Pax Christi Florida



Pax Christi Florida

Prayer-Study-Action (PSA) Network

 September 2009 E-Newsletter

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John Frank, founder of Pax Christi Florida (1982), shares some insights

during Pax Christi Florida’s recent statewide assembly.

To view additional photos from this event, click here.

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Prayer

Nearly 45,000 people die each year due to a lack of health insurance, with 3,925 of those deaths occurring in Florida, according to a study published on Thursday in the online edition of the American Journal of Public Health forthcoming in December, 2009. 

 

A Prayer for Health Care for the Needy

by Tom Cordaro

Christi Jesus,

you did not turn away

from the Canaanite woman

who begged you to heal her daughter.

Open our hearts

to hear the cry of those who are sick

and have no money for treatment.

Help us to change our country’s priorities

so that more funds are available

for works of healing than for weapons of war.

Teach us to respect our bodies

and care for them as temples of your Holy Spirit.

Help us to see

that we are all members of the same body

and that when one member is ill, we all suffer.  Amen.

Source:  The Fire of Peace: A Prayer Book (1992. Pax Christi USA)

Quote of the Month

“From dawn to dusk, thousands labor to grow and pick tomatoes for fast-food sandwiches and dinner tables. Abject poverty and labor abuses seemed to be their only rewards. A change is coming.”  Source: Tomato pickers’ penny per pound is ‘right before God’ (Florida Catholic 9/25/09)

Take Action!  The Coalition of Immokalee Workers is currently focusing its efforts to ensure fair wages and conditions for farmworkers on Publix Super Markets.  Write Publix’s CEO and tell him that as a conscientious consumer and supporter of the CIW’s Campaign for Fair Food, you urge Publix to work together with the CIW to ensure human rights and fair wages for those who harvest the tomatoes sold in their stores.

            Mr. Ed Crenshaw, CEO

            Publix Super Markets

            Corporate Office

            PO Box 407

            Lakeland, FL 33802-0407

Related Article:

• "Immokalee workers turn eye toward Publix," Ft. Myers News-Press 6/5/09

Cost of the War as of September 26, 2009

  Iraq

• Total Number of U.S. soldiers killed:                             4,348

• Deaths - State of Florida:                                                  188

• Financial Cost to U.S. Taxpayers:            *$686,000,000,000+

  Afghanistan

• Total Number of U.S. soldiers killed:                                840                       

• Financial Cost to U.S. Taxpayers:            *227,000,000,000+

*Taxpayers in Florida will pay $49.8 billion for total Iraq & Afghanistan war spending since 2001.

*Source: National Priorities Project

Pax Christi News

(Regional – National – International)

Pax Christi Florida News

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Shirley Poore of Pax Christi Tallahassee was recently featured in an article entitled, “Pax Christi sows seeds for a peaceful future”, published in The Florida Catholic.  To read the full text of this article, click here.

A Word From PCF’s Coordinator

Dear Pax Christi Members and Friends,

Many of you responded to my invitation in last month’s PSA to come and experience the restful setting of the Life Enrichment Center and the challenging workshops at the PCF 2009 Assembly: How Shall I Live?  Those who were present can attest to the fact that it was an amazing and inspiring weekend...a lived experience of Pax Christi’s praxis of prayer-study-action.  The opening and closing prayer services and the Saturday evening Eucharistic Liturgy centered and grounded us, while the workshops educated and then impelled us into action.  To see photos of the weekend, go to Pax Christi Florida’s web site at .

 

In the pre-assembly workshop, Dr. Debra Susie of Florida Impact shared its’ history, growth, and programs with passion, wit and skill.  Her lessons learned navigating the political system were invaluable.

Then Dr. Mary Carter Waren set the framework for not only the remainder of the weekend but for the continued journey into the question, How shall I live?  Dr. Waren shared deeply from her own experiences in learning to live nonviolently. 

Romeo Ramirez and Brigitte Gynther from the Coalition of Immokalee Workers and Interfaith Action of SW Florida offered personal accounts of the intolerable conditions that farmworkers face daily.  They provided information on their latest campaign to ensure that those who harvest our food can live with dignity and care for their families. 

The inspiration and challenges continued as Diane Lopez Hughes, a member of the Pax Christi USA Council, who is deeply committed to environmental justice and care for creation, outlined the work ahead and the hope she has in our ability to change behaviors so future generations will have a planet on which to live. 

