Bismarck Tribune reporter Karen Herzog talked to the North Dakota Catholic Conference and others for this story on how faith-based groups prepare for the legislative session.

Catholic News Service recently posted this report about the declining support for the death penalty in the United States. It is something North Dakota legislators should consider if the legislature faces a bill to introduce the death penalty.

A survey of North Dakota legislators by the Associated Press shows little support for enacting the death penalty here. Go here for the full story. (While the link is still valid.)

As you can see in the sidebar, the North Dakota Catholic Conference has a new logo. Go here to find out more.

Each year the Pope gives a message of peace to the world. This year's message is entitled "Both Gift and Task." The address contains many references to social teaching and the role of the state.

Msgr. George D. Schneider died early this Wednesday morning, December 13, 2006 in Harvey, ND.  He died from respiratory failure at St. Aloisius Medical Center in Harvey. Msgr. Schneider was always an advocate for social justice, the former rural life director for the Diocese of Fargo, and supporter of the National Catholic Rural Life Conference. Pray that Christ, the Good Shepherd, may reward him with the crown of eternal life for his faithful service as a priest and shepherd to Christ's flock, the Church.  Pray that God may comfort his family, friends, and parishioners that he served, and all who served with him.

Only a few weeks remain before the next legislative assembly convenes. If you have not done so, be sure to sign up for the Legislative Action Network. Also, don't forget that you can subscribe to these updates with an RSS newsfeed.

Looking for Advent resources with a social justice theme? The Catholic Campaign for Human Development has an animated advent calendar on-line. The Catholic Campaign to End Global Poverty also has Advent resources to download.

Deirdre A. McQuade, Director of Planning and Information for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Secretariat for Pro-Life Activities, has called on Amnesty International to reject a proposal from some within the organization to abandon its neutral stance on abortion in favor of a policy advocating abortion as a human right.

At a press conference today on Capitol Hill with Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) and Kristen Day, Executive Director of Democrats for Life, Ms. McQuade reiterated objections to the proposal that Bishop William S. Skylstad, President of the USCCB, made in a September 15 letter to Amnesty International. His letter can be read at http://www.usccb.org/comm/archives/2006/06-174.shtml.

Expect the full press release to be posted soon at USCCB's web site.

According to CNN's Exit Poll, 40% of North Dakotans who voted on Tuesday were Catholic. That is significantly higher than the percentage of Catholics in the state (23.5%.)

The Election Information Site of the conference has been taken off-line.

During it time on-line, it received a few thousand hits, including a high number of visits on election day.

The conference delivered around 8,000 voter education cards before the election.

October 16: Last Things: Workshop on end-of-life issues, advance directives, and funerals at St. Michael's in Grand Forks; 6:30 p.m.

October 17: Presentation on Catholic Political Responsibility at Our Lady of Grace, Minot; 7:30 p.m. with Christopher Dodson.

October 20: Senior High Youth Celebration, St. Mary's in Grand Forks. Christopher Dodson will do workshops on Catholic Political Responsibility.

October 20: Christopher Dodson will appear on Real Presence Radio, AM 1370 during it's "call-a-thon."

In response to today’s sentencing of Alfonso Rodriguez, Jr., Most Rev. Samuel J. Aquila, bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Fargo, issued the following statement.
 
“The sentence of death which was imposed today upon Alfonso Rodriguez, Jr., obscures for all of society the truth of the inherent dignity of human life.
 
“Responding to this senseless act of violence with another act of violence through imposition of the death penalty does not erase the hurt caused by the first act. Rather, it reinforces the false perspective of revenge as justice. In doing so, it diminishes respect for all human life, both the lives of the guilty and the innocent.
 
“Those who feel that imposition of the death penalty can be used as a statement to dissuade future predators from similar attacks are not looking at the full potential effect of violence as an answer to violence. According to some of the testimony heard, Mr. Rodriguez experienced violence as a child. He later inflicted violence as an adult. Violence only promotes violence and is not the way of Jesus Christ. As Pope Benedict XVI has said, ‘Violence is incompatible with the nature of God and the nature of the soul.’ By condoning and imposing the death penalty, society continues rather than thwarts this cycle of violence. Furthermore, society today is capable of protecting itself by sentences of life imprisonment without parole, allowing the person who has committed such a violent crime time for conversion and repentance for his action.
 
“I grieve today for the family and friends of Dru Sjodin who have suffered so greatly during these past several months and who continue to miss Dru beyond imagination. I grieve, also, for the family and friends of Alfonso Rodriguez, Jr., who have suffered severely as a result of his actions.
 
