Catholic leaders respond to requirements threatening conscience clause of religious employers.
On January 20, 2012, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) reaffirmed a rule forcing nearly all private health plans to include coverage for all FDA-approved prescription contraceptive drugs and devices, as well as surgical sterilization. These are listed among "preventive services for women" that all health plans will have to cover without co-pays or other cost-sharing – regardless of whether the insurer, the employer or other plan sponsor, or even the woman herself, objects to such coverage. The United States Catholic Conference of Bishops, Catholic Charities USA and the Catholic Health Association have responded with opposition to the decision by HHS.
The U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives are considering bills to provide exemptions to this ruling for religious employers. For more information about the ruling and suggestions on how to respond to your Senators and members of Congress, please see “Bishops Vow to Fight Coercive HHS Mandate.”
September 25, 2011
St. Norbert Abbey, in partnership with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, commemorated “Pray for the DREAM Sunday," an initiative of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Justice for Immigrants campaign intended to strengthen the faithful’s understanding of the relationship between Catholic social teaching and national comprehensive immigration reform.
St. Norbert Abbey, in partnership with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, will commemorate "Pray for the DREAM Sunday" on September 25, 2011
On Sunday, Sept. 25, St. Norbert Abbey will commemorate “Pray for the DREAM Sunday” at its 10 a.m. Mass. Fr. Ken De Groot, O. Praem., retired pastor of St. Willebrord Church, Green Bay, will offer the homily at the service. Under his leadership, the parish became home to the largest number of Catholic Spanish speaking immigrants north of Milwaukee. DREAM eligible students have also been invited to share personal testimonials during Mass.
The DREAM Act would allow a select group of immigrant students with superior potential to contribute more fully to America. These young people were brought to the U.S. as children. The DREAM Act would give these students a chance to earn legal status if they:
•Came to the U.S. as children (15 or under)
•Are long-term U.S. residents (continuous physical presence for at least five years)
•Have good moral character
•Graduate from high school or obtain a GED
•Complete two years of college or military service in good standing
“Pray for the DREAM Sunday” is an initiative of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Justice for Immigrants campaign intended to strengthen the faithful’s understanding of the relationship between Catholic social teaching and national comprehensive immigration reform . For more information click here for “Pray for the DREAM Sunday.
 Meet Fr. Jeremy Tobin, O. Praem., Norbertine social justice advocate
Fr. Jeremy's social justice credentials date from 1960s civil rights marches to 21st century lobbying for immigrant rights. A University of Michigan educated social worker, Fr. Jeremy has become a regular social justice scribe since joining St. Moses the Black Priory (Raymond, Mississippi) in 1998. Follow Fr. Jeremy online at Mississipi Catholic and The Jackson Advocate.
June 29, 2011
South Sudan becomes an independent country on July 9, 2011. Please pray for a peaceful transition between Sudan and South Sudan. For resources, please see "Sudan: What would you do?"
June 8, 2011
St. Norbert Abbey will recognize World Refugee Day (June 20, 2011) with a display in the Abbey's north cloister walk and specially chosen prayer texts, scripture reading and homily at St. Norbert Abbey Evening prayer (5 p.m., Sunday, June 19). For more information about World Refugee Day, click here and here.
April 28, 2011
U.S. Bishops join with other Christian leaders to call for ‘Circle of Protection’ around programs for poor people - click here.
February 16, 2011
Archbishop Jerome Listecki, President of the Wisconsin Catholic Conference, responds to collective bargaining and government employees - click here.
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