Don't forget, join Linda, Deacon Jim, and Kent on "Setting Things Right" on Catholic Radio of San Diego every Wednesday from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on KCEO Radio, AM 1000 or listen live on www.catholicradioofsandiego.com. 

Call the show with any questions you may have - 760-931-1604.  All past shows are available in an mp3 format on the web site in the archives section.  Can you imagine jogging or hitting the treadmill with Deacon Jim?

As always, we remind current members and inform new members that past e-link bulletins and this current bulletin can be viewed at www.osmelink.org.

God Bless

Kent, Linda, Deacon Jim, and Maria




Monday, June 20, 2011, e-link Bulletin #95

Table of Contents

Remarks - Message from Kent Peters: "Changing the Dynamic of Helping Those in Need"


Key Upcoming Culture-of-Life Gatherings/Projects (please join us)

   1. Mark your calendars... On Saturday, August 13, 2011, at the Jenny Craig
         Pavilion at the University of San Diego join with thousands of friends and
       parishioners to celebrate life at the Second Annual Mother of Life Conference,
       from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

   2. Abortion Changes You outreach publishes "Changed" companion book,
       "Grief and Abortion: Creating a Safe Place to Heal" 
   
   3. Dr. Gianna Emanuela Molla, the youngest daughter of St. Gianna Molla,
       will make her first visit to the United States this summer.  It is an honor that
       she will visit San Diego during her trip.  A Benediction service with Bishop 
         Robert Brom will take place at St. Therese of Carmel Church on Sunday,
       July 17th from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m.  An informal reception with Gianna 
       Emanuela Molla will follow the Benediction Service.  All are invited to attend
   

Short Reports on Office for Social Ministry Related Issues/Events

   1. Fair Trade San Diego celebrated World Fair Trade Day on Saturday,
       May 7, at the Ideal Hotel in Downtown San Diego, with more than 120 
       participants in attendance

   2. St. Martin of Tours is working to to designate the City of La Mesa
       as a "Fair Trade Town" - link to an article in the La Mesa Courier
  

Web and e-mail-based Resources

   - The Ruth Institute initiated the REEL LOVE CHALLENGE where college
      students were asked to submit short videos answering the question, "How 
        is lifelong love possible?"  What the Institute received was priceless. 
       You'll fall in love with the works of these creative students


Local and Regional Events/Gatherings/Projects

     1. Attend the San Diego Friends of Fair Trade monthly meeting on Wednesday, 
         August 10, at 6:30 p.m. (no July Meeting) at the Open Door Book Store in 
         Pacific Beach

     2.  "Get Acquainted with Detention Ministry" monthly information/training
          sessions are offered by Deacon Walsh at the Pastoral Center - The next
          training will be held sometime in July - call for dates the times - registration
          is required

     3.  North County prayer witness at the Carlsbad Planned Parenthood Clinic
          scheduled for every third Monday of the month from 10:00 a.m. to
          10:30 a.m.

     4. Prayerful witness for life at two locations in San Diego County - every
         Saturday and Wednesday at 7340 Miramar Road, just east of the Pyramid
         Building, adjacent to Carroll Road, and the second Saturday of every
         month at 15546 Pomerado Road in Poway

     5. St. Dismas Guild sponsors two weekly hours of prayer for the unborn
         in front of the North County Women's Medical Clinic on Craven Way

     6. St. Elizabeth Seton Parish in Carlsbad also supports the St. Dismas
         Guild prayer ministry in front of the North County Women's Medical
         Clinic on Craven Way

     7. St. John the Evangelist Parish in Encinitas Pro-Life Mass and Rosary held
         on the first Monday of each month

     8. Prayer Vigil at Planned Parenthood - First and Grape Street, San Diego –
         Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

     9. Most Precious Blood Parish in Chula Vista Rosary Prayer Vigils held every
         Wednesday at 8:45 a.m.

    10. Prayer partners are needed at 1079 Third Ave., suite 3, in Chula
         Vista - abortions are performed at this facility - Meet each Wednesday
         from 8:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.