“The imposition of this sentence of death calls for further grieving – grieving for all of society -- a society that moves ever closer toward embracing the view that human-imposed death can bring healing to those affected by heinous crimes and justice to the guilty.
 
“We as a society, as Christians, as Americans, can serve victims of violence better by seeking ways to combat violence against life at its very source – by teaching and living the truth that all life is gift, all life is precious, and all life is to be protected.”
 
 

The Chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Migration, has called on President Bush and Congress “to work together to produce a fair and just comprehensive immigration reform bill.” More information here.

In addition to the USCCB Respect Life Program, parish leaders may also be interested in a nice new set of prayers produced by the Catholic Conference of Kentucky. The set includes prayers for adoption of a child, a memorial for deceased homeless persons, and a vigil at the time of an execution.

To assist North Dakota Catholics and others exercise their political responsibilities in the November 7 election, the North Dakota Catholic Conference has created a web site devoted to election-related material. The site includes: 

• Guidance for Voting
• Church Teaching on the Issues
• Questions for Candidates
• Information about the Issues and Additional Resources
• Voter "Guides" for Download
• Voting and District Information
• Guidelines for Political Activities in Parishes
• Movie Clips

The Election Information Site is at: http://ndcatholic.org/electioninfo/ 

The 2006-2007 Respect Life Program from the USCCB Department for Pro-Life Activities is now available.

The materials include these articles:

The Ethics of Stem Cell Research
by Rev. Tadeusz Pacholczyk, Ph.D., Director of Education of The National Catholic Bioethics Center

Partial-Birth Abortion: A Bridge too Far
by Susan Wills, J.D., LL.M., Associate Director for Education, USCCB

Why Marriage Matters To Children and the Common Good
by Maggie Gallagher, President of the Institute for Marriage and Public Policy

Go Organic: The Scientific Case for Catholic Sexual Ethics
by Jennifer Roback Morse, Ph.D.

Victim Advocates Against the Death Penalty
by Andrew Rivas, Executive Director of the Texas Catholic Conference

Protecting Children in Their First Environment, the Womb
by Roxana Barillas, Project Administrator, Department of Social Development and World Peace, USCCB

Bishop Samuel Aquila made the following statement Aug. 24 regarding the Food and Drug Administration’s decision to approve over-the-counter sales of the morning after pill, also referred to as Plan B.

“The FDA’s decision to allow over-the-counter sales of the morning after pill is tragic. Allowing access to this drug without a physician’s prescription and a professional examination could endanger the health of the women who would use it. The pill also, in cases where conception has already taken place, has the potential to abort the newly conceived child.

“I pray for our nation today and, especially, for women who are, once again, being told in this subtle yet drastic way that their value is based upon their willingness to be objects of sexual pleasure despite the cost. The FDA’s decision to allow easy access to this drug that can kill a developing child and, through its side effects, alter a woman’s future fertility is a reflection of the way in which countless U.S. citizens are being slowly conditioned into embracing a culture of death.”

Each year the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops issues a Reflection for Labor Day. This year's reflection is by Most Rev. Nicholas DiMarzio, Bishop of Brooklyn, and Chairman of the Domestic Policy Committee of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

North Dakota 101 is an "Orientation to the Northern Plains for Clergy and Church Workers from All Denominations" sponsored by the North Dakota Conference of Churches. This successful conference is a "must attend" for anyone in church ministries new to North Dakota. Entertainment includes Chuck Suchy. For more information, see the North Dakota Conference of Churches website.

As you can see, the North Dakota Catholic Conference web site has a new design. We apologize for any "down time" that occurred during the last few days. There are nearly 100 pages on this site, not including the Catholic Health Care Directive pages -- which were not revised. We might have missed some pages in the process. Let us know if you come across any pages that do not render properly or have the old design.

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation reports that the percentage of uninsured children in North Dakota has declined. Nevertheless, eight percent of the state's children still do not have any health care coverage. Check out the Forum's story on the report.

The Presbytery of the Northern Plains (Presbyterian Church, USA) has posted a web site with useful information and sources of assistance for those affected by the drought. Pastors and other ministers should spread the word about this resource.

New Editorial - Flawed Thinking on ESC Research added to the editorials.

