Bishop David Zubik of the Diocese of Pittsburgh wrote, “It is really hard to believe that it happened. It comes like a slap in the face. The Obama administration has just told the Catholics of the United States, “To Hell with you!” There is no other way to put it.” Read the rest here.

Send a message to congress and President Obama asking them to respect religious liberty by clicking here.

Bishop Joseph McFadden of the Diocese of Harrisburg said, “Never before has the federal government forced individuals and organizations to go out into the marketplace and buy a product that violates their conscience. This shouldn’t happen in a land where free exercise of religion ranks first in the Bill of Rights.” Read the entire statement here.

Bishop Joseph Bambera of the Diocese of Scranton wrote, “Simply put, as Catholics, we cannot comply with this unjust law. People of faith cannot be made second class citizens. We are already joined by our brothers and sisters of all faiths and many others of good will in this important effort to regain our religious freedom. Our parents and grandparents did not come to these shores to help build America’s cities and towns, its infrastructure and institutions, its enterprise and culture, only to have their posterity stripped of their God given rights. In generations past, the Church has always been able to count on the faithful to stand up and protect her sacred rights and duties. I hope and trust she can count on this generation of Catholics to do the same. Our children and grandchildren deserve nothing less.” Read the entire letter here.

Sister Mary Ann Walsh of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) asks about a Catholic bias, “The government allows other religions to live out their beliefs. The Amish and Christian Scientists have a conscientious objection to health insurance, and so the law exempts them from buying it. The government acknowledges the right of these religious groups to live out their religious convictions in U.S. society. Why are beliefs of Catholics and others dismissed?” Read the rest here.

Here is a video message from New York’s Archbishop Timothy Dolan, the president of the USCCB:

SEND A MESSAGE TO CONGRESS IN SUPPORT OF RELIGIOUS LIBERTY HERE.

The Catholic bishops of the United States called “literally unconscionable” a decision by the Obama Administration to continue to demand that sterilization, abortifacients and contraception be included in virtually all health plans. Today’s announcement means that this mandate and its very narrow exemption will not change at all; instead there will only be a delay in enforcement against some employers.

“In effect, the president is saying we have a year to figure out how to violate our consciences,” said Cardinal-designate Timothy M. Dolan, archbishop of New York and president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

The cardinal-designate continued, “It is as much an attack on access to health care as on religious freedom. Historically this represents a challenge and a compromise of our religious liberty.”

The HHS rule requires that sterilization and contraception – including controversial abortifacients – be included among “preventive services” coverage in almost every healthcare plan available to Americans. “The government should not force Americans to act as if pregnancy is a disease to be prevented at all costs,” added Cardinal-designate Dolan.

Read this and other reactions to the HHS ruling here.

SEND A MESSAGE TO CONGRESS IN SUPPORT OF RELIGIOUS LIBERTY HERE.

If you’d like to send a letter, you can use this sample letter to Congress regarding the HHS ruling.

Click here to sign the petition on whitehouse.gov.

The appointment was publicized in Washington, January 19, by Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò, apostolic nuncio to the United States.

William Skurla was born June 1, 1956, in Duluth, Minnesota, where he attended Catholic and public elementary schools. He attended Columbia University in New York, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in 1981. He later attended Mary Immaculate Seminary, Northampton, Pennsylvania, where he earned a master of divinity degree in 1986, and a master of theology degree in 1987.

He was professed as a member of the Franciscans in Sybertsville, Pennsylvania, in 1985, and ordained a priest in 1987. In 1996, he was incardinated into the Eparchy of Van Nuys, California, and named bishop of Van Nuys in 2002. In 2007, he was named bishop of the Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Passaic, New Jersey.

The Archeparchy of Pittsburgh includes 58,492 persons, and embraces all Byzantine Ruthenian Rite Catholics in Western Pennsylvania, several counties in Ohio, and the states of Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas and West Virginia.

The Archeparchy of Pittsburgh is one of the two Byzantine Catholic and eight Roman Catholic Dioceses that comprise the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference. Archbishop-elect Skurla will sit on the PCC Board of Governors.