    11. Join neighbors and friends to pray in front of the new Planned
            Parenthood facility in El Cajon on Fridays and Saturdays

    12. The Goretti Group is offering a chastity prayer gathering and a speaker
            training monthly along with a Mass to celebrate chastity


Article/Statement for June 20, 2011

   - Letter from Bishop Brom encouraging Catholics for the Common Good 
        in its work to establish Faith and Action Circles in parishes througout the
       Diocese of San Diego with a view to evangelizing the culture for marriage 
       and family and rebuilding a marriage culture  

Let me ask a not-so-simple question. 

Which of the following two alternative solutions to the perennial economic problem of poverty would be preferred by the average Catholic, 1) having those who live on the economic margins receive governmental assistance, i.e., support for basic human needs with goods such as: housing, food, health care, education, energy, transportation, child care, and the like, or 2) to survive and eventually thrive, having those same people participate in a robust economic environment where, starting in their younger years, they move from good jobs to better jobs, eventually satisfying all of their own basic human needs and finally the needs of their family members?

The answer is simple if human nature is kept in mind.  Just ask another question.  Which solution, 1 or 2, would best provide for a growing sense of self worth, a pride in one's abilities, and a recognition of the God-given dignity that we have all been given as human beings?  Which solution, 1 or 2, results in the admiration of children for their parents and simultaneously infuses endurance and discipline in those same children?  Well, that was easy!

As a diocesan Social Ministry director, I spend a good deal of time with other good Catholic leaders who really care about and are charged with doing something about those in need.  What I find absolutely confounding is that almost never in my 22 years of service have I encountered a colleague who would approach the problem primarily from perspective #2.  Almost always, when discussing poverty, eyes will roll, blame will be focused squarely on the job providers themselves, eyes will be lifted to Heaven, and I'll hear something like, "We need to increase governmental funding for...  Why isn't there a Federal program dealing with...  If we could only enroll more people in...  Think of how many people we could help if only..."  

I can't ever remember hearing a comment from a colleague like, "Poverty... What can we do as the People of God to ensure that the overall economy continues to grow, that additional jobs are created, that those jobs pay well, or that we should at least know enough about how the economy works so that we don't damage its potential."  It's as if every employed individual inside the Catholic Church working on the issue of poverty was required to take a Liberal pledge.  When the ultimate solution is so clear, does this approach make much sense?  This is a disconnect of monumental proportion. 

I, for one, believe that we are our brothers and sisters keepers, and that we are absolutely required to use the personal resources that are not directed to our own needs in the service of those who have less than they need.  This notion is called the "universal destination of earthly goods," and it pops up in almost every social encyclical since Rerum Novarum.  What doesn't pop up is the assertion that governmental coercion is the healthiest manner of moving material excess in the direction of the poor.  How can we expect that a healthy political climate will be maintained when people of need become a necessary and central element in a party's seeking of political power.  The opposing political party is automatically demonized: the uncaring, the ruthless, the greedy, the takers.  The party of the needy actually needs the needy as needy to advance.  Now, does that sound productive? 

Pope Benedict has a little-discussed proposal in paragraph 60 of his Social Encyclical, "Caritas en Veritate" that might point us in new direction.  In it he explains, "One possible approach to development aid would be to apply effectively what is known as fiscal subsidiarity, allowing citizens to decide how to allocate a portion of the taxes they pay to the State.  Provided it does not degenerate into the promotion of special interests, this can help to stimulate forms of welfare solidarity from below, with obvious benefits in the area of solidarity for development as well."

Imagine getting back 15% of your federal taxes in credits to be distributed, at your discretion, to local non-profits that assist the marginalized in areas like job training, housing, health care, etc.  The help now comes, not through a bureaucratic maze that starts in Washington DC, that has countless political strings attached, and that trickles down to those in need at a fraction of what was originally taken in taxes, but through you, directly to an organization that you trust to effectively treat those they serve with love, kindness, and high expectations - one that gets results.

Replacing federal welfare with locally funded and directed social assistance is just one of many better-ways-of-helping ideas that are being proposed these days.