This from USCCB:

COMPREHENSIVE IMMIGRATION REFORM IS BEST WAY TO SECURE BORDERS, BISHOP DIMARZIO TELLS CONGRESS
 
WASHINGTON—Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio of Brooklyn told a Congressional subcommittee that comprehensive immigration reform legislation is the best way to secure the nation’s borders and ensure that its immigration laws are just and humane.
           Bishop DiMarzio is Chairman of the Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. (CLINIC) and a consultant to the Committee on Migration of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).  He testified today (July 27) before the House Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security, and Claims.
           Bishop Di Marzio said the Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act (CIRA) of 2006, which has been passed by the U.S. Senate, “contains many of the elements necessary to comprehensively reform a flawed immigration system.  Although it does not contain all the elements the U.S. bishops would like to see in legislation, it is the right approach and right direction our country should be taking in tackling the problem of illegal immigration,” he said.
           “In our view, an enforcement-only approach to immigration reform will not address the need for legal avenues for future flows of immigrants to come to the United States to work or join family members, nor would it address the plight of 11-12 million undocumented in the nation,” Bishop DiMarzio stated.
           Emphasizing that enactment of comprehensive immigration reform would enhance, not undermine, protecting the nation from terrorist threats, the Bishop said:
“The overall principle which supports this view is that by enacting comprehensive immigration reform, we would be better able to identify who is already in the country and to identify and control who enters it.  By enacting a program that provides an earned path to citizenship, for example, 11-12 million undocumented persons in the nation would feel compelled to emerge ‘from the shadows’ and identify themselves to the government.  The enactment of additional employment and family-based visas for low-skilled workers and their families would help ensure we know who is entering the country and for what purpose.”
           “National security is not just about keeping those who harm us out of our country, but about keeping those who help us in and allowing others who want to help us to enter,” Bishop DiMarzio said. “Comprehensive immigration reform will help us achieve this goal.”
           Legislation to fix the nation’s broken immigration system must be efficiently implemented, Bishop DiMarzio continued.  “As the House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate consider a final immigration package, it must include elements which provide the executive branch the tools to implement any new programs in a timely, efficient and secure manner.  It also should be designed in a way to minimize fraudulent applications and marginalize ‘notarios’ who prey upon prospective applicants with misinformation,” Bishop DiMarzio stated.
           “Our nation stands at an important time in her history, where we need to remain vigilant against outside threats without sacrificing values which we hold dear, including our history as an open and democratic society which values hard work and opportunity,” Bishop DiMarzio said.  “During the next few months, I ask that you work with your Senate colleagues to fashion a comprehensive immigration bill which is just, humane, and provides for the security needs of our country.”   

# # # # #

On Friday, the federal Eighth Circuit has reversed a lower court ruling and restored Nebraska's definition of marriage law. Since North Dakota is in the Eighth Circuit, an contrary ruling could have had consequences for North Dakota's law. The North Dakota Catholic Conference joined Nebraska and other state Catholic conferences in the Eighth Circuit and filed a friend of the court brief supporting Nebraska's law.
Go here for the full opinion.

Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-TN) has announced that the Senate will begin debate on Monday, July 17 and complete all action by Tuesday, July 18 on the three bills related to stem cell and fetal tissue research. (See entry below of July 11.)

Also, Cardinal William Keeler, Chairman of the Bishops’ Committee for Pro-Life Activities, sent a policy letter to the U.S. Senate strongly urging opposition to H.R. 810 and support for S. 2754 and S. 3504. See:  nchla.org/docdisplay.asp?ID=145.

To reiterate: Contact Senators Kent Conrad and Byron Dorgan immediately and ask them to:

Support S. 2754, which would authorize federally funded research using pluripotent stem cells obtained without creating, harming, or destroying human embryos;

Support S. 3504, which would prohibit the solicitation or acceptance of tissue from human fetuses gestated for research purposes; and

Oppose H.R. 810, which would use federal funds to promote the destruction of human embryos for stem cell research.

Regarding H.R. 810, remind the Senators that they have consistently opposed federal funding for abortion and assisted suicide because they think that taxpayers should not be compelled to support practices that many find morally unacceptable. Funding for embryonic stem cell research should be no different.

As recent letters and columns in the North Dakota newspapers have noted, former North Dakota Governor Ed Schafer and Senator Byron Dorgan are leading opposing viewpoints on "net neutrality." Catholics may be interested to know that Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas, the Chairman of the Communications Committee, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, wrote a letter on behalf on the conference member of the House of Representatives, expressing support for net neutrality provisions. See the press release for more information.

