Saint Mary Parish. Saint Paul Parish

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1 Saint Mary Parish 4001 St Mary s Drive. Anacortes, WA v f Saint Paul Parish Pioneer Parkway. PO Box 2100 La Conner, WA Swinomish Indian Reservation October 30, 2016 Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time Zacchaeus stood there and said to the Lord, Behold, half of my possessions, Lord, I shall give to the poor, and if I have extorted anything from anyone I shall repay it four times over. And Jesus said to him, Today salvation has come to this house because this man too is a descendant of Abraham. For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save what was lost. Luke 19:8-10 Liturgy Schedule Saint Mary Parish Celebration of the Eucharist Weekend Saturday Vigil Mass... 5:00 p.m. Sunday Mass.. 8:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m. Weekday Tuesday...6:00 p.m. Wednesday Saturday.. 9:00 a.m. First Friday Mass :00 a.m. First Saturday Sacrament of Reconciliation....9:00 a.m. Benediction and Mass 10:00 a.m. Sacrament of Reconciliation Half hour before Daily Mass in addition to the following: Saturday.. 3:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. Sunday :30 a.m.; 10:00 a.m. Liturgy Schedule Saint Paul Parish September 11, 2016 through May 28, 2017 (Summer 2017 schedule to be announced) Celebration of the Eucharist Sunday Mass. 6:00 p.m. Sacrament of Reconciliation Sunday... 5:00 p.m. Faith Formation: Religious Education Sunday... 5:00 p.m.

2 Parish Directory St. Mary Parish Office St. Paul Parish Office 4001 Saint Mary s Drive, Anacortes, WA Pioneer Parkway, La Conner, WA (360) ; fax (360) (360) ; fax (360) www. stmaryanacortes.org PO Box 2100, La Conner, WA Parish Office Hours Monday through Friday: 10:00 a.m. Noon 1:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m. Parish Office Hours Contact bpeters@swinomish.nsn.us Parish Staff Parish Staff Rev. Mel Strazicich, Pastor Ext. 101 Rev. Mel Strazicich, Pastor, (360) Ruth Miller, Parish Administrator Ext. 102 Beverly Peters, Pastoral Coordinator Ben Maes, PA for Liturgy Ext. 106 Jenny Peters, Bookkeeper Toni Noaker, PA for Faith Formation Ext. 104 Travis Switalski, Facilities Supervisor Ext. 105 Brandee Theriot, Admin. Assistant Ext. 103 Parish Councils Immaculate Conception Regional School Pastoral Council: Andy Leech, Chair Gwen Rodrigues, Principal Andyleech@msn.com 1321 E Division St., Mount Vernon, WA Finance Council: George Kushner, Chair (360) Mass Intentions November 2: All Souls (Novena) November 2: Holy Father s Intentions November 2: Departed Children November 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12: the Novena for All Souls. Readings for the week... You can find readings for every day at The Liturgy of the Hours the official daily prayer of the church is at Stewardship of Treasure Praying for our Military CDR Roger Leech, USN Daniel Hernandez, USN Flint Mitchell, Jr., USN Gobil A. Robinson Thomas Mullinaux, USAF We would like to include in the prayer of our parish your family members serving in the military. Please call the Parish Office so we may add their names to our list, which will be placed in this box Perpetual Adoration St. Peter Julian Eymard Chapel AVAILABLE HOURS SUNDAY: 2 am; MONDAY: No open hours TUESDAY: 11 pm WEDNESDAY: 3, 4, 5 am THURSDAY: 10, 11 pm FRIDAY : 3 am; 1, 5 pm SATURDAY: 10, 11 pm Contact Sally Alliance of the Two Hearts and Communion of Reparation is on the First Friday of every month. Collection for October Fiscal year 7/1/2016 6/30/2017 October 23-24, 2016 Month to Date Fiscal Year to Date Collection at Mass $ 7,563 $ 33,255 $ 130,683 Online giving $ 418 $ 2,683 $ 12,349 Total $ 7,981 $ 36,356 $ 150,032 Goal $ 9,150 $ 36,600 $ 155,550 Over (Under) Goal $ (1,169) $ (244) $ (5,518)