Other great ideas are being implemented and should be considered, such as: 1) investing in socially responsible investments funds that: focus on creating well paying jobs, are directed to creating local jobs, or that provide micro loans to struggling entrepreneurs in developing countries, 2) shopping for fair trade products that use an intermediary body to guarantee fair compensation for producers in far off places, 3) fostering collective bargaining for those in low-skill jobs with unions that are not wedded to a particular political party and its interests, 4) congregation-based employment networking and job readiness training, and 5) evangelizing corporate executives through their own individual faith communities, helping to create hearts of flesh in these leaders that understand what justice means and how it should be applied in the work place.

Consider some words from Fr. Greg Boyle's HomeBoy Industries' web site: "You ask any gang member in the United States of America, ‘name one thing that would help you,’ – you wouldn’t find a gang member who said something other than a job.” 

Today, Homeboy Industries runs its own bakery, café, gift shop, and printing business, all run by former gang members, with profits going to benefit the program itself.  Jobs helping to end gang violence.  Jobs helping to end poverty.

Ending these thoughts with a question might be apropos.  

What's stopping us from seriously considering Pope Benedict's idea of "fiscal subsidiarity?"  It might just be the best jumping off place we've encountered in years.

God Bless.

Kent

Key Upcoming Culture-of-Life Gatherings/Projects

Number 1:

Join thousands of friends and fellow parishioners at the Second Annual Mother of Life Conference on Saturday, August 13, 2011, from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at USD's Jenny Craig Pavilion, 5998 Alcala Park, San Diego, for a celebration of life you will never forget - seating is limited so register online today

The Mother of Life Conference is about "Saving Lives and Changing Lives."  Mother of Life Conference leaders thank Mary, the Mother of Jesus, for choosing life for our Lord and Savior.  The organizers seek to unite all people touched by this Conference, equipping them to transform our society through spiritual and earthly means into a vibrant and faithful Culture of Life.


 
Additionally, all net proceeds will go to select local pro-life ministries through San Diego Knights of Columbus Chapter Charities, Inc. a 501 (c) (3) organization.

Experience this much heralded Southern California Pro-Life Event!  Be sure to visit the exhibit area featuring a wide array of Culture of Life literature, music, and more!

Adult Tickets are $35 each through Sunday July 10, 2011, and $45 after that date.  Youth tickets, ages 13 to 25, are $20.  Children 12 and under are free.

To register online and to print a full colored flyer for distribution to friends and family, visit:

www.motheroflifeconference.com

MOL Conference Speakers:

 




Number 2:

"Abortion Changes You"  outreach publishes "Changed" companion book, "Grief and Abortion: Creating a Safe Place to Heal"

As friends and family members, volunteers and professionals, we all know and meet men and women who have been touched by reproductive loss due to an abortion. The men and women that struggle after an abortion experience have prompted us to ask: How can I help? How can I be a safe place? How can I better understand someone's response after an abortion and what the healing process might look like?

In consultation with a group of professors, therapists, and peer counselors, Grief & Abortion: Creating a Safe Place to Heal was developed to answer these questions. This resource will help you to "connect the dots" as it builds upon your relationship skills (friends and family members) and your training and experience as a peer counselor, therapist, or health professional so that you can communicate to clients and loved ones that they are not alone, and that healing resources are available. "Abortion Changes You resources provide a safe place where grief after an abortion is both acknowledged and provided a venue for processing." - Dr. Gary Strauss, EdD Professor of Psychology, Biola University

Order this book on Amazon at:

http://www.amazon.com/Grief-Abortion-Creating-Safe-Place/dp/0980063310/ref=sr_1_1_title_0_main?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1308257931&sr=1-1






Number 3:

Daughter of St. Gianna Molla, the last saint canonized by the late Pope John Paul II, Dr. Gianna Emanuela Mola, to visit the U.S. in July of 2011 - Join friends, family, and fellow parishioners at St. Therese of Carmel Church for prayer and to visit with Dr. Gianna

Dr. Gianna Emanuela Molla, the youngest daughter of St. Gianna Molla, will make her first visit to the United States this summer.  It is an honor that she will visit San Diego during her trip.

