Ongoing Pax Christi Efforts for Peace

On February 26, 2019 the Incarnate Word JPIC Office with the University of the Incarnate Word Religious Studies Department hosted a student art and writing contest on the “Peace of Christ” and sponsored a presentation by Marie Dennis, the co-vice president of Pax Christi International, who spoke about Creative Nonviolence a new Paradigm for Peace.  The presentation was live streamed and can be watched in both English and Spanish. 

On April 4-5, the Vatican's Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development and Pax Christi International's Catholic Nonviolence Initiative organised a workshop on the theme, "Path of Nonviolence: Towards a Culture of Peace" in Rome.  

With a consideration and understanding of current situations of conflict and violence, participants engaged in dialogue about the roots of violence, the hope for peace and reconciliation, and reflected on paths to a conversion to nonviolence. They noted that nonviolence is not only a method but a way of life, a way to protect and care for the conditions of life for today and tomorrow.

“Our conversations on nonviolence and peace filled our hearts and minds with a consideration of the dignity of each person – young people, women and men, people who are impoverished, citizens and leaders,” said Mons. Bruno Marie Duffé, Secretary of the Dicastery. “Nonviolence and peace call us to a conversion to receive and to give, to gather and to hope.”

“Pax Christi International deeply appreciates the support and participation of the Dicastery in this workshop, which has been a significant and positive step in the work of the Catholic Nonviolence Initiative,” said Marie Dennis, Co-president of Pax Christi International. “We are touched by the interventions from all the participants, who reiterated the importance of nonviolence rooted in respect, patience and spiritual strength.” Continue reading 

Faith leaders, peace practitioners deepen Church’s commitment to nonviolence and peace

February 26, 2019: Peace of Christ Conference

The Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, San Antonio through their Office of Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation, invite all friends, Sisters, Associates, and Sponsored Ministries of the Congregation around the world to participate in the Peace of Christ Conference that will focus on the theme: “Active Nonviolence: A Paradigm Shift towards a More Peaceful World.”  

This is the 17^th annual Mother St. Pierre Lecture sponsored by the University of the Incarnate Word Religious Studies Department and the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, San Antonio.   The Conference will take place February 26, 2019 at 7:00pm (central time) with a presentation by Marie Dennis, Co-President of Pax Christi International and international peace leader with the Catholic Nonviolence Initiative. 

Online transmission of the Conference will be available in both English and Spanish.  You can register your participation here.  Viewers may e-mail in questions during the presentation.  All will be sent the e-mail address for sending in questions.  A recording of the presentation will be made available as well for those who are not able to join the live stream.   

The live presentation will take place in the University of the Incarnate Word, San Antonio, TX, Student Engagement Center.  Local students’ work will be displayed in the same room prior to the presentation, and after the presentation there will be an awards ceremony for writing and art projects about peace in which the names of students from our schools in different countries will be announced. 

All institutions, as you are able, are invited to designate a room with internet connection in their buildings that will be available for anyone who is interested to come and watch the live transmission of the Conference in English or Spanish. 

About Marie Dennis

Marie Dennis has been co-president of Pax Christi International since 2007.  Marie is a laywoman and a mother of six. She holds a masters degree in moral theology from Washington Theological Union and honorary doctorates from Trinity Washington University and Alvernia University. Author or co-author of seven books, Marie serves on the steering committee of the Catholic Peacebuilding Network and as a contributing editor to Sojourners magazine, and recently ended her service on the national board of JustFaith Ministries. A Pax Christi USA Ambassador of Peace, Marie has served on the board of Pax Christi International since 1999.

Informational Links:

https://www.paxchristi.net/

https://www.paxchristi.net/sites/default/files/documents/appeal-to-catholic-church-to-recommit-to-nonviolence.pdf

http://w2.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/messages/peace/documents/papa-francesco_20161208_messaggio-l-giornata-mondiale-pace-2017.html

| FULL PROGRAM |

6:00 p.m.        Reception and Exhibition of all “Culture of Peace” Student Projects

7:00 p.m.        Conference with Presentation by Marie Dennis

8:00 p.m.        Awards Presentation of Student Winners from our Educational Institutions

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The Conference will be recorded for those who are not able to watch the live stream. 

A link to the recording will be sent to all for later viewing as well.

A Call to Holiness: Pax Christi 2018 Voter Guide

Since our last national election, the people of the United States have seen growing political divides, widening economic disparity, and increasing instances of bigotry, hate, and violence often done in the name of patriotism. At the same time, we’ve seen communities across the country come together in support of the values of our faith and our nation.

As Catholics, we are called to carefully consider the many critical issues facing our nation. Pope Francis reminds us, “We cannot uphold an ideal of holiness that would ignore injustice in a world where some revel, spend with abandon and live only for the latest consumer goods, even as others look on from afar, living their entire lives in abject poverty.”

This election, Catholic voters have a choice to make. Catholic Social Teaching directs us to participate in public life and exercise our civic duty. Let us engage ourselves and others this election season and choose the path of the common good, to seek a better life for everyone.