3 This week at St. Mary and St. Paul Sunday, October 30 7:30 a.m. Sacrament of Reconciliation 8:00 a.m. Mass 9:00 a.m. Hospitality Hour 9:15 a.m. Confirmation Class 9:45 a.m. Religious Education 10:00 a.m. Sacrament of Reconciliation 11:00 a.m. Mass 12:00 p.m. Hospitality Hour St. Paul, Swinomish Reservation 5:00 p.m. Sacrament of Reconciliation 6:00 p.m. Mass Monday, October 31 No Mass 7:00 p.m. Joy of the Lord Tuesday, November 1 All Saints Day 9:00 a.m. Mass 5:30 p.m. Sacrament of Reconciliation 6:00 p.m. Mass Incence will be used 6:45 p.m. Seven Sorrows Rosary Wednesday, November 2 All Souls Day 8:30 a.m. Sacrament of Reconciliation 9:00 a.m. Mass 10:00 a.m. Mass 10:00 a.m. Steps in a Journey 6:00 p.m. Mass Incense will be used 7:00 p.m. RCIA Thursday, November 3 8:30 a.m. Sacrament of Reconciliation 9:00 a.m. Mass 10:00 a.m. The Pivotal Players Study Friday, November 4 - First Friday 8:30 a.m. Sacrament of Reconciliation 9:00 a.m. Mass and Adoration 9:45 a.m. Seven Sorrows Rosary 10:00 a.m. Women s Bible Study 3:00 p.m. Divine Mercy Chaplet Saturday, November 5 - First Saturday 9:00 a.m. First Saturday Reconciliation 10:00 a.m. Benediction and Mass 3:30 p.m. Sacrament of Reconciliation 5:00 p.m. Vigil Mass Sunday, November 6 7:30 a.m. Sacrament of Reconciliation 8:00 a.m. Mass 9:00 a.m. Hospitality Hour 9:15 a.m. Confirmation Class 9:45 a.m. Religious Education 10:00 a.m. Sacrament of Reconciliation 11:00 a.m. Mass 12:00 p.m. Hospitality Hour St. Paul, Swinomish Reservation 5:00 p.m. Sacrament of Reconciliation 6:00 p.m. Mass Pastoral Assistant for Youth Ministry, Part-Time St. Mary Parish in Anacortes is seeking a Pastoral Assistant for Youth Ministry to fill a part-time position. Position is responsible for developing programs and activities for junior and senior high youth and young adults (ages 18-35) that foster spiritual formation, including religious education, youth-oriented liturgies, community service and outreach opportunities, retreats, and evangelization. saintmaryanacortes@gmail.org to request a job description and application. We Need You St. Mary Parish is in great need of Eucharistic Ministers and Ushers/ Greeters for all Masses. This is an excellent way to serve the Lord and your fellow parishioners. If you are interested in serving, please contact the Parish Office at (360) and leave contact information to be contacted about our next training session. Parish Directory A huge thank you to Diana Zeller and Toni Edmons for volunteering to coordinate a new St. Mary Parish Directory!! You will be updated as soon as a portrait company has been chosen and scheduled. I will praise your name forever, my king and my God. Psalm 145 Parish News and Events Worldwide Marriage Encounter The one who serves God willingly is heard; his petition reaches the heavens. Let us serve God willingly by strengthening, renewing and rekindling our marriages by participating in a Worldwide Marriage Encounter weekend at the Sheraton Hotel, Bellevue on November 11-13, Apply at More information at ME25 Survey We are at the end of the month of collecting surveys and are still about 50 short of the 270 responses that are needed. Your input is needed so St. Mary can have the information needed to complete our Five-Year Plan. Please take a few minutes to complete the survey and make your voice count! The Carmelite Bookstore and Gift Shop th Ave. NW in Stanwood Adjacent to the Carmelite Institute of Spirituality The store stocks a wide range of books on prayer, Catholicism, and spirituality, as well as many inexpensive used books, including Bibles. Bookstore hours: Tuesday - Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. For more information, or call (360)