(Photo at Right: Dr. Gianna Emanuela Molla at mother's Canonization with Fr. Rosica, a family friend)  

A Benediction Service with Bishop Robert Brom will take place at St. Therese of Carmel Church on Sunday, July 17th from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m., 4355 Del Mar Trails Road, San Diego, CA, 92130.  Dr. Gianna Emanuala will speak at the Benediction, and an informal reception with Gianna Emanuela Molla will follow the Benediction Service.  All are invited to attend.

To download a Pdf poster for the St. Therese of Carmel events, click on the poster to the left or cut-n-paste the web address below into your browser window:

http://www.osmelink.org/StGiannaEmanuelaPoster.pdf

To learn more about scheduled events with Dr. Gianna Emanuela, visit the St. Gianna Physicians' Guild web site: http://www.stgiannaphysicians.org/.

 




 

 
Short Reports on OSM-Related Issues/Events


Number 1. 




San Diego Region Celebrates World Fair Trade 2011



In the fall of 2010, members of Fair Trade San Diego chapter dedicated themselves to creating a fun and fabulous event for World Fair Trade Day 2011.  After much thought and deliberation the group settled on offering an event that would not only introduce guests to local vendors selling fair trade but would also allow them to learn about the true value fair trade has in the lives of producers in the developing world.
 
On World Fair Trade Day 2011, the Fair Trade San Diego chapter celebration drew more than 120 attendees, some well acquainted with fair trade but a good number who were new to the movement.  Guests learned about injustices facing workers, especially trafficked children, in the chocolate growing industries in Africa through the film “The Dark Side of Chocolate,” and from invited speakers, they learned about practices that the will help workers thousands of miles away. 

Unlike workers receiving non-fair trade benefits, fair trade produces are guaranteed safe working conditions, living wages, and benefits such as health care and education.  Consumers in San Diego support chocolate workers by purchasing fair trade chocolate and by supporting Global Exchange’s Raise the Bar, which is encouraging Hershey’s Chocolate to become a fair trade company.

Although there is still much work to be done to bring the fair-trade model to the chocolate industry, there is still a great deal to celebrate.  In San Diego, over the past few years, both the awareness of fair trade and the availability of fair trade products have grown tremendously.
 
Vendors at the 2011 celebration included: Marcie Sweets, Angell Organic Candy Bars, Ben & Jerry’s of Seaport Village, Café Virtuoso, among others.  Today, there are hundreds of stores in San Diego County that sell at least one line of fair trade products.  Learn more about these stores through the Fair Trade San Diego shopping list at www.FairTradeSD.org.
 
Fair Trade San Diego would like to thank the dedicated people who made World Fair Trade Day 2011 a reality in San Diego, especially the Red Lotus Society for hosting our event.

Attend the San Diego Friends of Fair Trade monthly meeting on Wednesday, August 10, at 6:30 p.m. (no July Meeting) at the Open Door Book Store in Pacific Beach, 4761 Cass Street, San Diego, CA.





 

Number 2. 

St. Martin of Tours is behind the scenes working on the committee to designate the City of La Mesa as a "Fair Trade Town" - follow link to an article in the La Mesa Courier




Commerce with a Conscience

(La Mesa Courier, La Mesa, CA) – Fair Trade Products, originating from countries all over the developing world, represent a wide variety of unique items. A steering committee is at work to bring awareness to La Mesa of how the sale and use of Fair Trade certified products can bring about self-sufficiency for those who live in poverty. Fair Trade creates trading relationships with growers and artisans in developing countries that guarantee equity, fair wages, healthy and safe working conditions, and environmentally sustainable practices.

Read the reminder of the article at:

http://www.lamesacourier.com/article/Local_News/News/La_Mesa_A_Fair_Trade_Town_by_Centennial_Year/22608

Web and e-mail-based Resources

Creativity
        at
  its
        Best!










The Ruth Institute initiated the REEL LOVE CHALLENGE where college students submitted short videos answering the question, "How is lifelong love possible?"  What the Institute received was priceless.
 