We hope this guide will help us all apply longstanding Catholic teaching to the most pressing issues of our time. The 2018 Election comes in the context of deep reflection on where we are going as a country. It is critical that we examine candidates’ positions on the multiple and interrelated policies that defend the dignity of all God’s people. We must also address these issues with a commitment to civility and dialogue in pursuit of the common good.

Please share widely. You are welcome to print and distribute.

2018 Midterm Voter Guide Booklet

2018 Midterm Voter Guide Digital Version

Llamado a la Santidad Guia para Votantes – 2018

Original posting on Pax Christi USA website 

How to BE Peace

As peace and justice advocates, there seems to be no end to the issues that confront us daily. Protests, actions, and meetings are an integral part of working for peace with justice, but it can also be exhausting.

As people who are doing a lot, we have to take a step back and look at our own hearts. Are we taking care ourselves? Do we have peace within? Where are we getting the strength to live out our commitment to peace and justice?

Pax Christi USA offers you an opportunity to reflect on being nonviolent peacemakers and suggestions on how to nourish and deepen the spirituality that needs to accompany a commitment to active nonviolence with our webinar, “How to BE Peace.”

It’s important to nurture a spirituality of nonviolence so that you can continue to do this great work with energy and joy. Enjoy the replay of this webinar and share widely.

A Time for Smiles; A Time for Peace

We must choose between the violence of adults

and the smiles of children.  - Elie Wiesel

Who doesn’t enjoy seeing the smiles of children? But far too many children are not smiling. They’re not smiling because they live in a world of violence caused by adults who make war and weapons, adults who terrorize innocent people with speeding vehicles and deadly guns, adults who strike those with whom they disagree and curse those who look different from themselves. Children see this “adult” behavior and fear it, but they also learn to imitate it whether they see it in person or in the media, whether they hear it on the streets or in music.

Soon it will be the season of gift-giving, whether you are celebrating Christmas, Chanukah, or Kwanzaa, a time to celebrate light, love, and peace. It is one of the best times to bring smiles to children’s faces. But how do we do that if we perpetuate the violence not only in our words and deeds, but also in our gifts? How do Christians commemorate the birth of the one we call Prince of Peace if the gifts we give encourage conflict and competition? How do Jews commemorate the divine miracle of lasting, light-giving oil if the gifts we give promote the dark side of human behavior? How do African Americans celebrate family, community, and culture if the gifts we give divide people into enemies instead of friends?

When you choose gifts for the children in your life, please keep these questions in mind and consider toys that:

v  Promote respectful, non-stereotyped, nonviolent interactions among children

v  Can be used in many ways

v  Allow children to be in charge of the play

v  Appeal to children at more than one age or level of development

v  Are not linked to video games, computers, TV, or movies,

v  Can be used with other toys for new and more complex play

v  Will stand the test of time as children develop new interests and skills

v  Help children develop skills important for further learning and a sense of mastery

v  Can be used alone or with others

v  Can be enjoyed by boys and girls

Choose:

• Toys that foster cooperation and teamwork, like dolls and puzzles and some board games
• Toys for constructing, like building blocks and molding clay
• Toys that inspire creative arts, like craft supplies and musical instruments
• Toys that promote movement, like bikes, wagons, and sports equipment
• Toys that promote dramatic play, like costumes and props, puppets and magic sets
• Toys that enhance the imagination, new ideas, and problem solving, like science and nature kits
• Toys that respect the environment, that can be reused and recycled
• And don’t forget books, magazine subscriptions, tickets to a show or movie, Teddy Bears, and you. There’s nothing better than YOUR time!

Happy, Peaceful Christmas, Chanukah, Kwanzaa!

Happy, Peaceful Holidays to All!

Thanks to www.truceteachers.org for the information presented in this flier. Visit their website, as well as www.responsibleshopper.org, and www.greenamerica.org for more ideas about gifts that promote the positive values we want for our children and have the extra benefit of being sweatshop-free and non-toxic.

This information is produced by Pax Christi Metro New York,

a region of Pax Christi USA, a member of Pax Christi International,

the Catholic peace movement.

For more information, contact 212-420-0250,

info@nypaxchristi.org, or visit www.nypaxchristi.org.

We encourage you to reproduce this leaflet

and share it with others.

New Documentary: Peace Be with You

Peace Be With You! 

As we, the Incarnate Word Community, continue our study and reflection on Gospel Nonviolence, this short film made by a local chapter of Pax Christi, the international peace organization,  could lead us to deeper discussion and deeper prayer: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_fFiWcf7v0    

Consider gathering a few friends or your Mission or Associates Group to watch and discuss it. 

Pax Christi invites those who watch the film to respond: “As we call upon our Catholic Church to recommit to the centrality of Gospel nonviolence: What nonviolent practices and strategies are you, your community, or your region/local chapter group engaged in to bring about sustained peace?"

Please share your insights, etc. with Rachel Schmidt, Communication Coordinator at rschmidt@paxchristiusa.org