The final presenters, Fr. Sebastian Muccilli and Ron McAndrew, shared their life-changing experiences with the death penalty system.  Fr. Sebastian in his accompaniment of Darrell Grayson to the death chamber and Ron McAndrew in his experiences as the Warden of Starke Prison and the person responsible for carrying out the executions.  It was a powerful indictment of this barbaric system. 

2010 PCF Retreat

I hope you will join us at the PCF 2010 Retreat on April 24 and 25th.  We are deeply honored that Fr. Simon Harak, S.J. has agreed to be the retreat leader. Please check the Web site in the next few months for more information.

SWOT Analysis

I strongly urge you to go to PCF’s Web Site () to download and complete the SWOT Analysis found on PCF home page.  With the world plunging ever deeper into division and violence, the voice of nonviolence…the voice of Pax Christi is critical.  Please take a few minutes to share with us what you perceive to be the Strengths and Weaknesses of our movement plus the Opportunities and Threats presenting themselves at this point in history. The PCF Council will make every effort to incorporate your shared wisdom as it moves forward in developing a Multi-Year Strategic Plan.  We are waiting to hear from you!

Overhauling Florida’s Criminal Justice System

Pax Christi Florida Council member, Patrick Finn-Shultz, has written a thought-provoking reflection about Florida’s criminal justice system that reminds us of our responsibilities as Catholic Christians.  Patrick writes, “Catholics have received the call from Christ to take up the task of social responsibility, and to find ways to heal the deep wounds of our communities through forgiveness, acceptance, and accountability.  A criminal justice system that equates justice with retributive punishment has no place in a Christian social philosophy.” To read the full text, click here.

Pax Christi USA News

Join Pax Christi USA at the SOA - Friday evening, November 20 – The Spirituality of Transformation:  In the midst of economic collapse, political change, cultural chaos, and religious conflict, what are we being called to?  What does the way forward look like?  Join PCUSA for an evening of music, prayer and conversation.  Check Pax Christi USA’s website () for details.

Renewing the Movement: PCUSA focuses on Student & Young Adult Organizing.  Click here for information about Pax Christi USA's efforts in student and young adult organizing.

Living Unafraid: A Spiritual Path to Freedom - New resource from PCUSA’s Peaceweavings series written by Tom Cordaro.  To download this pdf resource on 8.5 x 14 paper, click here.

Pax Christi International News

Statement from the Pax Christi International Delegation to Iraq, September 10-17  Click here to read statement.

Pax Christi International’s September 2009 e-newsletter.  To read the newsletter, click here.

UN Day of Non-Violence (Oct. 2) Prayer Resource from Pax Christi International

The 2nd of October 2009 will be celebrated as the United Nations Day of Non-Violence, which is an important day for all persons in our global village. It is the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, who helped lead India to independence and inspired movements for civil rights and freedom around the world. For many Christians, nonviolence is a gospel way of bringing peace and reconciliation.  You are invited to share the prayer available in 2009-0417-en-gl-NV  with the members of your organisation.  This prayer/liturgy is written by Rev. John Dear S.J., member of Pax Christi USA, for the Commission for Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation of the leadership of religious institutes in Rome.  More information is available in 2009-0464-en-gl-NV

Study Resources & Articles of Interest

Security Spending Primer: Getting Smart About The Pentagon Budget.  (PDF Document) National Priorities Project is proud to release the important document. This Primer is a “one-stop-shopping” resource and has two main goals: 

o to provide comprehensive, easy-to-understand information on the complexity of the federal budget process; and

o to help build the capacity of people across the United States who want their voices and their priorities to be heard in the debate over federal spending in general and military spending in particular.

It contains 16 two-page fact sheets on topics ranging from nuclear weapons to the employment impact of U.S. military and domestic spending choices to the military cost of securing energy. We designed these fact sheets to be read separately or as a group. We have also included a host of resources: organizational contact lists, sample NPP tools, resources lists, a glossary and more.   For a downloadable pdf copy, click here.

The Incarnation of Light, Truth, and Peace Reflections for Advent 2009

Daily reflections by Megan McKenna, Ph.D., are an Advent guide in preparation for the Incarnation of Light, Truth, and Peace. As she writes, “May this Advent mark the appearance of a phalanx of prophets in the land, all intent and devoted to Peace on earth, now, for all the children of God. . .If there is to be a harvest of justice in preparation for the coming of God into our flesh and world, then it must begin with us.”  To read more or to order, click here.