Welcome and Congratulations from the PCC to Archbishop-elect Skurla!

How will you spend your bus ride? Here are three ideas:

1.Call your state reps in support of the Women’s Right to Know Act, which would give women the right to view an ultrasound of their babies. The Women’s Right to Know Act (House Bill 1077) would require abortion clinics to perform an ultrasound at least 24 hours before an abortion or provide a list of other ultrasound providers). Not sure who your state rep is? Use our simple look-up tool to find out.

2. Call your state senator, since the bill will eventually be before him/her for a vote. While the bill starts in the House of Representatives, the legislation will next be sent to the Senate for a vote. In 2012, ultrasounds are a common sense and even expected part of many medical evaluations and procedures.  Without this bill, a double standard will remain whereby women in this time of need are not given complete information.  Women should have the right to view their full medical records, and the technology exists and is already present in abortion clinics. The Women’s Right to Know Act addresses this disparity. If you don’t know who your Senator is, use our simple look-up tool to find out.

3. Pray! Pray for the millions of unborn children who are aborted each year, but also pray for the mothers and fathers who face this difficult situation and believe that abortion is the only way out.  Pray for legislators who have the ability to create a Culture of Life, a society wherein we respect the dignity of even the smallest people. Looking for a patron? St. Thomas More, the patron of politicians and judges, pray for us!

If you can complete these three actions, you will do much to advance the cause of life. And, don’t worry, there is still plenty of time to watch a movie or take a nap on your way home!

Click here to get a printable flyer to take on the bus with you and share! Or, if you’ve got a smartphone, just click on this link to send an email message to your legislator.

The PCC supports the following legislation:

EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

Senate Bill 1/ House Bill 1678/ House Bill 1708/ Others – School Choice

Senate Bill 1 or what could be another legislative vehicle is a top priority for the PCC. The proposal will increase the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program and create Opportunity Scholarships, or vouchers, for the poorest students in the worst performing schools. PCC has been waging a full scale grassroots advocacy campaign to generate support for school choice.

School choice advocates were disappointed that a reform package that includes school vouchers and an increase to the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) scholarship program was not passed before the legislature adjourned for the Christmas break. It is not too late to send a message to your state legislators urging them to pass school choice in 2012. Use the Catholic Advocacy Network to send one today.

House Bill 1378/ Senate Bill 1154 – Special Education Services

These bills would enhance the level of support to special education students in nonpublic schools.

Senate Bill 1134 – Regulation of Religious Child Care Programs

This bill would place the regulation of religious child care and early childhood development facilities in the Department of Education rather than the Department of Public Welfare. It would also remove the asserted authority of the state to demand that religious teaching ministries obtain a state license before they are allowed to exist, while still maintaining all mandates relating to health and safety.

SOCIAL CONCERNS DEPARTMENT

House Bill 1254 – Prohibited use of Public Assistance Funds

This bill would ban the use of an electronic benefits transfer (EBT) card to purchase tobacco products, firearms or ammunition, and bans the use of EBT cards at casinos.

Senate Bill 732 – Abortion Clinic Regulations Bill SIGNED INTO LAW

The new law addresses concerns that stemmed from the tragic deaths of one woman and seven infants that occurred in the Philadelphia abortion clinic of Dr. Kermit Gosnell where a woman died and seven newborn babies were killed by infanticide. Conditions in the clinic were so filthy and unsafe that investigators called it a “house of horrors.” The measure holds abortion facilities to the same fire and safety standards, personnel and equipment requirements, and quality assurance procedures as other freestanding ambulatory surgical facilities.

PENNSYLVANIA CATHOLIC HEALTH ASSOCIATION

House Bill 1583 – Protective equipment for motorcycle riders

This legislation would repeal the “no helmet” law that was passed in 2006. It would require drivers and passengers of motorcycles to wear protective headgear.

Senate Bill 1099 – Minimum Wage Law

This bill concerns overtime compensation for employees in health care facilities like hospitals and long-term care facilities. If an employee works more than eight hours in any one workday and in excess of 80 hours in 14 days, the employee would be compensated at no less that 1 1/2 times the regular rate.

