. We stand against initiatives for abortion, euthanasia and artificial means of thwarting life. We affirm those who promote ethical Christian principles for life. We thank all the organisations and groups who are working to promote a culture of life and solidarity.
We Augustinians commit ourselves to work towards a greater equality in the distribution of goods and services. We stand against the systems that entitle rich countries to obtain necessities ahead of the poorer nations. We express our support and appreciation to all organisations that have attempted to ensure a more equitable distribution and affirm those who have led the medical responses through the pandemic. We affirm all those who are bearers of God’s truth.
We acknowledge the issues that arose in the unjust distribution of the vaccines during the pandemic between rich and poor countries. We invite all members of our Order to promote in society at large a critical reflection, on the call of the gospel for solidarity among rich and poor and solicit changes required to distribution systems.
"What a good thing it is to love peace" (Sermo 357,2), and, in fact, there is in the human being a natural desire for peace, since "humanity feels somehow impelled by the laws of our nature to form society with others and to live in peace with all in what is in their power” (De civ. Dei XIX, 12, 2).
We stand against all forms of violence and unprovoked aggression. We express our solidarity with all victims of war and those who are refugees from oppression. We affirm the dignity of all victims, especially women, children and those who are trafficked or persecuted because of their faith. We offer support for those who seek freedom from oppression. We express our appreciation for our members already involved in refugee relief and invite others to participate in such ministry. We call on our brothers and sisters to promote a culture of peace.
We condemn publicly the war in the Ukraine initiated by Russia as an affront to human rights. The challenges in Ukraine include the threat of nuclear destruction. We Augustinians condemn any use of nuclear weapons and call for an end to this struggle and to other wars, to seek ways to avoid the abuse of nuclear warfare, and to restore the economic rights to access necessities across the planet. We must lead our people in prayers for victims and for the conversion of leaders who promote violence and aggression.
We Augustinians recommit to the principles of Laudato Si’ as we acknowledge the effects of climate change on our planet. We stand against maintaining economic structures for gain, in resistance to the needs of those who are suffering from traumatic climate events. We affirm the Holy Father in his call for us to educate and act in leadership as stewards of the earth. We invite all communities to create their plans to make concrete changes in our individual, communal and ecclesial treatment of the environment.
We live in a world that has been increasingly secularised where God has been ignored. Our faith in Jesus, the way the truth and the life is our strength in order to build a better world without discrimination and free from manipulation of social media. As such we acknowledge our human frailties, and yet the mission of Christ Jesus calls us, through openness to conversion, to move beyond our weaknesses, so as to be his witnesses to the world. Inspired by the Holy Spirit we who are graced by our God, seek to be the Lord’s messengers, in union with all people of goodwill. #18 Acts of the Chapter – Public Release
Los agustinos nos comprometemos a trabajar por un mundo de justicia que busque la paz para todos. Seguimos a nuestro Señor Jesucristo, Príncipe de la Paz y nos damos cuenta de la necesidad de conversión en nosotros mismos y en el mundo para construir la sociedad que por su gracia somos capaces de realizar. Estamos comprometidos a superar la crisis de nuestra civilización, de nuestro entorno y de nuestro núcleo espiritual.
Los agustinos nos comprometemos con la plenitud de la vida humana. Nos oponemos a las iniciativas a favor del aborto, la eutanasia y los medios artificiales para frustrar la vida. Afirmamos a quienes promueven principios cristianos éticos para la vida. Agradecemos a todas las organizaciones y colectivos que están trabajando para promover una cultura de vida y solidaridad.
Los agustinos nos comprometemos a trabajar por una mayor igualdad en la distribución de bienes y servicios. Nos oponemos a los sistemas que dan derecho a los países ricos a obtener las necesidades antes que las naciones más pobres. Expresamos nuestro apoyo y agradecimiento a todas las organizaciones que han intentado garantizar una distribución más equitativa y afirmamos a quienes han liderado las respuestas médicas durante la pandemia. Afirmamos a todos aquellos que son portadores de la verdad de Dios.
Reconocemos los problemas que surgieron en la distribución injusta de las vacunas durante la pandemia entre países ricos y pobres. Invitamos a todos los miembros de nuestra Orden a promover en la sociedad en general una reflexión crítica sobre el llamado del evangelio a la solidaridad entre ricos y pobres y solicitar los cambios necesarios en los sistemas de distribución.