Called to Be Peacemakers: The Challenge and Promise of Peace in the Twenty-first Century – in 2003, to commemorate the 20th anniversary of The Challenge of Peace: God’s Promise and Our Response, Pax Christi USA convened “A People’s Peace Initiative” which engaged nationwide local chapters, and hundreds of members plus more than twenty national Catholic organizations in reflecting on the essential vocation of peacemaking.  The fruits of this process will be available in English and Spanish on Pax Christi USA’s Web site () later this month.  Several of Pax Christi Florida’s chapter took part in this process and found it to be a powerful tool for building a blessed community of peacemakers.

NETWORK, the Catholic Social Justice Lobby, has devoted the September/ October issue of their magazine, Connections, to the subject of peacemaking.  Among the many inspiring articles in this issue is a 2-page spread entitled, Blessed are the peacemakers, which lists Ten Things We Can Do to Contribute to Internal, Interpersonal and Organizational Peace.  To read Connections and to download the 2-page insert, click here.

Florida Impact  - Important reports now available!

30th Anniversary Report  - This report measures Florida Impact's 30 years of accomplishments and its unique contribution to the grander vision of a hunger-free Florida.  To download a copy, click here.

Food Resource Directory - For information about emergency food in your area, go to our Florida Food Resource Directory at []

Resources for Families - During these hard economic times, there are resources for you and your family! Click for information on Healthcare, Food & Nutrition, Housing & Utilities, and Income Assistance.

Faith in Action!

Help the Haitian Mothers Clubs Micro-credit Lending Program Change Lives

About this time last year, Pax Christi Florida members, Jim Worl and Ronel Delva of Fort Lauderdale, asked Pax Christi Florida members to help in the rebirth of a Haitian micro-leading program which provides small loans, usually $50 US, to the poorest rural Haitians, primarily women.  At Pax Christi Florida’s recent statewide assembly Ronel shared that the generous gifts received from PCF’s members have help to raise the standard of living for 93 families through the Mothers Clubs of Northeastern Haiti.  This year, with PCF’s help, they look forward to helping an additional 300 women.  A good step toward realizing this goal on their next visit to Haiti at Christmas time is that one supporter has pledged to match dollar for dollar for any funds raised.  No donation is too small…this is a wonderful opportunity to make a profound difference in a family’s life in rural Haiti.  Take Action!  Write a check payable to Mothers Club and mail to 648 NE 17th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304.  Thank you!

Join Mass Mobilization to Shut Down the School of the Americas (SOA/ WHINSEC)!  The military coup by SOA graduates in Honduras has once again exposed the destabilizing and deadly effects that the School of the Americas has on Latin America. The actions of the school’s graduates are unmasking the Pentagon rhetoric and reveal the anti-democratic results of U.S. policies. It is time for a change towards justice.  From November 20-22, 2009, thousands will vigil at the gates of Fort Benning, Georgia, to stand up for justice, to shut down the School of the Americas and to end the oppressive U.S. foreign policy that the school represents. Take Action! Make plans today to travel to Ft. Benning or to organize a solidarity event in your area.  For more information, click here.

Join Pax Christi Florida in working to end Florida’s death penalty - on July 9, 2009, the Florida Supreme Court ruled unanimously that Herman Lindsey be acquitted and released from Death Row. Lindsey became the 23rd (unofficially - 27th) condemned Florida Death Row prisoner to be exonerated. For a complete list, click here.  Take Action!  Call Gov. Charlie Crist at 850-488-7146 and tell him to STOP signing Death Warrants.  Call for a “Time-Out on Executions” in order to thoroughly review and openly assess Florida’s Death Penalty system and re-allocate the tens of millions of taxpayer dollars spent on it every year.  In addition to the obvious reasons to end our state’s killing of captive prisoners…it is insanely expensive (over $50 million a year), mistake-prone and totally unnecessary (the alternative is permanent incarceration without parole). 

