The OCSJM will present an important national climate change education event on March 2, at 6:00 pm at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Rocky Hill.  All are welcome! 

The evening will feature a 'TED' talk by James Balog, the science photographer behind the documentary film, Chasing Ice. In his film, Balog documented some of the most vivid evidence yet of climate change. Those attending the evening presentation will gain a fuller understanding of the Church's authentic teaching on climate change and the environment. 

The event provides a concrete example of responding to Pope Francis' words urging us to make Care for Creation and Care for the Poor and Vulnerable a significant part of our Catholic witness: "Let us protect Christ in our lives, so that we can protect others, so that we can protect creation!" (3/19/13) 

Please join us on March 2nd. If you are interested in bringing this event to your own parish, please contact the OCSJM at (203) 777-7279 or info.ocsjm@aohct.org. 

Four leaders from Blessed Sacrament Parish in Hamden joined OCSJM Director, Lynn Campbell and PSM Coordinator, Arturo Iriarte for three days of training and education in Washington DC this month.

The Catholic Social Ministry Gathering, an annual event that draws social justice leaders from across the country, included plenary presentations, briefings, workshops and strategy sessions on current topics of concern. During the event, participants had the opportunity to meet personally with their state representatives and senators to urge them to promote peace abroad through negotiations, humanitarian assistance and development, and to work against poverty in the United States. 

Come hear more about their experience at our First Friday Lunch on March 7th!The luncheon will begin at 12 noon and conclude at 1 pm. Lunch is free - ALL are welcome! (Free-will offering is accepted.) Please RSVP by 3/5/2014 to (203) 777-7279.    Where? OCSJM Office, 81 Saltonstall Avenue, New Haven, 06513 (You must be able to climb a flight of stairs to get to our office.)

Join us on Sunday, April 27th for the 2nd annual Riverfront Earth Day Interfaith Prayer Service and Festival, co-organized by the OCSJM and Interreligious Eco-Justice Network!  

Date: April 27, 2014
Children's Activities:  12:00 pm
Interfaith Prayer Service: 12:45 pm
Festival: 1:00- 5:00 pm  

The Interfaith Prayer Service will be held at Charter Oak Cultural Center, 21 Charter Oak Ave, Hartford at 12:45, gathering people from around the archdiocese to pray for the respect and care for creation. Children and families are invited to participate in arts and crafts activities at Charter Oak, beginning at 12:00 pm.   

Following the prayer service, participants will be invited to march (less than one mile) through downtown Hartford to the Riverfront Plaza Festival, making a public statement that climate change is REAL. The Festival will offer people an opportunity to learn how to protect our planet, incorporating green businesses, exciting performances, engaging exhibits, and fun activities for all ages. 

Both the Interfaith Prayer Service and the many Plaza activities offer great opportunities for parish and family involvement. Join us for this important day of prayer and celebration.

For more information, visit: https://www.facebook.com/riverfrontearthdayct and http://riverfrontearthdayct.org/

On Friday, February 7th, OCSJM is pleased to welcome Heidi Green, Director of Development at End Hunger CT, a Connecticut hunger advocacy organization, to our First Friday Lunch gathering. According to a 2012 study by the United States Department of Agriculture, 13.4 percent of CT residents are food insecure, a term used to describe hunger.  Heidi will share information about her organization, and offer ways that we, as individuals and parishes, can work together to ensure that those who are hungry in our own state receive the food assistance that they need.
 
Please join us for lunch and conversation, and learn more about the ways that Connecticut is responding to this serious need and how you can help. The lunch gathering will take place from 12 noon to 1 pm at the OCSJM offices, 81 Saltonstall Avenue, New Haven.  Lunch is free (a free-will offering is accepted). Offices are on the 2nd floor, so you must be able to climb a flight of stairs to attend.  Please RSVP by Wednesday, February 5th by calling (203) 777-7279, by emailing 
info.ocsjm@aohct.org, or by printing and mailing the flyer.  First Friday Flyer