This alert comes from the National Committee for a Human Life Amendment, an arm of the U.S. Catholic Bishops:

U.S. Senate Stem Cell Debate:
Oppose H.R. 810, Support S. 2754 and S. 3504

On June 29, the U.S. Senate approved a unanimous consent agreement to consider three bills related to stem cell research:

• S. 3504 that would prohibit the solicitation or acceptance of tissue from human fetuses gestated for research purposes (Fetus Farming Prohibition Act);
• S. 2754 that would authorize federally funded research using pluripotent stem cells obtained without creating, harming, or destroying human embryos (Alternative Pluripotent Stem Cell Therapies Enhancement Act); and
• H.R. 810, passed by the House last year, that would use federal funds to promote the destruction of human embryos for stem cell research (Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act).

After debate, the bills will be voted on without amendments in the following order: S. 3504, S. 2754, H.R. 810. Each bill will require 60 votes to pass. It is anticipated the Senate will act in July.

Please urge your two U.S. Senators to oppose H.R. 810. Destroying human embryos to obtain embryonic stem cells is immoral. In addition, embryonic stem cells have yet to benefit any human patient, but stem cells from adult tissues, umbilical cord blood, and other morally acceptable sources are already producing treatments for diseases. See: www.stemcellresearch.org and www.usccb.org/prolife/issues/bioethic/stemcell/index.htm. The White House has reaffirmed that President Bush will veto H.R. 810.

Please urge your two U.S. Senators to support S. 2754 and S. 3504. These two bills set ethical standards for stem cell research. S. 2754 funds efforts to derive and study cells which have the capabilities of embryonic stem cells but are not obtained from a human embryo, a policy that should be supported by defenders of human life as well as by those tempted to support stem cell research that destroys life. S. 3504 bans trafficking in human fetal tissue (including stem cells) obtained from human embryos or fetuses gestated for that purpose. Because researchers have already done such "fetus farming" experiments in animals, and some state laws could allow this grotesque practice in humans, a national policy against it should be set now.

ACTION: All pro-life constituents should contact their two U.S. Senators by FAX letter, e-mail, or phone. Call the U.S. Capitol switchboard at 202-224-3121, or call your Senators’ local offices. For access to your Senators’ full contact information, see: nchla.org/contcong.asp. Also, through NCHLA’s Action Center, you can directly send e-mail to your Senators at: nchla.org/actiondisplay.asp?ID=235. In addition, a PDF version of this alert is available at the same address.

MESSAGE: "Please support research without harming human embryos. Please vote 'no’ on H.R. 810 and vote 'yes’ on S. 2754 and S. 3504."

WHEN: It is anticipated the Senate will take up the three bills in July. Please act today! 7/10/06

These types of positions rarely open up, especially in this region of the country, so I thought they were worth posting here.

MCC Social Concerns Director
 
The Minnesota Catholic Conference (MCC), which represents the Catholic Church within Minnesota to state and federal policy makers, is seeking a versatile individual to serve as Social Concerns Director.  The MCC actively identifies, formulates and seeks to implement public policy objectives that promote the common good in the state of Minnesota, in accordance with Catholic Social Teaching, in order to ensure the material and moral well being for all citizens.
 
The Social Concerns Director works to positively affect public policy pertaining to the common good through lobbying and other efforts.  Specific duties include:  lobbying on state and national issues of concern to the Catholic Conference, convening collaborative groups, working with other state and private agencies on matters of social action and social justice, and acting as an advocate for the needy and helpless in Minnesota.  The sanctity of all human life is the foundation of our Catholic Social Teaching. 
 
Qualified applicants will be in full communion with the Church, have knowledge of and experience with the legislative process, possess excellent written and oral communication skills, understand the principles of Catholic Social Teaching and have demonstrated experience working collaboratively with a range of organizations and individuals.
 
Please send letter, resume and references by June 21, 2006 to Search Committee, Minnesota Catholic Conference, 475 University Ave. W., St. Paul, MN  55103.  For a full job description, please visit our website at www.mncc.org
 
 
 
Social Action Director, Diocese of Davenport:
 
Diocese of Davenport, serving 84 parishes in southeast Iowa, is searching for a full-time social action director working from the Diocesan Pastoral Center.  Duties include providing assistance and training to parishes; planning and coordinating educational and advocacy programs in social justice, pro-life, rural life and global solidarity for the Diocese; and supervising social service programs including immigration and SHARE Iowa.
 
