Coal Terminals - Religious Freedom - Typhoon Haiyan - Hunger - Posada

Dear Life, Justice and Peace Contacts,

Coal and Caring for Creation
The Catholic bishops of Washington state have called on public agencies responsible for reviewing a proposed coal terminal operation in Longview to consider the full range of potential environmental effects from the project. In a statement submitted to governmental agencies responsible for drafting the environmental impact statement, the bishops said the review agencies must consider a broad spectrum of effects to determine the potential risks and benefits of the proposed project. The comment period on the Millennium Bulk Terminal - Longview coal export facility ends Monday, Nov. 18. To view the text of the bishops' statement, please visit the WSCC website. To submit your own comments on the proposed terminal, visit http://www.millenniumbulkeiswa.gov/.

USCCB Special Message on Religious Freedom
U.S. Bishops issue 'Special Message' on HHS mandate at conclusion of General Assembly. To see the complete text of the message concerning religious freedom, visit the USCCB website.

Help families affected by Typhoon Haiyan
As some of you know, earlier this week the Missions Office provided to parishes, and schools, sample bulletin announcements, insert/flyer, a prayer resource, and web links. The Missions Office will continue to provide updates at www.seattlearchdiocese.org/emergencies.

You can assist Catholic Relief Services by sending a donation through the Missions Office. Make checks payable to CRS (note "Haiyan typhoon") and send to: CRS/Missions Office, Archdiocese of Seattle, 710 9th Ave, Seattle, WA 98104; or call 877-435-7277; or online at www.crs.org.

Save the Date! December 10, 2013 - Join a Global Wave of Prayer to End Hunger
Pope Francis and Catholic organizations around the world, including Catholic Relief Services and Catholic Charities USA, call on you to join a global Catholic campaign to combat hunger as One Human Family, Food for All.

On December 10, Pope Francis will launch the campaign and Catholics can respond by participating in a global "wave of prayer," joining our brothers and sisters in faith to pray at noon in each time zone around the world. Parishes, schools, agencies, institutions, and individuals are all invited to participate in the wave.

Prayer resources and activities to help raise awareness about hunger in our nation and across our globe will be shared before December 2. Stay tuned for updates from your Missions Office at www.seattlearchdiocese.org/missions.

"No Room at the Inn?" An Advent Posada: A Journey of Immigrants
Saturday, December 14, 2013 | 7:00 - 8:30 pm | St. Mary's Church, Seattle (followed by a Fiesta in the Parish Hall) - Originating in Latin America, the Posada is a festival of Advent that dramatizes the search of Joseph and Mary for lodging. In many ways, the story of the Holy Family finding "no room at the inn" is the story of the immigrant. What better way to enter into that story than to participate in an actual Posada of a community of recent immigrants in Seattle? Step more fully into Advent and into a deeper reflection on and experience of immigration by joining the ISC and St. Mary's Parish in praying this Posada of song, scripture, stories from recent immigrants, and processions to nearby homes. Adults and children of all ages welcome. Please join us for an unforgettable and meaningful experience!

Free will offering. An RSVP is not necessary, but helpful. For more info or to RSVP, contact Andrea Fontana, Program Coordinator, at (206) 329-4824 or andrea@ignatiancenter.org. Co-sponsored by the ISC & St. Mary's Parish, Seattle. http://www.ignatiancenter.org/

In Christ's peace,
Jim

Jim Thomas
Director of Life, Justice & Peace and Family Life
Archdiocese of Seattle
710 - 9th Avenue
Seattle, WA 98104-2017
Dir. (206) 382-4268
Toll-free (800) 950-4970
Fax (206) 264-2084
www.seattlearchdiocese.org/cst
www.seattlearchdiocese.org/FamilyLife

"We must all commit ourselves with clarity and courage so that every human person...[is] always defended and protected."

~ Pope Francis
May 5, 2013