Do you have an interest in fighting poverty and the systems that oppress people? 

Would you like to spend time the summer working with grassroots groups dedicated to this goal, and funded by the Catholic Campaign for Human Development.

Consider becoming a CCHD Intern!

The Office for Catholic Social Justice Ministry has received grant funding for a Summer Internship Program, and is looking for interested applicants.  Working from our office in New Haven, an intern will have opportunities for one -on-one interactions with local CCHD groups, research, training and outreach, and parish interaction, under the supervision of the Archdiocesan CCHD Director.

CCHD internships are open to Catholics in the United States who have leadership abilities, community service experience, and effective writing/communication skills. Openness to the CCHD values of solidarity building, partici-pation of the poor, and Catholic social teaching is essential. Low-income people from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds are especially encouraged to apply. 

To apply, download and complete the application found at the OCSJM website and send it to our office with your resume'. Applications must be received by March 1, 2014. 

For more information contact Lynn.Campbell@aohct.org or call (203) 777-7279.

Even Pope Francis is taking a stand on immigration. 
 
On the World Day of Migrants and Refugees the Pope stated: Migrants and refugees are not pawns on the chessboard of humanity.... They are children, women and men who leave or who are forced to leave their homes for various reasons, who share a legitimate desire for knowing and having, but above all for being more.
 
The Franciscan Action Network (FAN) is hosting a 5-minute documentary on its website, "Apple Forecast: Immigration Reform," by filmmaker Kathryn Smith Pyle. The film features two women impatient for a change. One, the treasurer of her multi-generational family farm corporation, describes her business and how dependent she is on the workers, whose skill and motivation she admires. The second woman, who came from Mexico nearly 20 years ago, is a supervisor in a processing plant and active in her church; she is recognized for her leadership ability, but without documents her contribution to her community is limited and her children's educational opportunities are uncertain. 
 
Intended for Americans of every political persuasion, this short film is a great tool for promoting discussion and understanding of a complex issue.  View the film here. 

The OCSJM is assisting with the scheduling of a Catholic Relief Services Lenten Speaker Tour.  

Thomas Awiapo, CRS Global Solidarity Coordinator, Ghana, returns to the U.S. to share his truly inspiring story of survival and success. Orphaned before the age of 10, Thomas survived bleak poverty and hunger in his small African village. His search for food led him to school, where he eventually won scholarships to attend college.

The purpose of Thomas's trip is to thank Catholic communities for their support and to raise awareness about hunger, relief, and development in developing countries. He will also highlight the impact of the CRS Rice Bowl program.

Thomas will be available between the dates of March 28-30, 2014, on a first-come, first-serve basis. The presentation is appropriate for a Lenten Soup Night Gathering, a Generations of Faith Program, a Confirmation student program, a parish program held after Sunday Mass, or assemblies of several grades of students.

To make arrangements for a visit to your Catholic School or Parish, contact Lynn Campbell. (203) 777-7279, lynn.campbell@aohct.org