Masters' degree in a field related to social work or religion preferred.  Firm grasp and deep commitment to Catholic social teaching required. 
 
Send resume to Char Maaske, Diocese of Davenport, 2706 N. Gaines St., Davenport, IA 52804. 
 

Director of Social Concerns, Diocese of St. Cloud
 
Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Cloud, a $20 million dollar human service agency which provides services in the 16 county Diocese of St. Cloud, is seeking a part-time (20 hours/week) Director of Social Concerns.
 
The Director of Social Concerns is responsible for implementing & providing ongoing support of Parish Social Ministry committees in the parishes within the Diocese of St. Cloud.  The Director will also educate and advocate at the local, state and national levels on legislative issues relevant to the teachings of the Catholic Church & will provide support and resources to farm families and rural communities.
 
Qualified candidates will have a BA in social work, theology, philosophy, or related area and a minimum of 5 years of experience in social services, parish ministry &/or public relations field.  The position also requires a grounding in Catholic Social Teaching & a working knowledge of the Catholic Church.
 
The successful candidate will enjoy a competitive salary along with a comprehensive benefits package.  Interested applicants may submit their resume plus salary expectations to: Steve Bresnahan, Catholic Charities, PO Box 2390, St. Cloud, MN 56302.
 
Questions can be directed to Mardi Noyes at (320) 650-1588.

Today we learned of the death of Bishop Emeritus James S. Sullivan. Bishop Sullivan served as the Bishop of Fargo from 1985 to 2002 and, as such, served, with the Bishop of Bismarck, as a presiding officer of the North Dakota Catholic Conference.

Under Bishop Sullivan’s leadership, the conference expanded the scope of its work to better address the Church’s social message as it pertained to issues of poverty, economic justice, rural life, and the environment. His leadership was also marked by an unwavering commitment to the defense of human life, especially the unborn.

As one of the state’s two bishops, Bishop Sullivan oversaw the hiring and performance of the conference’s executive directors. Sister Paula Ringette PBVM, served as the executive director from 1988 to 1995. In 1995, the North Dakota Catholic Conference board of directors, under Bishop Sullivan’s leadership, chose the conference’s present director, Christopher Dodson.

“It was a privilege to work for Bishop Sullivan,” said Dodson. “More importantly it was a gift to know him. His prayerful and holy demeanor was – and is – a great example of how to live for Christ in all that we do.”

It is with deep sadness that the Church of Fargo announces the death of our beloved Bishop Emeritus James Stephen Sullivan. Bishop Sullivan died this morning at Rosewood on Broadway, Fargo. His death was brought about by complications of Alzheimer’s Disease.
 
Bishop Sullivan was appointed Bishop of Fargo on April 2, 1985, and was installed on May 30 of that year. He succeeded Bishop Justin A. Driscoll, who died Nov. 19, 1984. Under Bishop Sullivan’s leadership, the Catholic schools within the city of Fargo combined to create the Fargo Catholic Schools Network. Its middle school was later named after Bishop Sullivan. In 1992, Bishop Sullivan led the first annual Walk with Christ for Life, a peaceful procession of prayer for an end to abortion. In 1993, he was chosen by Pope John Paul II to address the English-speaking youth attending World Youth Day in Denver, Colo. Bishop Sullivan celebrated 50 years of priesthood on June 3, 2005, with an evening prayer service at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, Fargo.
 
Bishop Sullivan retired on March 18, 2002, and resided at the rectory of Holy Spirit Catholic Church in north Fargo, until moving to Rosewood on Broadway in the Spring of 2006.
 
“Bishop Sullivan was a man of deep faith in God and commitment to the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist,” said Most Rev. Samuel J. Aquila, bishop of the Diocese of Fargo. “His devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, mother of Jesus Christ, inspired much of his work both inside and outside of the Diocese of Fargo. He was a strong spiritual leader for the Catholic faithful and a loving father figure to the men who served as priests of the Diocese.”
 
Funeral arrangements are pending.

If anyone would like to send messages of sympathy, or wish to share any memories that you have of Bishop Sullivan, we will forward them on to his family. Mail to: Diocese of Fargo, 5201 Bishops Blvd., Suite A, Fargo, ND, 58104-7605. Attn: Communications Office; or send by e-mail by clicking here.

The Senate is expected to vote on a proposed amendment to the Constitution to preserve marriage. Please contact Senator Kent Conrad and Senator Byron Dorgan and express your support for this amendment.

Message:

"Please support the Marriage Protection Amendment and oppose any weakening amendments."

