By Lindsay Steele The Catholic Messenger The diocesan Social Action office gave a preview of notable observances in January 2023 during the final Lunch and Learn session of 2022. Deacon Kent Ferris, the office’s director, hoped the presentation would inform Catholics of the various causes on which to focus as the new year begins.
By Barb Arland-Fye The Catholic Messenger - Seeds planted and nurtured, now growing into young vegetable plants, spread their aroma during an outdoor blessing at which Bishop Thomas Zinkula presided on the grounds of First Presbyterian Church in Mount Pleasant. The plants, contained in one of 50 garden kits for immigrant families to grow their own produce, sat on a chair as if waiting for the bishop to sprinkle them with holy water on Pentecost.
By Lindsay Steele The Catholic Messenger - Housing has an impact on “pretty much every aspect of our lives,” diocesan Social Action volunteer Amy Kersten said during last week’s virtual Lunch and Learn that focused on housing stability during the pandemic. “If you have a challenging day out there in the world, you love to come home.” The COVID-19 pandemic has caused housing insecurity for both renters and homeowners, she noted. “It’s especially challenging to hear that, right now, so many people are on the brink of losing their homes.”
State reaches out to Iowa dioceses on vaccine access Barb Arland-Fye The Catholic Messenger DES MOINES — Getting vaccines to underserved populations in Iowa — immigrants, refugees, Hispanic, African American and other communities — needs to happen through their faith communities and other local groups they trust. Representatives of Iowa’s four dioceses emphasized that message during a March 26 conference call with staffers from the Iowa Governor’s Office.
By Barb Arland-Fye The Catholic Messenger BETTENDORF — A standing-room-only crowd voiced vigorous support for continuation of the University of Iowa Labor Center during a hearing last month in USW Local 105 Hall. Earlier this summer, the university announced the center’s closing, saying that budget cuts by the Iowa Legislature are to blame.
By Lindsay Steele The Catholic Messenger On the first day of Catholics In Action (CIA), 15 youths and seven adult leaders visited Catholic Worker House in Iowa City where they heard the firsthand stories of several immigrants and refugees. Participants listened to a woman from Honduras share her story of seeking asylum in the United States after her husband was killed by gang members. Other speakers included a Mexican native who cofounded the Center for Worker Justice of Eastern Iowa, and a man from Congo who won the diversity visa lottery.
By Barb Arland-Fye The Catholic Messenger Families whose lives were disrupted by the immigration raid earlier this month in Mount Pleasant desire one thing above all: to get their detained loved one back. For many, that means securing the funds needed to post bond, usually set at $10,000, an almost impossible dream. That’s where the Eastern Iowa Community Bond Project comes in. The Bond Project, established a year ago, “exists to support families seeking the release of their loves ones from detention,” according to its website. “Immigration bond has been set at $10,000 for most cases, and while many workers will be requesting a hearing to lower the amount, the bond will still remain out of reach for many families.”
By Barb Arland-Fye The Catholic Messenger DAVENPORT — Forty-eight adults of different ages, backgrounds and interests listen as their instructor explains the goals for the second session of the Mottet Leadership Institute, being held at the Davenport Diocese’s headquarters. Participants hope this eight-week institute will equip them with the leadership skills necessary to foster positive change in their communities and organizations. Breaking out of their comfort zones is a first step.