4 Faith Formation and Liturgy Religious Education and Confirmation Classes Begin Confirmation Class meets 9:15-10:45 in the Conference Room (5). Religious Education Classes meet at 9:15 for family fellowship at our Hospitality Hour followed by class at 9:45-10:45. Families of all students are encouraged to remain in the Parish Hall for Faith Formation group discussions while the children attend class. Religious Education Hospitality Hosting We appreciate all the generous families who have volunteered to host Hospitality Hour after the 8:00 a.m. Mass! Our Religious Education families hosting at the 9:15 Hour over the next few weeks are as follows: October 30, Shafer Family November 6, Bolorowski Family November 13, Lisa Family November is Remembrance Month On All Saints Day, All Souls Day and throughout the month of November we commemorate the faithful departed. A table will be set up in the church for you to place a framed photo of departed loved ones. Please place a label on the back of the photo with your contact information. A book will be set up for you to add the names of your deceased loved ones and we will pray for them throughout the month. A Novena for the Faithful Departed will begin November 1. Prayer cards are in the narthex. All Saints Day Tuesday, November 1 is All Saints Day which is a Holy Day of Obligation. Mass times at St. Mary are at 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. and incense will be used. Children are invited to dress as Saints and may be asked to introduce themselves as their chosen Saints during Mass. 40 Days for Life involves quietly praying outside the Mt. Vernon Planned Parenthood building from 7am-7pm September 28 - November 6. There is no yelling, debating, or engagement with others it is a time of prayer. To sign up, visit: Welcome to Ben Maes Ben Maes is St. Mary s new Pastoral Assistant for Liturgy. You will find him conducting the choir at the weekend Masses. Please say hello to Ben and give him a warm St. Mary welcome! Sacramental Information Call St. Mary Office at for more information Infant Baptism Call the Parish Office to schedule a preparation class and baptism. Those wishing to have their baby baptized must be practicing Catholics. Adult or Child Baptism, Confirmation, or Adults Considering Becoming Catholic Call the Faith Formation Office to learn more about the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA), or Rite of Christian Initiation for Children (RCIC). Weddings Weddings require a 6-month notice and preparation. Sacrament of the Sick (Anointing) Please let us know if someone is seriously ill.

5 Word From Fr. Straz Litany of Humility His Eminence Rafael Cardinal Merry del Val ( ) O Jesus! meek and humble of heart, Hear me. From the desire of being esteemed... From the desire of being loved... From the desire of being extolled... From the desire of being honored... From the desire of being praised... From the desire of being preferred to others... From the desire of being consulted... From the desire of being approved... Deliver me, Jesus. Last Saturday, St. Paul Parish welcomed two new Christians in the Sacrament of Baptism, babies Greyson Edwards and Isaac Wilbur. Little Greyson Edwards is the infant nephew of Daniel (Dano) Rapada, the young man who has been battling a life threatening illness at Children s Hospital in Seattle for the last year and a half, and whom we have been praying for here at St. Mary Parish. Greyson s family asked that Daniel be a Godparent, which was granted. Rather than being a Godparent by proxy, Dano was given a pass from the hospital to attend. He was flown by helicopter to St. Paul on the Swinomish Reservation. From the fear of being humiliated... From the fear of being despised... From the fear of suffering rebukes... From the fear of being calumniated... From the fear of being forgotten... From the fear of being ridiculed... From the fear of being wronged... From the fear of being suspected... Deliver me, Jesus. That others may be loved more than I... That others may be esteemed more than I... That, in the opinion of the world, others may increase and I may decrease... That others may be chosen and I set aside... That others may be praised and I unnoticed... That others may be preferred to me in everything... That others may become holier than I, provided that I may become as holy as I should Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.

