Good Sense, Good Air: While we live we are responsible to the Lord

On November 7, Bishop Stephen Blaire of Stockton, CA, and chairman of the U.S. bishops’ Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development, addressed the Christian vocation to cultivate and care for
God’s good gift of Creation in a speech to an ecumenical gathering in Louisville, Kentucky. Bishop Blaire identified how this commitment connects to Catholic concerns for human life and human dignity –
particularly of the poor and vulnerable.

Bishop Blaire said that God’s generous gift of creation demands a response back to God and a duty to steward what God has given to us for the good of all the human family. The bishop highlighted how environmental degradation compromises human life and dignity, especially of the poor and vulnerable. A prime example, he continued, are the adverse impacts which mercury, toxic air pollution and climate change have on human life, particularly on the unborn, in the case of mercury pollution and future generations in the case mercury pollution and future generations in the case of climate change. The full text of his address can be found at http://catholicclimatecovenant.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Bishop-Blaire-November-7-2011.pdf.

Holidays and Young Adults

The weather has finally turned and the holidays are right around the corner. Our churches and communities will soon be bustling with lots of celebrations! As young adult ministers, though, we should keep in mind that the holidays can sometimes be a tough time for young adults. The emphasis on family and togetherness can be painful for those who find themselves alone at this time of year. And especially in Southern California, there are many young adults who are separated from their families by distance or circumstance. What can your ministry do to support these young adults? The NCYAMA newsletter has some starter ideas (http://www.ncyama.org/newsletter/201111Articles/givingthanks.htm), or share some of your own and we’ll post them on our blog.