View the three finalists' videos and dozens of additional submitted videos at:

http://www.ruthinstitute.org/reellovechallenge/index.html


 

New Local/Regional Events and Gatherings

If you are planning an event that falls within the mission of social ministry, send the particulars four to five weeks in advance to the Office for Social Ministry via e-mail, osmelink@diocese-sdiego.org. The OSM reserves the right to publish or not to publish any proposed event information. We hope this will assist your local efforts to rebuild a culture of life.

1. Attend the San Diego "Friends of Fair Trade" monthly meeting

San Diego Friends of Fair Trade is a coalition of non-profit organizations and congregations attempting to advance the cause of fair trade.  They work to insure that all individuals who toil, both at home and around the world, to provide consumers with commodities are paid a living wage, one that can sustain a life with dignity. 

The next SD Friends of Fair Trade meeting will be on Wednesday, August 10, 2011, at 6:30 p.m. at the Open Door Book Store on 4761 Cass St., Pacific Beach (No chapter meeting in July) - For more information, please contact Carolyn Lief at fairtradesandiego@gmail.com.  To sign up for the Fair Trade San Diego newsletter, send a request to fairtradesandiego@gmail.com 

2. Get Acquainted with Detention Ministry in the Diocese of San Diego

Join Deacon Jim Walsh each month for an Information and Training Seminar on detention ministry and restorative justice at the Diocesan Pastoral Center, 3888 Paducah Drive, San Diego, 92117

Visit the OSM Restorative Justice Web site for the July dates and times: www.diocese-sdiego.org/restore

Sorry, no walk-ins.  Contact Deacon Jim Walsh for reservations or questions: 858-490-8375 or e-mail Deacon Jim at jwalsh@diocese-sdiego.org


3. North-County prayer witness at the Carlsbad Planned Parenthood Clinic

North County parishioners meet the third Monday of every month from 10:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. to peacefully pray the rosary in front of the Carlsbad Planned Parenthood Clinic.  The clinic is located at 1820 Marron Rd. (in the shopping center just west of Plaza Camino Real Mall).  For more information, contact Jahna White of St. Margaret Parish at 760-586-6356.
 

4. Prayerful witness for life at two locations (7340 Miramar Road in San Diego and 15546 Pomerado Road in Poway) in San Diego County

Helpers of God’s Precious Infants weekly rosary prayer vigil from 8:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. every Saturday and Wednesday at 7340 Miramar Road, directly above Metro Flooring in the complex with the Pyramid Building, adjacent to Carroll Road.  Prayer warriors also needed as early as 7:30 a.m.

Call Roger Lopez at 619-276-7525 for more information.
 
Second Saturday of the month:  20 decades of the Rosary are prayed in procession past 4 clinics following the 7:30 a.m. Mass, 15546 Pomerado Road, Poway.  For more information, call 858-748-2109. 

5. St. Dismas Guild sponsors two weekly hours of prayer for the unborn in North County

Join members of St. Dismas Guild for a rosary picket at North County Women's Medical Clinic, 120 S. Craven Way, San Marcos, (across from Cal State San Marcos), Tuesdays, 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

The Guild also sponsors prayer (the rosary) in front of PayLess at Mission Avenue and Escondido Blvd., 347 W. Mission, on Thursdays, 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.  For information on these prayer vigils, call 760-751-8541.

6. St. Elizabeth Seton Parish in Carlsbad has a tri-weekly prayer ministry in front of the North County Women's Medical Clinic on Craven Way - San Marcos on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays

Please join the St. Elizabeth Seton "Life Matters" Culture of Life prayer vigils at 10:00 a.m. to Noon every Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday morning at "North County Women's Medical Clinic": 120 Craven Road, San Marcos - http://www.womensmedicalclinic.com/.  Those interested can carpool from St. Elizabeth Seton's upper parking lot at 9:30 a.m.  Those who do not want to carpool, please feel free to meet us at the Abortion Center at 10:00 a.m. or at any time between 10:00 a.m. and Noon.  These vigils are not confrontational.  We give witness by being present in prayer and entrust our message to the Blessed Mother.  Contact Gene: ejzoval@yahoo.com or 760-804-9656 for more information.