When:

Right away. The Senate is expected to vote on the amendment the week of June 4.

Who:

Senator Kent Conrad and Senator Byron Dorgan

How:

Senator Kent Conrad

E-mail: Contact Via 'Web Form' at: http://conrad.senate.gov/webform.html

Phone:
Washington Office: (202) 224-2043 Fax: (202) 224-7776
Bismarck Office: (701) 258-4648 Fax: (701) 258-1254
Fargo: (701) 232-8030 Fax: (701) 232-6449
Grand Forks: (701) 775-9601 Fax: (701) 746-1990
Minot: (701) 852-0703 Fax: (701) 838-8196

Senator Byron Dorgan

E-mail: senator@dorgan.senate.gov

Phone:
Washington Office: (202) 224-2551 Fax: (202) 224-1193
Bismarck: (701) 250-4618 Fax: (701) 250-4484
Fargo: (701) 239-5389 Fax: (701) 239-5112
Grand Forks: (701) 746-8972 Fax: (701) 746-9122
Minot: (701) 852-0703 Fax: (701) 838-8196

The Catholic Health Association has written in support of legislation waiving the lifetime penalty for seniors who enroll in the Medicare Part D prescription drug program after the May 15 deadline. CHA also has asked Congress to extend the enrollment period following several reports of confusion among some seniors, particularly those with disabilities. While CHA continues to urge Congress to extend the deadline, endorsement of S. 2810 is an important first step in ensuring that seniors receive the best information possible about potential drug coverage plans without being penalized. CHA's letter is available at chausa.org/GrassleyPartD.

Congress is currently establishing target figures for federal education spending for Fiscal Year 2007, which begins on October 1, 2006. Several of the education programs most used by private and religious schools are at risk for limited funding or, potentially, total elimination.

PLEASE, Representative Earl Pomeroy, Senator Kent Conrad, and Senator Byron Dorgan urge them to fund the following education programs.

a) Maintain Current Funding for NCLB Title II-D, Enhancing Education Through Technology

b) Fund NCLB Title IV-A, Safe and Drug-Free Schools, at no less than $400 million. School safety, student health, and drug and alcohol and tobacco prevention programs are crucial to the academic success of millions of students. Assistance in planning for responses to disasters and pandemics is especially crucial at this time.

c) Fund NCLB Title V-A, Innovative Programs

Innovative Programs funding is a unique source of flexible funds that allows public and private schools to determine locally how best to implement education priorities. For forty years, this program has had more equitable participation by Catholic school students than any other federal education program. Current funding provides less than $2.00 for each of the 52 million K-12 students in the United States. Federal investment in education should not be cut in order to achieve a balanced budget or to eradicate the deficit.

Please act now! Members of the House and Senate Subcommittee are listed below by State. THANK YOU for your efforts to help restore federal investment in education to levels that are meaningful to students in our schools.

Justice for Immigrants, a project of the Catholic Church, has posted a useful summary of the proposed compromise on immigration legislation in the U.S. Senate at: http://www.justiceforimmigrants.org/compromise.html

The North Dakota Conference of Churches Rural Life Committee is having its fifth Convocation for Clergy and Lay Rural Life Leaders, June 25 and 26 at Jamestown College.

This year's event will be based on Discovering Hope: Building Vitality in Rural Congregations (by Shannon Jung and David Poling-Goldenne).
Schedule: begins on Sunday, June 25, at 5 p.m. and concludes on Monday, June 26, at 3:45 p.m.. Time for worship and group time (breakout sessions) are built into the schedule. Alvin Luedke (Luther Seminary) and Ray Branstiter (Tri-County Ministry) will present and facilitate group sessions.

For more information, see the North Dakota Conference of Churches website or download the event's brochure.

The interim Judiciary Committee is studying the state's marriage laws and ways to strengthen marriage in the state. Legislative Council has posted the minutes for the last meeting. Dr. Sean Brotherson, from North Dakota State University, and Christopher Dodson, Executive Director of the North Dakota Catholic Conference both gave testimony about the importance of marriage in society. The minutes provide a good summary of both testimonies.

Congress is currently establishing target figures for federal education spending for Fiscal Year 2007 which begins on October 1, 2006.  Several of the education programs most used by private and religious schools are at risk for limited funding or total elimination.
 