"Qué bueno es amar la paz" (Sermo 357,2), y, de hecho, hay en el ser humano un deseo natural de paz, ya que "la humanidad se siente de algún modo impulsada por las leyes de nuestra naturaleza a formar sociedad con los demás y vivir en paz con todos en lo que esté a su alcance» (De civ. Dei XIX, 12, 2).
Nos oponemos a todas las formas de violencia y agresión no provocada. Expresamos nuestra solidaridad con todas las víctimas de la guerra y los refugiados de la opresión. Afirmamos la dignidad de todas las víctimas, especialmente las mujeres, los niños y aquellos que son objeto de trata o persecución a causa de su fe. Ofrecemos apoyo para aquellos que buscan la libertad de la opresión. Expresamos nuestro aprecio por nuestros miembros que ya están involucrados en la ayuda a los refugiados e invitamos a otros a participar en dicho ministerio. Llamamos a nuestros hermanos y hermanas a promover una cultura de paz.
Condenamos públicamente la guerra en Ucrania iniciada por Rusia como una afrenta a los derechos humanos. Los desafíos en Ucrania incluyen la amenaza de destrucción nuclear. Los agustinos condenamos cualquier uso de armas nucleares y llamamos a poner fin a esta lucha y a otras guerras, buscar formas de evitar el abuso de la guerra nuclear y restaurar los derechos económicos para acceder a las necesidades en todo el planeta. Debemos guiar a nuestro pueblo en la oración por las víctimas y por la conversión de los líderes que promueven la violencia y la agresión.
Los agustinos volvemos a comprometernos con los principios de Laudato Si’ al reconocer los efectos del cambio climático en nuestro planeta. Nos oponemos al mantenimiento de estructuras económicas para obtener ganancias, en resistencia a las necesidades de quienes sufren eventos climáticos traumáticos. Afirmamos al Santo Padre en su llamado para que eduquemos y actuemos en liderazgo como administradores de la tierra. Invitamos a todas las comunidades a crear sus planes para hacer cambios concretos en nuestro trato individual, comunitario y eclesial del medio ambiente.
Vivimos en un mundo cada vez más secularizado donde se ha ignorado a Dios. Nuestra fe en Jesús, el camino, la verdad y la vida es nuestra fuerza para construir un mundo mejor sin discriminación y libre de manipulación de las redes sociales. Como tales, reconocemos nuestras fragilidades humanas y, sin embargo, la misión de Cristo Jesús nos llama, a través de la apertura a la conversión, a ir más allá de nuestras debilidades, para ser sus testigos ante el mundo. Inspirados por el Espíritu Santo, nosotros, agraciados por nuestro Dios, buscamos ser mensajeros del Señor, en unión con todas las personas de buena voluntad.
Red Wednesday
This day is a campaign to spotlight religious persecution worldwide. All people of all faiths should be able to practice their beliefs without fear. We call for the end of persecution!
RED WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 16, 2022
DON’T CLOSE YOUR EYES TO PERSECUTED CHRISTIANS
This day is a campaign to spotlight religious persecution worldwide.
All people of all faiths should be able to practice their beliefs without fear.
We call for the end of persecution!
Dioceses around the world mark some November 16 as an annual global event in remembrance of Christians who have died or are being persecuted for their faith.
As a Pontifical Catholic charity we support the faithful wherever they are persecuted, oppressed or in need – by way of information, prayer and action.
ACN has published a reflection on the importance of this day and solidarity. Please read the text here: United with our Persecuted Brothers and Sisters
PRAYERS OF THE FAITHFUL
With trust and humility, let us present our prayers to God who is the path of peace.
R/ We pray to you, God of peace.
Lord, we pray for all the Christians in this world who cannot practice their faith without fear.
Lord, we pray that every being, regardless of their religion, live in peace and harmony without any kind of persecution.
Lord, we pray to you for those who, every day, announce the Good News at the peril of their own safety.
Lord, we pray for those who persecute Christians with the hope that their hearts may be forever changed through your love.
Lord, hear our prayers and lead us on paths of peace. Amen.
WHAT CAN WE/YOU DO?
Illuminate in red a church or other important building in your area.
Organize a virtual red Mass for persecuted Christians
Devote a red rosary for the intentions of persecuted Christians.
Choose special universal prayers/prayers of the faithful to include in a red celebration.
Wear red and invite people to wear red and share your pictures in red on social media channels.
Hold a red fundraiser to help the affected communities.
