Upcoming Events

September 2019

Suicide Prevention Month.  September is National Suicide Prevention Month and the Diocese of Columbus is encouraging people to join the #BeThe1To movement from the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. How can you #BeThe1To make a difference in the life of someone feeling isolated, alone, and in pain? Making a difference begins with you, and these five steps from the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be an effective way for you to take action in your parish or school community and make an impact in someone’s life.  CLICK HERE FOR RESOURCES. 

September 1, 2019
Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation.  Pope Francis has called for an annual World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation on September 1, marking the beginning of the “Season of Creation,” which lasts through the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi on October 4.  For resources, visit www.columbuscatholic.org/care-for-creation.   Creation Care Bulletin Insert.

September 2, 2019
Labor Day
The USCCB 2018 Labor Day Statement called for just wages for a flourishing society.   To read the statement, CLICK HERE.
Resources:  English  |  Spanish

September 6, 2019
Breakfast with the Bishop - Catholic Social Services is Friday, September 6, 2019 from 7 am – 9 am at the Renaissance Columbus Downtown Hotel.  Keynote speaker will be Sister Norma Pimentel, a Sister with the Missionaries of Jesus and Executive Director of Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley. Sister Norma has gained national recognition for her humanitarian work at the Texas border.  Registration and sponsorship opportunities are available online at Click Here.  Please contact Julie Naporano, Director of Development and Communications, at jnaporano@colscss.org with any questions.

September 9, 2019
Trauma Informed Justice.  Lunch and Learn event at the Martin de Porres Center, 2330 Airport Dr., Columbus. “Trauma informed” is an oft-repeated phrase in many fields these days, and the justice system is no exception. The ubiquitous experience of trauma leads us to believe that all fields need to be trained to take a trauma-informed lens. This talk will present some of the lessons learned about becoming a more trauma-informed courtroom and offer some take-away practices that folks can consider using in their everyday interactions with others. Presented by Judge Paul Herbert and Hannah Estabrook of CATCH (changing actions to change habits) Court, Franklin County. Lunch is provided, but you must register  CLICK HERE or call (614) 416-1910.
 
September 10, 2019
Jail, Prison, and Reentry Ministry - Evening Prayer and Conversation with Bishop Brennan.  Tuesday, September 10, 2019, 6:30 p.m. at Immaculate Conception Church, 414 East North Broadway, Columbus.  Bishop Brennan is interested in hearing the thoughts of prison ministers on the challenges and opportunities of this important ministry.  Evening prayer followed by informal conversation and refreshments.  Please RSVP to the Office for Social Concerns at 614-241-2540 or socmailbox@columbuscatholic.org.
 
September 12, 2019
Parish Respect Life Coordinators Meeting.  The diocesan Office for Social Concerns will hold an informational meeting for parish respect life coordinators on Thursday, September 12, 2019, 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at St. Peter Church, 6899 Smoky Row Road, Columbus.  The meeting will highlight the USCCB Respect Life Program and best practices.  Please encourage your respect life coordinator to attend.  RSVP at 614-241-2540 or socmailbox@columbuscatholic.org.

September 21, 2019
Shepherd’s Feast at Shepherd's Corner Ecology Center.  You are invited to the 4th Annual Shepherds Fest (formerly Field Day) on Saturday, September 21, 2019, at Shepherd’s Corner Ecology Center, 987 N. Waggoner Road, Blacklick. This open house will last from 12:00 to 3:00 pm and costs $5 per vehicle.  Explore Shepherd’s Corner’s food pantry gardens, take a hayride around their property, meet their sheep, and walk the meditation trail & labyrinth.  Enjoy some games and crafts.  Savor delicious food from a local food truck.  Meet the Jefferson Township fire department. Watch Gail Maraman, a wonderful local  felt artist,  demonstrate her art. Purchase their naturally grown produce, 2019 maple syrup, and crafts made by the Dominican Sisters of Peace and volunteers.  Chat with AEP representatives about electricity savings and learn about the environmental efforts of Green Spot Columbus.  Come and support the care of creation efforts of Shepherd's Corner, a ministry of the Dominican Sisters of Peace.  There will be no need to register for Shepherds Fest, you can simply show up!  For more information visit, http://shepherdscorner.org.  For a listing of upcoming events,  CLICK HERE.

September 24, 2019
Understanding the Church's Teaching on Peace and Justice.  Jerry Freewalt, Director of the diocesan Office for Social Concerns will present an overview of Catholic Social Teaching, provide examples of the Church's work living out this important message, and offer practical resources. Tuesday, September 24, 7 p.m. St. James the Less Church Ministry Center, 1628 Oakland Park Ave., Columbus. Hosted by the St. James the Less Social Concerns Committee.

