Five Things to Remember On June 23

1. Catholic dioceses and parishes across the United States are celebrating the third annual Fortnight for Freedom, June 21-July 4.  It provides an opportunity to raise awareness for domestic and international religious freedom concerns. This year’s theme, “Freedom to Serve,” emphasizes on the link between religious liberty and service to the poor and vulnerable. Prayers and resources are available.

 2. The Peter’s Pence Collection will be taken up in most U.S. dioceses on the weekend of June 28-29. This collection offers Catholics the opportunity to reach out to the poor and suffering by joining Pope Francis in his charitable works throughout the world. The collection’s 2014 theme is “Be a Witness of Charity” and focuses on the need to show Christ’s love to others. This worldwide collection supports needs of the Church and humanitarian activities by caring for victims of war, oppression, religious persecution and natural disasters. Donations to the collection will also assist seminaries and institutes of Christian formation in developing countries.

 3. Jim Lackey, web news editor at Catholic News Service and the man behind the Catholic News Service’s Facebook page, received the Catholic Press Association’s St. Francis de Sales Award, June 20, in Charlotte, N.C. The award recognizes excellence in journalism and is the Catholic Press Association’s highest honor.  (Photo: CNS/Sam Lucero)

4. Diverse Christian leaders gathered today in Washington to learn, share, pray and reflect on incarceration in the United States. They hope to continue to build relationships and share best practices; to receive updates on the most recent legislative developments; to reflect on pastoral practices to support the victims of incarceration; to underline the continuing importance of reform and renewal of the prison system;  and to make  concerns known on Capitol Hill.

 5. God loves you.