Solicite una subvención de proyectos del Programa 135
Subvenciones disponibles para proyectos agustinos que promuevan la paz y la justicia
Para alentar la participación de los agustinos en proyectos relacionados con la justicia y la paz, especialmente en las parroquias y escuelas agustinas, el Capítulo provincial ordinario del 2018 incluyó una disposición para el apoyo financiero de tales proyectos en el Programa Provincial (n.º 135). Un total de $7,500 serán asignados en apoyo de tales proyectos.
Lea los detalles de la subvención
Proyectos anteriores financiados por subvenciones provinciales:
2020
Centro Agustiniano Canadiense: $1,500 CAD
Parroquia de St. Jude: Cuidando de toda la creación: $825 USD
Parroquia Santa Rita: Abriendo puertas a la ciudadanía: $1,800 USD
2019
Programa de educación igualitaria para niñas y niños (Pacaipampa, Perú): $2,000 USD
Solicitudes del centro agustiniano canadiense para la justicia social: $1,125 USD
2018
La Universidad Católica de Trujillo, “Combatiendo los pecados sociales. Desarrollando estrategias”: $1,693 USD
Parroquia de Asunción, Pacaipampa, “Resolución pacífica de conflictos”: $1,741 USD
Diócesis de Chulucanas, “Educación electoral para el ejercicio responsable de nuestra ciudadanía”: $2,900 USD
Apply for a Program 135 Project Grant
Grants Available for Augustinian Projects Promoting Peace & Justice
To encourage Augustinian involvement in projects concerned with justice and peace, especially in Augustinian parishes and schools, the Ordinary Province Chapter of 2018 included a provision for financial support of such projects in Province Program (No.135). A total of $7,500 can be allocated in support of such projects.
Previous Projects Funded by Province Grants:
2020
Canadian Augustinian Centre: $1,500 CAD
St. Jude Parish: Caring for All of Creation: $825 USD
St. Rita Parish: Opening Doors for Citizenship: $1,800 USD
2019
Equal education for girls and boys program (Pacaipampa, Peru): $2,000 USD
Canadian Augustinian Center for Social Justice requests: $1,125 USD
2018
Catholic University of Trujillo, “Combating Social Sins. Developing Strategies”: $1,693 USD
Assumption Parish, Pacaipampa, “Peaceful Conflict Resolution”: $1,741 USD
Diocese of Chulucanas, “Electoral Education for Responsible Exercise of Our Citizenship”: $2,900 USD
Canadian Augustinian Centre for Social Justice, “Social Justice Issues- Collaboration”: $1,166 USD
2017
School for the Family (Most Holy Cross School, Chulucanas): $1,500 USD
Families Reconciled, The World Renewed (San Isidro Parish, Morropón): $2,000 USD
Social Justice Day (St. Jude Parish, New Lenox): $625 USD
Social Justice Issues-Collaboration (Canadian Augustinian Centre for Social Justice): $1500 USD
2016
Canadian Augustinian Centre for Social Justice’s “Migrants - their Challenge, Our Response of Mercy”: $1500 CAD
Fr. Tony Pizzo Names Midwest Province Team Members of OSA Commission for the Synod 2021-2023
Fr. Tony Pizzo Names Midwest Province Team Members of OSA Commission for the Synod 2021-2023
December 18, 2021
Dear Brothers,
Blessed Fourth Sunday of Advent! What an encouraging day to both witness and participate in the Priesthood Ordination of our brothers, Jeff Raths and Joe Roccasalva. The positive regard we have received today is the Lord’s gift to us from His People. The mutual love and respect we receive continues to build up our appreciation for the gift of our vocation.
I also want to express my heartfelt appreciation for your fraternal support. Up until now, I have considered these past 3 and a half years to be the most challenging as a professed and ordained Augustinian of the Province of Our Mother of Good Council. God’s Grace has been operative in all circumstances even in the moments of uncertainty. We rely on that Grace to sustain us toward our future together.
I am grateful to many of you who have taken the time and interest to offer your support by giving advice and who have been open for consultation. We are blessed with a rich gift of collective wisdom in our Province. I am grateful to our brothers in leadership in the other circumscriptions as well who have lent a listening ear and who have offered sound advice.
Thanks to the shared leadership of the Provincial Council, the Provincial team and the Provincial staff who contribute to our Mission overall. We benefit from your willingness to collaborate for the good of the Province and in our apostolic service.