6 Reflections for This Week On the Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time we have Luke s marvelous account of Jesus encounter with the wealthy tax collector, Zacchaeus. Watching from a tree, he is invited by Jesus: Zacchaeus, come down quickly, for today I must stay at your house. Tuesday is the Solemnity of All Saints, with Matthew's Gospel offering us the Beatitudes. Wedsday is the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Souls), also with its own special readings. Friday is the Memorial of St. Charles Borromeo. The first readings this week are from Paul's wonderful Letter to the Philippians. Continuing Luke's Gospel, Jesus talks about not only inviting all the right people into our lives, but to include the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous. In answer to the Pharisees' criticism of Jesus eating and drinking with sinners, Jesus tells parables of the man who finds his lost sheep and the woman with the lost coin, both of whom rejoice in finding what was lost. Jesus tells the parable of the dishonest steward who is caught overcharging his master's customers and saves himself by cutting his master's prices. Jesus praises his enterprise: the children of this world are more prudent in dealing with their own generation than the children of light. Finally, Jesus says that we can't have two masters, trying to love God and money. When a Pharisee sneered at him, he said: what is of human esteem is an abomination in the sight of God. Taken from the Weekly Guide for Daily Prayer the Creighton University s Online Ministries website: CollaborativeMinistry/online.html. Used with permission Unbound Fr. Alfred Delp, S.J. And when you think about it this is precisely the state humankind as a whole is in today. We have become incapable of living fully because we have not found divine freedom. I know perfectly well that only God can unlock the handcuffs and open that door and that his creative power could make me free again in the eyes of the world. Humanity s condition in general is just like mine. What we need is a new awareness of the Gospel, the good tidings, so that we may really hear and understand. We need an open, receptive mind God will not force any person to accept salvation. We must keep on reminding modern people that God stands at the door, ready and waiting, but that they themselves must open the door. The grim happenings around us the devastation and violence are at the door of our spirit, his invitation to surrender to him and accept in return his freedom, is a thing that should be taken just as seriously. On one point let there be no misunderstanding left to ourselves with only our own strength to rely on, we shall never find freedom. The text about human beings not being able to call a foot of earth their own is an exact picture of our helplessness on a purely human level. Where divine freedom is concerned there is no question of bargaining, of exchanging one set of chains for another as is the case in human affairs. With God the only way to complete freedom is complete surrender there is no alternative. But his summons is always creative. Father Delp (+1945) was a German Jesuit priest condemned to death by the Nazis in Berlin, Germany. Published in the October issue of Magnificat. How do we pray with Sacred Scripture? Spiritual reading of Sacred Scripture, especially the Gospels, is an important form of meditation. This spiritual reading is traditionally called lectio divina or divine reading. Lectio divina is prayer over the Scriptures. 1. The first element of this type of prayer is reading (lectio): you take a short passage from the Bible, preferably a Gospel passage and read it carefully, perhaps three or more times. Let it really soak-in. 2. The second element is mediation (meditatio). By using your imagination enter into the Biblical scene in order to "see" the setting, the people, and the unfolding action. It is through this mediation that you encounter the text and discover its meaning for your life. 3. The next element is prayer (oratio) or your personal response to the text: asking for graces, offering praise or thanksgiving, seeking healing or forgiveness. In this prayerful engagement with the text, you open yourself up to the possibility of contemplation. Contemplation (contemplatio) is a gaze turned toward Christ and the things of God. By God's action of grace, you may be raised above meditation to a state of seeing or experiencing the text as mystery and reality. In contemplation, you come into an experiential contact with the One behind and beyond the text.

7 Dr. Libertoni s Old World Recipe Saturday November 12, 6:30pm after Vigil Mass in the FAC Parish Hall $10 per person or $25 per family A fundraiser to support our Parish and Archdiocesan Seminarians: Justus Fostvedt Evan Schwab John Paul Tomassi Menu: Spaghetti & Meatballs in Abruzzi red sauce Green Salad Garlic Bread Sticks Dessert Red & White Wine & Beer

8 Oct 29/30, 2016 A Catholic Bishop Teaches... Catholics in the Public Square Revised 4th Edition The Most Rev. Thomas J. Olmsted Bishop of the Diocese of Phoenix 10) How should Catholics understand the separation between Church and state? The separation of Church and state all too often is used as an excuse to silence people of faith and to discourage them from legitimately participating in the public square. The First Amendment of the United States Constitution, of course, does not advocate for a separation of Church and state at all, but rather the protection of religious freedom from the state. Our founding fathers intended all persons to have the equal right to voice their opinions, including those based on religious convictions. Even more, they understood that it was imperative that the state not infringe upon the religious beliefs of its citizens. The Constitution is aimed at allowing all people to have a voice in government, including those whose voice is distinctively religious. In other words, there is nothing in the Constitution excluding people from bringing their faith into the public square. As Pope Francis said in an address in Philadelphia on September 26, 2015, Religious freedom certainly means the right to worship God, individually and in community, as our consciences dictate. But religious liberty, by its nature, transcends places of worship and the private sphere of individuals and families. 11) Should Catholics bring the Church s doctrine into the public square? There are times when the Church s intervention in social questions is needed. As the Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches, the Church intervenes by making a moral judgment about economic and social matters when the fundamental rights of the person, the common good, or the salvation of souls requires it (510). When Pope Benedict XVI visited the United States in April 2008, he told the American Bishops, Any tendency to treat religion as a private matter must be resisted. Only when their faith permeates every aspect of their lives do Christians become truly open to the transforming power of the Gospel. Pope Francis continued on this theme during his visit to the United States in September 2015 when he said, In a world where various forms of modern tyranny seek to suppress religious freedom, or try to reduce it to a subculture without right to a voice in the public square, or to use religion as a pre-text for hatred and brutality, it is imperative that the followers of the various religions join their voices in calling for peace, tolerance, and respect for the dignity of others. 1