The USCCB is participating in several coalitions that are working to restore funding levels to those approved in past years. PLEASE e-mail, call, or fax your Senators and Representatives THIS WEEK to urge them to fund the following programs that are widely used by private and religious schools: 
 
     a) Fund NCLB Title II-D, Enhancing Education Through Technology, at no
          less than the $496 million appropriated in FY 2005.
 
     b) Fund NCLB Title IV, Safe and Drug-Free Schools, at no less than $400 million.
 
     c) Fund NCLB Title V-A, Innovative Programs, at no less than the $296.5           
         million appropriated in FY 2004. 
 
TALKING POINTS

• Innovative Programs funding is a unique source of flexible funds that allows public and private schools to determine locally how best to implement educational priorities.  For forty years, this program has had more equitable participation by Catholic school students than any other federal education program.  Current funding provides less than $2.00 for each of the 52 million K-12 students in the United States.
• Cutting technology funds harms the ability of the United States to be competitive in the global economy
• School safety, student health,  and drug, alcohol, and tobacco prevention programs are crucial to the academic success of millions of students. 
• Federal investment in education should not be cut in order to achieve a balanced budget or to eradicate the deficit.

It is vitally important that you provide your Senators and Representatives with examples of how these programs benefit the students in your schools.  Please act now!

An Action Alert from Catholic Charities USA
WHAT: On Monday, March 27th, the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee passed the Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act of 2006. The Committee-passed bill includes a pathway to legal status and citizenship for undocumented immigrants, guest worker programs with a pathway to citizenship, and protection from being charged with “smuggling” for humanitarian organizations that provide assistance to immigrants. However, the Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-TN) has offered his enforcement-only proposal and now the Senate will decide whether to have debate on Senator Frist’s bill or the bill passed by the Judiciary Committee. We expect the Senate to debate immigration reform over the next couple of weeks.

Thanks to all of you who contacted your Senators on this issue. Your efforts have made a difference! While we have made great strides with the Committee-passed bill, we must keep up the momentum as the debate moves to the Senate floor.

ACTION NEEDED: Click on "Take Action" and enter your zip code to help keep the Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act of 2006 intact. Please contact BOTH of your Senators and urge them to:

• SUPPORT the Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act of 2006 (the immigration reform bill passed by the Judiciary Committee) and OPPOSE any attempt to replace it with an enforcement-only proposal.

Exploring Ethical Dimensions of Health Care Services is the theme of a workshop on April 5, 2006 sponsored by the North Dakota Catholic Conference. Dr, Janine Izdiak, Professor of Philosophy and Director of the Bioethics Resource Center at Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa is the keynote speaker.

Topics covered in the workshop include: a discussion of the teachings of the Catholic Church on death and dying, making medical decisions for incapacitated persons, and developing an “ethics community” in a healthcare facility.

The workshop will be held from 8:00 – 3:00 in Bismarck at the Best Western Doublewood Inn. Continuing education credits for social workers (4.5 hours) has been approved, and CEUs for chaplains (NACC) is expected.

For registration information, contact Kathryn Grafsgaard at the North Dakota Catholic Conference. The toll free number is (888) 419-1237, or (701) 223-2519. You can also download the conference brochure and registration form.

URGENT ACTION NEEDED ON IMMIGRATION LEGISLATION -- From Catholic Charities USA

Take Action!

Call Your Senators Today!
 
WHAT: Last week, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-TN) introduced an enforcement-only immigration proposal before the Senate Judiciary Committee was able to reach consensus on a comprehensive reform bill. The Majority Leader has since made a procedural move that could allow the full Senate to proceed to debate immigration as early as Tuesday, March 28th.

Meanwhile, the Senate Judiciary Committee continues to seek consensus on a more comprehensive piece of legislation, and may meet on March 27th for consideration of a bill. Such a consensus may include a compromise on a guest worker program and the question of how to handle the 11-12 million undocumented persons now living in the United States. Majority Leader Frist’s proposal addresses neither of these questions and contains similarities to the harsh bill passed by the House of Representatives in December.

ACTION NEEDED: Click on “Take Action” today for information about how to call your both of your Senators starting TODAY and urge them to:

• Support comprehensive immigration reform that includes: a pathway to lawful permanent residence and citizenship for the undocumented in the U.S.; and provisions for a guest worker program that provides labor protections and allows for a pathway to permanent residence and citizenship.
• Oppose all enforcement-only proposals when the Senate takes up immigration legislation.
• Urge Majority Leader Frist to take up the Senate Judiciary Committee’s legislation.
• OPPOSE THE MOTION TO PROCEED if Senator Frist chooses to take up his own enforcement-only bill.