We will intensify our efforts in our preparation toward the Provincial Chapter in June of 2022. We are fortunate to participate in the Church’s synodal process between now and 2023. As per the Order’s commitment to actively participate in this process, and the call of the General Curia to form Synodal Teams in each Circumscription, I am happy to inform you that I have appointed a diverse group of very dedicated people who will represent the Province in this synodal process from different perspectives. They are:
Robert Dueweke, OSA (currently associated with the Diocese of Lexington, KY).
Bishop Daniel Turley, OSA (in residence and pastorally at St. Rita Parish – Chicago)
Ms. Imelda Salazar (Parishioner of SR Parish and lead organizer with Southwest Organizing Project)
Frank and Marge Palmasani (associated with Providence Catholic High School)
Please read the attached letter from the Curia that informs us of our participation and task. The overall task calls for a synodal rep from each community of the Province. I feel animated as we move toward our future as a Province, Order and Church. Accompanying one another is an essential and key element in constructing our future. It is my hope that in the spirit of Christ at Emmaus, He will reveal Himself, even more clearly in our Mission, deepen our communion and strengthen our participation together.
Fraternally,
Fr. Tony
"Opening Doors to Citizenship" at St. Rita of Cascia Parish
Summary Report on “Opening Doors to Citizenship” Project at St. Rita of Cascia Parish, Chicago
“Opening Doors to Citizenship,” one of St. Rita of Cascia Parish’s ministries for immigrants, received from the Province of Our Mother of Good Counsel a Program 135 grant of $1800 for fiscal year 2020-2021.
These funds provided stipends to the volunteer teachers who helped eligible immigrants prepare for their comprehensive Citizenship Exams. The Exams test the candidates’ proficiency in speaking, reading and writing English, and their knowledge of U. S. history and government.
Classes met for two hours twice a week throughout the year. The COVID-19 pandemic made it necessary to switch from in-person to on-line classes. Thirty-five participants have passed the Citizenship Exam, and another 12 are scheduled to take the Exam in the near future. Assuming that they will pass, “Opening Doors to
Citizenship” will have resulted in 47 people becoming proud naturalized citizens of the United States of America during the 2020-2021 year.
St. Jude Community Garden Feeds the Underserved
Laudato Si’ in action: St. Jude’s Catholic Community in New Lenox recently put in a community garden. All of the food grown there will be shared with local food pantries.
Head of St. Jude’s Peace and Social Justice Ministry, Lorrie Tracy, says, “Thanks to funding from the Midwest Augustinian Justice and Peace Commission, we will be able to serve the underserved in our area by distributing fresh produce to local food pantries, and combat climate change by rebuilding the soil to capture carbon. The best part will be getting parishioners involved as the harvest comes in. The radishes are peeking out of the ground and God has sent the rain! Looking forward to a plentiful garden this summer.”
Message on MLK Jr Day from the Prior Provincial
Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. – January 18, 2021
A Message to our Augustinian Family and Friends,
Today we remember Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his civil rights legacy. Fifty-five years ago, on Chicago’s Southside in Marquette Park not far from St. Rita Parish and High School, King marched with a small crowd of people addressing unjust housing conditions. Approximately five years ago, about 100 parishioners from St. Rita Parish marched with over 1000 people representing the racial and religious demographics of the City of Chicago. That event emulated that historic March back in 1966. On the spot where King was struck in the head with a rock by a white counter-protester now stands the MLK Living Memorial. That violent act against King that took place in Marquette Park is a revolting reminder of how racially fractured we were back then. On January 6th, the riotous storm against the Capitol reveals that our Nation is STILL in need of healing our ruptured social relationships.
It is discouraging to see violence connected with peaceful protests that speak of the desire for change, inclusion, truth, and unity. We are facing a major change in government this week. A new administration will be sworn in with the hope of healing division in all its forms, especially racial disharmony, that has been characterized by the tensions caused by public discourse and action.
We grieve over the racial discord that has been fed by nationalist ideologies that fail to recognize the dignity of each person as well as to treat each person as our neighbor. Dr. King envisioned a society that would accommodate every person, regardless of his or her race, gender, religious affiliation, orientation or any difference that contributes to the person’s uniqueness. We continue to strive toward that society that he called the “Beloved Community.”
The mission of the Gospel, as Jesus demonstrates, is to heal broken hearts and lives, to be inviting and welcoming. I invite all members of our Augustinian Family and all those associated with us to pray for a peaceful and respectful future together. Do not allow complacency to dictate your choices and decisions but rather allow the Spirit of Christ to move you beyond your limitations so that you may see the Face of God in one another.