Say No to Mercenary Training Center in Venus, Florida 

The Town of Venus is in one of the most rural and wild places remaining in South Florida. The Eagle National Security Training Center is a proposal for a privatized military facility that would add 7,700 acres of military, industrial and residential development to southwest Highlands County.  Specifically, this includes: 6,000 foot airstrip, helipad, 2,000 acre free-fire zone, 5 story building, 25 single family homes, a dormitory for 1,000 trainees, 100 multi family residences, 250 foot training towers and 950,000 square feet of up-to-three story buildings. This land is part of the last open space in the State that serves as critical habitat for endangered Florida Panther and Black Bear. It is in the watershed of Fisheating Creek, which is one of the most pristine natural places in South Florida; it is the last wild free-flowing waterway that runs into Lake Okeechobee. For more information on Fisheating Creek, go to: .

Take Action! 

Speak out!  Plan to attend the Highlands County Commission Meeting, October 6th at 9:00 a.m.

at the Highlands County Government Center, 600 S. Commerce Ave, Sebring, Florida.

Call or email to:

County Commissioners

• Barbara Stewart: bstewart@  

• Don Bates: dbates@

• Jeff Carlson: jcarlson@

• Guy Maxcy: g.maxcy@

• Ed Stokes: 863-655-0079

Development Services Director

• Mark J. Hill: MHILL@

Living Green!

Tips for saving water outdoors!

1. Outfit your hose with a shut-off nozzle which can be adjusted down to fine spray so that water flows only as needed. When finished, "Turn it Off" at the faucet instead of at the nozzle to avoid leaks.

2. Use hose washers between spigots and water hoses to eliminate leaks.

3. Do not leave sprinklers or hoses unattended. Your garden hoses can pour out 600 gallons or more in only a few hours, so don't leave the sprinkler running all day. Use a kitchen timer to remind yourself to turn it off.

4. Check all hoses, connectors and spigots regularly.

5. Consider using a commercial car wash that recycles water. If you wash your own car, park on the grass to do so.

Two new environmental resources authored by Pax Christi Florida members!

Listening to Earth: Faith and Action in a Time of Global Climate Crisis published by Pax Christi USA.  This 5-session series is available as a downloadable pdf resource.  $5.00 for copyright permission for 1-5 copies and $10.00 if you intend to print more.  To learn more or to order, click here.  Note: Carol Ann Breyer of Pax Christi Manasota was one of a team of writers who prepared this publication.

Summary of Study of Resources Related to Current Global Environmental Crises by Mary Ann Holtz, St. Petersburg, Florida, U.S. Written July 2007 with Additions April 2008.  To read Mary Ann’s report, click here.  Note: Mary Ann is a member of  Pax Christi Tampa Bay.

Coming Events

Saturday, October 17th (9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.) Blessed Sacrament Church, Cocoa, FL

Civility, Politics and our Faith: A Day of Reflection

As adult Christians we are called to keep growing in the Spirit. Like Ezekiel, God gives us new hearts so we can continue to grow in God's love.  For Jesus, growing in wisdom, age and grace meant doing justice. For us doing justice means feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, sheltering the homeless, caring for the sick, visiting the imprisoned, and welcoming the stranger. We are to love and forgive as Jesus loved and forgave. Jesus teaches us how to enter into civil political discourse to bring about the kin-dom on earth. Presented by J. Patrick Mahon. Pat is a retired educator and he and his wife, Joan, have committed their retirement to working for justice. Pat has presented on justice, nonviolence and Thomas Merton in various venues. Pat and Joan are members of Pax Christi and serve on the Pax Christi Florida State Council.

Bring your own lunch, drinks will be provided. Register by email: josephm382@ or by calling: 321 220-9078

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Pax Christi Florida



Please feel free to share this posting widely – anyone wanting to join PCF’s PSA Network should email Phyllis Jepson at phyllisjepson@.  Please be sure to put “Join PSA Network” in the “Subject” line and include your name, mailing address, phone number and email address in the body of the email - your information will NOT be shared.

Comments related to this e-newsletter should be directed to Pax Christi Florida’s Prayer-Study-Action E-Newsletter coordinator, Phyllis Jepson, at phyllisjepson@. Thank you!

Donations to support the work of Pax Christi Florida

should be made payable and mailed to:

Pax Christi Florida

Mercy-on-the-Manatee

505 Palm Avenue

Ellenton, FL 34222

To Contact PCF’s Coordinator:

Barbara Richardson

(561-307-6293; bar8537@)

God bless the whole world...no exceptions!

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