Dare to Care!

The year 2025 is the 20th anniversary of the martyrdom of S. Dorothy Stang, SNDdeN who worked for decades in the Brazilian Amazon for the protection of the ecosystem and the rights of the people. Gather to reflect on and discuss her life on March 13th.

Human Trafficking Awareness Day in Canada has been observed since February 22, 2021, when it was declared by the Canadian government as part of their commitment to fighting human trafficking. It is a day to encourage Canadians to “raise awareness of the magnitude of modern-day slavery in Canada and abroad, and to take steps to combat human trafficking.”

Thousands of people have come to the island fleeing insecurity and violence on Haiti’s mainland. In December, Beyond Borders staff and other local leaders on Lagonav Island gathered to strategize about how to accommodate them. LaGonav is where the SSND and Beyond Borders partnership work takes place.

Read Framed because the protagonists are real people, and their stories are ”told with page-turning suspense as only John Grisham can deliver. Framed is the story of overcoming adversity when the battle already seems lost, and the deck is stacked against you.”

This statement was made by the Maryland Bishops on the 160th anniversary of Maryland’s Emancipation Day, November 1, 2024. "This day when all those held in bondage were finally set free, is a profound reminder of the dignity of every human person.”

This week in Dare to Care, learn about the secrets to longevity from a Haitian centenarian and the United Nations “World Day for the Prevention of and Healing from Child Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Violence” on November 18th.

October 14, 2024, is Thanksgiving Day in Canada and Indigenous Peoples’ Day in the USA.  These two feasts complement one another. Giving thanks with family walks among the red maples, celebrating the golden harvests, and telling stories around the large dinner table are experiences of connection with all creation. Remembering Indigenous heritage, cultures, languages, foods and music with online learning or personal encounter are opportunities for healing.

This week in Dare to Care, learn about Orange Shirt Day, an Indigenous-led, grassroots movement started in 2013 to remember indigenous children forced to leave their families in September to attend residential boarding schools.

Stay up to date on actions taken and upcoming actions that are part of our Dare to Care series.

Save the date of Wednesday, October 2, 7:00 pm for a prayer service led by the Addressing Climate Change Committee for the Season of Creation and the Feast of Saint Francis.

This Justice for Immigrants Committee is preparing a video of SSNDs, students and ministry partners of Hispanic Heritage celebrating their country of origin. Look for it sometime during the HH Month, September 15 – October 15. Think about how you might observe the month.