9 While Catholics are called to bring their faith and religious views into the public square, they are also called to respect the religious freedom and civil liberties of all people. In fact, the Church has genuine respect for secular governments that afford these protections to people of all faiths, as well as those without faith. In reality, the Church does not impose its doctrine on others in the public square. For example, there is no effort by the Church to compel the public to attend Mass on Sundays or receive various sacraments. Nonetheless, the Church is legitimately concerned about many matters of societal importance and brings its views to bear in proposing meaningful solutions for promoting the common good. 12) How do you respond to statements that Catholics should not impose their religious views upon others? Some Catholics and other believers have been frightened into silence and even confused by charges that they are imposing their morality on others. It is contended that a person s faith should have no impact on his or her public life. This leads to the infamous I am a Catholic but syndrome! Of course, if one s faith does not impact on one s whole life, including one s political and social responsibilities, then it is not authentic faith; it is a sham, a counterfeit. A democratic society needs the active participation of all its citizens, people of faith included. People of faith engage issues on the basis of what they believe, just as atheists engage issues on the basis of what they hold dear; they fight for what they think is right and oppose what they consider wrong. This is not an imposition on other s morality. It is acting with integrity. Moreover, people of genuine faith strengthen the whole moral fabric of a country. The active engagement of Catholics in democratic processes is good for society and it is responsible citizenship. 13) Should Catholics take into account their own faith at the moment of voting? It only makes sense that if Catholics are supposed to live their faith in all of their daily activities that they should also take their faith into account while voting. As noted in the Second Vatican Council s teaching, every citizen ought to be mindful of his right and his duty to promote the common good by using his vote (Gaudium et Spes, 75). In preparing to vote, Catholics need to understand their faith so that their consciences are properly formed. Subsequent to this formation, it is important to research all of the important issues and candidates that will appear on the ballot. Only after sufficient preparation and prayer, is a Catholic fully ready to discharge his or her responsibilities as a faithful citizen and cast a meaningful vote. 19) What are the causes that can ban Catholics from Holy Communion? No one who is conscious of having committed a serious sin should receive Holy Communion. For the Eucharist is the very Body and Blood of Jesus Christ, our most precious gift in the Church. And St. Paul warns us: Whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord unworthily will have to answer for the body and blood of the Lord. A person should examine himself, and so eat the bread and drink the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body, eats and drinks judgment on himself (I Cor 11:27 29). All Catholics should examine their consciences, and refrain from receiving Holy Communion if they are not living in a proper state of grace. Should some Catholic politicians who are presently pro-abortion obstinately persist in this contradiction to our faith, this becomes a source of scandal. In these and similar cases, measures 2