7. St. John the Evangelist Parish in Encinitas Pro-Life Mass and Rosary held on the first Monday of each month

The first Monday of every month is designated Pro-Life Monday at St. John the Evangelist Church, 1001 Encinitas Blvd, Encinitas.  The 8:00 a.m. Mass will be followed by a Rosary for Life.

8. Prayer Vigil at Planned Parenthood - First and Grape Street, San Diego – Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

Prayer vigil contacts: Luis Mendoza 619-259-3906 or Roger Lopez 619-276-7525.   Rosary processions the first Saturday of every month from Our Lady of the Rosary, Date & State St., after the 7:30 a.m. Mass.             

9. Most Precious Blood Parish Rosary Prayer Vigils held on Wednesdays each week

The Pro-Life Prayer Group from Most Precious Blood sponsors a Rosary Prayer Vigil in front of "A Woman's Choice" Clinic abortion facility at 1550 Broadway, Chula Vista, every Wednesday at 8:45 a.m.  For more information, please call Shirley Henry at 619-420-7096 or Luis Mendoza at 619-259-3906.
 

10. Prayer partners are needed at the office of Feliciano Rios M.D., 1079 Third Ave., suite 3, in Chula Vista - Dr. Rios performs abortions at his medical facility - Meet each Wednesday from 8:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.

Please contact Luis Mendoza, a Missionary of The Gospel of Life Lay Associate, at 619-259-3906, with questions or to share interest in this prayer ministry.

11. Pray in front of the Planned Parenthood facility located at 1685 East Main, just off the Greenfield Drive exit in El Cajon - join friends and neighbors

According to the PP website, chemical (RU-486) abortions only are done at this location - not surgical abortions.  They do refer women for abortions to their surgical center on First Ave.  Join the group each Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Contact: mfowler@nethere.com

12.   The Goretti Group offers chastity prayer and speaker training monthly

Every First Friday of the month, the Goretti Group will celebrate a St. Maria Goretti Mass at Our Lady of the Rosary, 1654 State Street, at 6:15 p.m.

Every Second Monday of the month: ChasteMasters Meeting at Our Lady of the Rosary, Giovanni Room, 7:00 p.m.  Please join us in prayer, a roundtable discussion, and providing feedback as chastity speakers refine their talks.

For more info please visit: www.thegorettigroup.org or call David at: 619-733-8439

Watch for OSM e-link bulletin #96 around Friday, July 29 2011

Article/Statement for June 20, 2011

Letter of encouragement from Bishop Brom on behalf of Catholics for the Common Good's efforts to evangelize the culture for marriage in the Diocese of San Diego


Dear San Diego Catholic Lay Leaders,

Catholics for the Common Good Institute (CCGI), a lay apostolate, has developed a formation and action program for lay Catholics aimed at evangelizing the culture for marriage and family as part of its Stand with Children project.  The mission of this project is not simply to defend marriage, but, through formation and advocacy, work to rebuild a marriage culture i.e. reduce the number of children deprived of their married mothers and fathers.

I am pleased to welcome Catholics for the Common Good Institute to the San Diego Diocese and encourage their work with parishes throughout the region to establish Faith and Action Circles.

CCGI’s approach is positive, based on Catholic social teaching and the method of John Paul II.  The Faith & Action Circles gather Catholics into small groups for study, reflection, mutual support, and action toward evangelizing culture for marriage and family.

CCGI works closely with the California Catholic Conference (CCC) and many California bishops.  They were asked by the CCC to lead the lay Catholic portion of the Prop 8 Campaign.  Since that time, CCGI has led trainings, retreats, and formation programs throughout California for the purpose of educating and activating Catholics on the marriage issue.

CCGI is collaborating with departments within the Diocese of San Diego, including Social Ministry, Marriage and Family Life, Permanent Diaconate, Evangelization and Catechetical Ministry, Young Adult Ministry, and Youth Ministry to form and activate Catholics for this most critical apostolate.

I am grateful for the work of CCGI and their network of volunteer leaders.  I encourage parishes and individuals within the Diocese of San Diego to learn more about their apostolate and embrace the Faith & Action Circles.  This type of formation and action is essential for promoting the reality of marriage and protecting children and families.

Thank you,

Robert H. Brom, Bishop of the Diocese of San Diego