Events

World Day of Prayer for Creation is September 1.  Pope Francis invites Catholics to observe this day of prayer and witness.  In his encyclical Laudato Si, Pope Francis calls us to live out an integral ecology, establishing right relationships with God, other human beings, and the good things of the Earth.  A Care for Creation Guide for parishes and schools is available at www.columbuscatholic.org/documents/2017/4/Creation%20Care%20Guide.pdf or by contacting the diocesan Office for Social Concerns at 614-241-2540 or socmailbox@columbuscatholic.org.
 
Breakfast with the Bishop – Catholic Social Services.  This year’s breakfast will be on Friday, September 8, 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. at the Renaissance Columbus Downtown, 15 N. 3^rd St., Columbus.  Featured speakers will be Bishop Campbell and Hugh Dorrian, City of Columbus Auditor.  For registration and sponsorship information call 614-857-1254 or www.colscss.org/upcoming-events/.

Friends of the Poor Walk – Society of St. Vincent de Paul will be on Saturday, September 16, 2017, at Topiary Park in downtown Columbus, near Christo Rey High School.  Walkers will gather between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. for fellowship and refreshment.  Walk begins at 9 a.m.  The walk signifies "walking" in the shoes of the poor.  Money raised for the walk will support efforts of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.  For details call (614) 221-3554 or visit the SVPD website at www.vincentianvoice.org.

Diocesan Drug Awareness Summit – Heroin and Opioids Focus.  Wednesday, September, 27, 2017, from 8:15 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Church of the Resurrection Parish Center, 6300 E. Dublin-Granville Road, New Albany.  Topics:  Heroin, opiods and addiction, facts, signs and symptoms, prevention, response, and resources.  School and parish teams will build an action plan throughout the day based on presentations.  Build a school or parish team to attend:  Administration, athletic director, counselors, religious education, youth ministry, campus ministers.  Register your team by September 20.  Register at http://cdeducation.org/drugawarenesssummit.  FLYER 

The Diocesan Drug Awareness Summit in cooperation with the following offices of the Catholic Diocese of Columbus:
The Office of Religious Education & Catechesis
Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry
Office for Social Concerns
Office of Catholic Schools

Respect Life Month - October.  October is Respect Life Month and October 1 is Respect Life Sunday.  2017 Respect Life Program Kit.  “Be Not Afraid” is the theme of this year’s program produced by the USCCB Office for Pro-Life Activities.  The kit contains thematic essays, resource guide with program models, poster, reflection flyer and catalogue.  Your parish respect life coordinator may be in contact with you to discuss how best to utilize the materials in your parish.  Materials will also be available online at www.usccb.org/respectlife.
 
Ohio’s Start Talking!  Building a Drug-Free Future website has helpful tips for faith leaders http://starttalking.ohio.gov/TakeAction/FaithLeaders.aspx.  Another resource for faith leaders is https://www.drugfreeactionalliance.org/know/faith-tips.  Encourage families to visit the Know! website for 10 tips and other resources.  These resources can be printed as parish bulletin or newsletter inserts,  http://starttalking.ohio.gov/Prevention/KNOW.aspx. 
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