BACKGROUND: For more information, please read Catholic Charities USA’s recent Washington Weekly article, talking points, and letter to the Senate.
We also encourage you to visit the Justice for Immigrants Campaign at www.justiceforimmigrants.org and Catholic Charities USA’s Justice for Newcomers website at http://www.catholiccharitiesusa.org/immigration.  
Would you prefer to email your Senators? Take action now by visiting
http://capwiz.com/catholiccharitiesusa/issues/alert/?alertid=8496426.  
Thank you for all you are doing!

North Dakota Catholic Conference executive director Christopher Dodson testified March 20 before the North Dakota interim Judiciary Committee on the need to study how to strengthen marriage.

Dodson told the committee that its study should begin by looking at marriage as a civil institution, rather than only a religious covenant or legal contract. With that principle in mind the committee should look at whether existing laws and state policies de-institutionalize marriage and to consider new laws and programs to strengthen marriages.

A copy of Dodson's slide presentation is available here.

Exploring Ethical Dimensions of Health Care Services is the theme of a workshop on April 5, 2006 sponsored by the North Dakota Catholic Conference. Dr, Janine Izdiak, Professor of Philosophy and Director of the Bioethics Resource Center at Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa is the keynote speaker.

Topics covered in the workshop include: a discussion of the teachings of the Catholic Church on death and dying, making medical decisions for incapacitated persons, and developing an “ethics community” in a healthcare facility.

The workshop will be held from 8:00 – 3:00 in Bismarck at the Best Western Doublewood Inn. Continuing education credits for social workers (4.5 hours) has been approved, and CEUs for chaplains (NACC) is expected.

For registration information, contact Kathryn Grafsgaard at the North Dakota Catholic Conference. The toll free number is (888) 419-1237, or (701) 223-2519. You can also download the conference brochure and registration form.

The Diocese of Fargo Respect Life Office will offer a second series of End-of-Life Workshops this spring. Father Dale Kinzler, pastor of Church of the Nativity in Fargo and health care liaison for the Diocese of Fargo, will present on the Catholic Church’s teaching regarding nutrition and hydration, understanding the differences between ordinary and extraordinary care, and how to make moral health care decisions. Christopher Dodson, North Dakota Catholic Conference executive director, will offer a Catholic approach to preparing a Health Care Directive. Father Joseph Goering, Diocese of Fargo chancellor, will present the Catholic Church’s theological and pastoral practice for cremation and funerals.

Dates and locations are: Monday, March 20, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at St. Philip Neri Parish, 401 Broadway, Napoleon; Tuesday, March 21, 6:30-9:30 p.m. at the Basilica of St. James, 622 1st Ave. S., Jamestown.

All events are open to the public. Free will offering will be taken. For more information, contact Rachelle Sauvageau at (701) 356-7910 or e-mail: rachelle.sauvageau@fargodiocese.org.

In a recent address to Italian business leaders, Pope Benedict XVI called on Christians to engage in both works of charity and works of justice. The theme is one of several recent messages by the Pope and others elaborating on teachings presented in the Pope's encyclical Deus caritas est.

The Northwest Area Foundation has released the results of a survey it commissioned on North Dakotans' views on poverty and related issues. The findings reveal that most North Dakotans would be willing to pay more in taxes to provide local, community assistance to those struggling to make ends meet.

For more information, see the Forum story on the survey and the Northwest Area Foundation's executive summary.

A legislative interim committee is studying the state’s marriage laws and methods for strengthening marriage. More specifically, the committee is to:

“Study the state's marriage laws and methods for strengthening the institution of marriage in the state, including premarital requirements, such as marital education and counseling, waiting periods, and marital blood tests; the availability of marriage counseling and parenting education in the state; and the implementation of predivorce requirements, such as divorce-effects education.”

The study could provide an opportunity for a thorough review of state laws and policies. The committee's next meeting is Monday, March 20, 2006 in the Capitol's Harvest Room in Bismarck, beginning at 10:00 a.m.

The 2005 North Dakota legislature authorized the creation of an Office for Faith-based and Community Initiatives within the Governor's administration and advisory commission.

The advisory commission, which, curiously, does not include any church leaders, held its first meeting on February 22. From reports about the meeting, it appears that the commission wants to work with other nonprofit organizations and sponsor an informational conference in the near future.

This link has an address by Cardinal Javier Lozano Barragán, president of the Pontifical Council for Health Care Workers on mental illness. It was prepared f