10 beyond those of moral persuasion may need to be taken by those in leadership in the Church. As God tells us in the Book of Leviticus, You shall not stand by idly when your neighbor s life is at stake (19:16). If a politician is actively supporting and furthering the culture of death, he is not only causing scandal; he is sinning. Similarly, when a politician performs actions (like voting) that allow for abortions and even promote abortions, or that mandate the distribution of contraceptives by pharmacists and others, that politician is materially cooperating in grave sin. When this occurs, then the politician cannot receive Holy Communion without previously making a good confession. A good confession would require sincere sorrow for such sin and a firm purpose of making amendment. Since the harm done would be public in nature, the amendment should also be public. 20) Why does the Church set such high standards for Catholics? The high standards to which Catholics (and all Christians) are called come from Christ. We find them in the Sacred Scriptures. For example, Jesus said, If you love me, you will keep my commandments (Jn 14:15). He also said, Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and that of the Gospel will save it. What profit is there for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? (Mk 8:34 36). We also find in the Sacred Scriptures admonitions such as those of St. Paul to Timothy where he writes, Proclaim the word; be persistent whether it is convenient or inconvenient; convince, reprimand, encourage through all patience and teaching. For the time will come when people will not tolerate sound doctrine but, following their own desires and insatiable curiosity, will accumulate teachers and will stop listening to the truth and will be diverted to myths. But you, be self-possessed in all circumstances; put up with hardship; perform the work of an evangelist; fulfill your ministry (I Tim 4:2 5). There are cases where Catholics in public life serve with great courage and distinction. They measure up to the high standards set by Christ. There are others, sadly, who obstinately persist in manifest grave sin where the risk of scandal is great. In the matter of abortion, for example, abortion is the killing of a completely innocent life and thus bad news for both unborn children and their mothers. It is a horrible wrong. It is intrinsically evil. We have a serious obligation to protect human life, and especially the lives of the most innocent and vulnerable among us. Whoever fails to do this, when otherwise able to do so, commits serious sins of omission. They jeopardize their own spiritual wellbeing and they are a source of scandal for others. Should they be Catholics, they should not receive Holy Communion. 25) What are the responsibilities of Catholics who own or operate businesses toward their employees and the society at large? By virtue of their position, Catholics who are responsible for businesses have unique responsibilities to both their employees and the society at large. Catholic Social Teaching supports them in their private businesses while reminding them of their duty to respect the human dignity of their employees. In fact, all businesses have a duty to respect the human dignity of their employees and to treat them fairly. While it is true that a primary reason that businesses exist is for the creation of profit, nonetheless it would be wrong for them to focus exclusively or excessively on the maximization of profit without regard for the welfare of employees and the communities they serve. 3

11 It is worth noting that influential Catholics in the business world, like all others, have an obligation to share of their time, talent, and treasure. People of extraordinary means are in a unique position to greatly assist both the Church and society through their participation in various philanthropic, charitable, educational, and even political efforts that respect life and promote the common good. 21) Can Catholics belong to or express support for different political parties? The Church is never partisan and does not endorse political candidates. She does, however, encourage her laity to be involved in political parties in order to devote themselves to promoting the common good. In this regard, political and civic education is deemed necessary so that all citizens will be able to play a part in political affairs. (See Gaudium et Spes, 75.) 22) Do bishops and priests have the right to intervene in political, social, or cultural matters? Bishops and priests are not to participate in the public administration of the government. Nonetheless, they do have the right, and sometimes an obligation, to speak out on political, social, or cultural matters impacting the Church or the common good. In his encyclical Deus Caritas Est, Pope Benedict XVI states: It is not the Church s responsibility to make this teaching prevail in political life. Rather, the Church wishes to help form consciences in political life and to stimulate greater insight into the authentic requirements of justice as well as greater readiness to act accordingly, even when this might involve conflict with situations of personal interest (28). He goes on to write: The Church cannot and must not take upon herself the political battle to bring about the most just society possible. She cannot and must not replace the State. Yet at the same time she cannot and must not remain on the sidelines in the fight for justice. She has to play her part through rational argument and she has to awaken the spiritual energy without which justice, which always demands sacrifice, cannot prevail and prosper (ibid.). 24) What can Catholics do to foster justice in society? There is much that Catholics can do to foster justice in society. A significant part of fostering justice is concern for the human dignity of all people especially the poor, marginalized, or vulnerable. A concern for justice must always be mindful of Christ s forgiveness and mercy. Pope Francis reminded us of this fact during his address to the United Nations General Assembly in September 2015, when he said, The common home of all men and women must continue to rise on the foundations of a right understanding of universal fraternity and respect for the sacredness of every man and every woman, the poor, the elderly, children, the infirm, the unborn, the unemployed, the abandoned, those considered disposable because they are only considered part of a statistic. Thankfully, the promotion of justice can be found in many Church agencies, including those serving the homeless, immigrants, prisoners, disabled people, and the elderly to name just a few. Catholics must always have a concern for justice and are encouraged to promote it not only in the public square, but also in volunteer efforts as well as their everyday lives. 4