September 25 to November 3
40 Days for Life.  Faithful believers are praying that this effort will mark the beginning of the end of abortion in America.  This peaceful prayer vigil will take place at an abortion facility in Columbus.  Participants are asked to volunteer for one-hour shifts and sign a statement of peace.  For details and to sign up for a time, visit www.gcrtl.org/40-days-for-life.html or call 614-445-8508.
 
September 29, 2019
Friends of the Poor Walk & 5K Run/Walk.   Join the Society of St. Vincent de Paul for the 2019 Columbus Friends of the Poor Walk & 5K Run/Walk on Saturday, September 28, 2019 at 9 a.m. to Noon.  It will be held at St. Francis de Sales High School, 4212 Karl Road, Columbus. 100% of all proceeds go to support persons living in poverty in our diocese. CLICK HERE for Registration - Pledge Form.

October 2019

October is Respect Life Month
October is Respect Life Month and Respect Life Sunday is October 6, 2019.  "Christ Our Hope in Every Season of Life" is the theme of 2019 Respect Life Month.  For resources to promote the dignity of human life visit our Respect Life Program page.

October 4, 2019
Feast of St. Francis Program.  Every October 4th, the Feast of St. Francis celebrates the saint who saw all created beings as his brother or sister. Inspired by this example, Catholic Climate Covenant produces a free educational program to help your faith community explore how it can better care for creation and the poor. To learn more,  CLICK HERE.

October 6, 2019
Mass of Inclusion - Celebrating the unique gifts of people with special needs.  Bishop Robert Brennan will celebrate Mass on Sunday, October 6, 2019, 5 p.m., at St. Catharine Church, 500 S. Gould Road, Columbus.  Open to all in the diocese, the Mass will celebrate the unique gifts of those with physical and mental disabilities as well as their caretakers.  A reception will follow.  To encourage an inclusive, welcoming environment, there will be sign language interpretation, wheelchair accessibility, and low gluten hosts.  Sponsored by SPICE (Special People in Catholic Education). 
 
Additionally, it is hoped that lay ministry roles within the Mass can be filled by individuals with special needs.  If there are individuals with special needs currently serving your parish as an altar server, Eucharistic minister, lector, or cantor please contact Mary Ginn Ryan at 614-354-6945 or Cathryn O’Connell at St. Catharine at 614-231-4509.


October 19, 2019
Building a Culture of Life Conference:  Respect Life, Bioethics, Leadership is Saturday, October 19, 2019, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at St. John Neumann Church, 9633 E. State Route 37, Sunbury.  Join us for an extraordinary event featuring dynamic speakers and offering resources to equip you to build a culture of life.
 
FEATURED TOPICS:

• Christ is Our Hope in Every Season, Most Reverend Robert J. Brennan, Bishop of Columbus
• Framing Pro-Life Public Policy
• Legislative Update
• Racism:  An Offense to the Life and Dignity of the Human Person
• New Pro-Life Advanced Medical Directives
• Breakout Sessions for Pro-Life Basics, Respect Life Coordinators, and Pro-Life Youth

 
Sponsored by the diocesan Office for Social Concerns, Marriage & Family Life Office, and Greater Columbus Right to Life.  Cost:  $25 / $10 Student.  Register by October 14.  For a list of speakers and to register, visit https://bclc2019.eventbrite.com or call 614-241-2540.  Click here for flyer.


November 2019

November 5, 2019
Election Day.  "In the Catholic tradition, responsible citizenship is a virtue, and participation in political life is a moral obligation." U.S. Catholic Bishops, Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship.   Visit our Faithful Citizenship Page for Resources.  Please vote.  Let your voice be heard!

World Day of the Poor  To read Pope Francis' message for the World Day of the Poor 2018, Click here.

November 23-24, 2019
The Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) Collection will be on the weekend of November 23-24, the Sunday before Thanksgiving.  Help break the cycle of poverty.  For more information about how CCHD is working on the margins, go online at www.usccb.org/cchd or contact the diocesan Office for Social Concerns at (614) 241-2540.

November 28, 2019
Thanksgiving Day -  Give thanks to God for our many blessings.  Keep in your prayers farmers, farmworkers, and all people working in the food industry.  For prayer and education resources visit http://catholicrurallife.org. 

December 2019

Christmas Catholic Charities Collection.  This annual collection allows the diocese to meet a variety of basic needs directly and through diocesan agencies and organizations including J.O.I.N. (Joint Organization for Inner-City Needs), St. Stephen’s Community House, Catholic Social Services, St. Francis Center, St. Lawrence Haven, St. Vincent Family Center, and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.  You can help share in this important work by generously supporting the Catholic Charities collection this year. 
 