The Pennsylvania Catholic Conference advocates many different issues – Catholic education, religious liberty, life & dignity of the human person, marriage & family, social justice, health care, and faith & politics. To receive action alerts on active issues, join the Pennsylvania Catholic Advocacy Network at www.pacatholic.org/advocacy

The staff of the PCC wishes you and your family a very Merry Christmas. May the joy and peace that the Christ child brings be with you throughout 2012!

We’d like to share with you the following column from Sr. Mary Ann Walsh, Director of Media Relations for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops:

The Christmas Welcome Mat

The welcome mat is out at Catholic churches across the country. Actually it’s always out, but churches tend to emphasize their open arms and doors during Advent and Christmas and later on in Lent and at Easter.

Why now?

There’s something in the season that makes you think of home – including the spiritual home some are too busy to visit throughout the year. The message of the Prince of Peace, the carols learned in childhood, the large-as-life crèches, and the overflowing poinsettias have a way of warming even a cold heart.

The options are many.

Read the rest here.

Please click here to read an article published last week about this year’s elections.

To find your polling place, please click here. The polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The challenge with judicial elections is finding information about the candidates on which to base your voting decision. Although a recent federal court ruling clarified that candidates can talk about issues, out of fear that their comments might prejudice future court cases, candidates for judicial office often do not share their personal positions on controversial issues. However, many special interest organizations do evaluate candidates based on their record or other public evidence of their philosophy. These groups often endorse one candidate over another.

We can understand a lot about candidates by reviewing their lists of endorsements. Catholics might be interested in a candidate’s stand on human life, school choice, marriage, social justice or other issues. An endorsement from the Pennsylvania Pro-Life Federation or Planned Parenthood gives us a clue about whether a candidate is pro-life or pro-abortion. The support of public education associations or taxpayer watchdog groups could, although not absolutely, shed light on how a candidate might feel about school choice. Endorsements from other like-minded political leaders who do speak out about issues can also provide insight into the philosophy of the candidate. It is said a person is known “by the company that he or she keeps.”

Every voter should take time to research the candidates. Many non-partisan organizations such as the League of Women Voters or your local newspaper publish voter guides, often including endorsements. The Pennsylvania Family Institute publishes a voter guide that touches on many issues that are also important to Catholics. But the most effective way to research is to contact the candidates themselves. Most judicial candidates have their own websites which proudly list the endorsements they received. Their campaign headquarters will also give this information upon request.

Who we elect to the bench sets the stage for how rights, liberties and justice will be upheld in public policy. During this “off year” election, we have a responsibility to elect judges who will be fair, responsible and “on target” to represent the values that make Pennsylvania great.

Retention Elections: Vote to retain Yes or No

Supreme Court:

• Justice J. Michael Eakin

Superior Court:

• Judge John T. Bender
• Judge Mary Jane Bowes

Commonwealth Court:

• Judge Renée Cohn Jubelirer
• Judge Mary Hannah Leavitt
• Judge Robert E. Simpson Jr.

Vacancy Elections: Vote for one

Superior Court of Pennsylvania:

• Victor P. Stabile (R) – www.stabileforjudge.com
• Judge David N. Wecht (D) – www.wecht2011.com

Commonwealth Court of Philadelphia:

• Kathryn Boockvar (D) – www.boockvar.com
• Anne E. Covey (R) – www.annecoveyforjudge.com

Other Resources:

• League of Women Voters – http://www.smartvoter.org/2011/11/08/pa/state/judicial.html

October 2011. Reprint of November 2007 PCC Column. Hill is Communications Director of the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference – the public affairs arm of Pennsylvania’s Catholic bishops and the Catholic dioceses of Pennsylvania.