January 2020

January is Poverty Awareness Month.  For resources about what Catholics can do to address poverty in the United States, visit USCCB’s Poverty USA website at www.povertyusa.org.  

January 1, 2020
World Day of Peace.  The theme for Pope Francis’ annual World Day of Peace Message for 2019 is Politics Must be at the Service of Peace.  Soon to be released, the message will be posted along with a bulletin insert at www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/human-life-and-dignity/war-and-peace/world-day-of-peace.cfm.  

January 5-11, 2020
National Migration Week.   Last year's theme was "Building Communities of Welcome" which emphasizes the importance proactively engaging immigrant and refugee communities and creating a culture of welcome that will assist in the integration process in our communities and parishes.  For a parish tool kit, CLICK HERE.  Also visit https://justiceforimmigrants.org/take-action/national-migration-week and www.sharejourney.org.

January 22, 2020
Respect Life Mass  - Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children.  The annual Respect Life Mass will be Wednesday, January 22, 2020, 10:30 a.m. at St. Joseph Cathedral.  On this day of the anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court decision Roe v. Wade, our diocese will join all dioceses of the United States in observing a Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children.  All are invited.  For more information contact the diocesan Office for Social Concerns at socmailbox@columbuscatholic.org or 614-241-2540.

January 22, 2020
Roe Remembrance at Ohio Statehouse.  Greater Columbus Right to Life will sponsor this event on Wednesday, January 22, noon to 1 p.m., at the Ohio Statehouse following the 10:30 a.m. Respect Life Mass at St. Joseph Cathedral.  The program will be held in the Statehouse Atrium.  Please allow extra time for new Statehouse security measures.  Stickers, signs, and weapons are not permitted inside.  For additional information, visit www.gcrtl.org/roe.html.

January Respect Life Events.  For a complete listing of January Respect Life events and resources to help you build a culture of life, CLICK HERE.

February 2020

Lent (Beginning February 26)
Lenten Journey for Families.  The diocesan offices for Social Concerns and Marriage and Family Life have teamed up to provide a Lenten journey for families:  three ways to grow together – prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.  A Family Mission Rosary can help families discover their own missions and deepen their relationships with God, Mary, and each other. The Lenten journey focuses on fasting from distractions in your home by dedicating one day of the week to a family “day of rest.” Finally, you can share your Lenten journey with members of our human family here and around the world through Catholic Relief Services’ Rice Bowl.  More details can be found on the diocesan website https://columbuscatholic.org/family-ministry-enrichment or call 614-241-2540.

CRS Rice Bowl is a Lenten faith formation program for use in parishes, schools, religious education programs and by families and individuals in the home.  CRS Rice Bowl ensures that the Catholic community of the United States is present in nearly 100 countries worldwide, serving the poorest among us through CRS.  For more information, contact the diocesan Office for Social Concerns at 614- 41-2540 or socmailbox@columbuscatholic.org or visit the CRS website at www.crsricebowl.org.

Begins February 26 
40 Days for Life begins February 26.  Faithful believers are praying that this effort will mark the beginning of the end of abortion in America.  This peaceful prayer vigil will take place at an abortion facility in Columbus.  Participants are asked to volunteer for one-hour shifts and sign a statement of peace.  For details and to sign up for a time, visit www.gcrtl.org/40-days-for-life.html or call 614-445-8508.


March 2020

March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. All persons with disabilities have gifts to contribute to the whole Church. Embrace. Welcome. Participate. For resources available to individuals, families, and parishes to work towards the goal of full participation, visit www.columbuscatholic.org/persons-with-disabilities.

April is Autism Awareness Month   For a copy of a bulletin insert developed by the diocese to promote greater inclusion of persons with Autism in the life of the Church and society, visit www.columbuscatholic.org/persons-with-disabilities. Bulletin Insert:  English |  Spanish

April 2020

April 10
Good Friday Walking Stations of the Cross. Many facets of faith and justice will be the focus of the annual Good Friday Walking Stations of the Cross. The walk begins with opening prayer at St. Joseph Cathedral, 212 E. Broad St., Columbus, at 8 a.m., Friday, April 10, 2020. Hundreds of participants from across the diocese will process to locations throughout downtown Columbus to recognize Jesus Christ’s suffering and crucifixion as well as to reflect on current areas of social concern. Open to all ages. For more information, contact the diocesan Office for Social Concerns at (614) 241-2540 or the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry at (614) 241-2565.