Currently on display in the Pennsylvania Capitol Rotunda, the memorial will eventually be placed on Chaplains Hill next to similar memorials for chaplains of other faiths.  The memorial names the 14 Jewish chaplains who died while in service to our country, more than 250 American chaplains of all faiths have died while on active duty in the U. S. Armed Forces. The inscription atop the memorial reads “Dedicated to the Jewish chaplains who have served our country in the United States Armed Forces. May the memory of those who perished while in service be a blessing.”

Francis Viglietta, Director of the Department of Social Concerns for the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference, spoke at the commemoration ceremony. He said, “Serving as a military chaplain is a truly noble vocation and the countless, often unheralded, services chaplains provide to the men and women in the military must be appreciated and respected by all who cherish freedom and faith.”

Colonel Gregory J. D’Emma, Chaplain, U.S. Army War College and priest for the Archdiocese of Newark, also spoke at the commemoration, saying that this memorial allows “these men to watch over their charges, as they did in life, they can also do in death.”

Of the fourteen Jewish Chaplains who have given their lives in service, four have ties to Pennsylvania: Rabbi Henry Goody, served a temple in Greensburg, PA before volunteering in WW II; Rabbi Alexander Goode served a temple in York, PA before becoming the first Jewish chaplain to give his life for his country by offering his life jacket to other soldiers as his troopship sank off Greenland in February 1943; Rabbi Solomon Rosen attended Army Chaplain School that was located in Carlisle, PA before his tragic death in an airplane crash in 1948; and Rabbi Meir Engel led a synagogue in Philadelphia before taking up a career as a military chaplain and becoming the first Jewish Chaplain in Vietnam.

Today’s Commemoration Ceremony was hosted by the Pennsylvania Jewish Coalition.  The October 24 ceremony at the Memorial Amphitheater at Arlington National Cemetery is open to the public and everyone is encouraged to attend.

Joelle Shea is the Director of Outreach for the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference – the public affairs arm of Pennsylvania’s Catholic bishops and the Catholic dioceses of Pennsylvania.

Governor Corbett, a former teacher, said the focus in education reform needs to be “child, parent, teacher…and just in that order.” He was accompanied by several state senators and representatives as well as Secretary of Education Ron Tomalis. Click here to send a message to your legislators in support of school choice.

“I believe you need to crawl before you can walk, walk before you run,” said Corbett, who believes this education reform proposal provides “common ground” from which Pennsylvanians can improve.

In a statement released on September 28, the Catholic bishops of Pennsylvania said that school choice “could herald a new, more just era for education in Pennsylvania – an era in which we focus on the ideal educational environment for each student, not on a mandatory system in which students are assigned to a school based solely on geographic location. The current treatment of these children, particularly children from low-income families, is unjust and inequitable. Families are often prevented from accessing the educational options that would be best for them because of economic or social barriers.”

In addition to Governor Corbett, House Majority Leader Michael Turzai and Senate Majority Whip Pat Browne also spoke at the press conference. Representative Turzai (R-Allegheny) said that the reforms discussed today are a start, “we have to have the reforms, particularly in failing school districts, that can make a difference so that we can expand the programs.”

Senator  Browne (R-Allentown, Lehigh, Northampton) said that education reform is “about one thing, it is about providing opportunities for our children…we need to try different approaches and let those approaches compete.”

The specifics of the increase to the EITC program, which is currently funded at $75 million, have yet to be announced. An increase to the EITC will provide more low and middle income families with the tuition assistance they need to create options in education.  The suggested pilot program for vouchers includes full opportunity scholarships to students in the bottom five percent of failing elementary and high schools whose family income is at 130% or less of the federal poverty rate. That translates to a family of four earning $29,000 each year. Further, students whose families earn 185% of the federal poverty level, or $41,000 each year, get 75% of the opportunity scholarships.

Corbett’s plan also includes a reform of Pennsylvania’s charter school law and teacher evaluations.  A vehicle for the education reform proposal has not been determined; visit www.pacatholic.org for updates.

Click here to send a message to your legislators in support of school choice.

Joelle Shea is the Director of Outreach for the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference – the public affairs arm of Pennsylvania’s Catholic bishops and the Catholic dioceses of Pennsylvania.