Uniting Neighbor to Neighbor

Uniting Neighbor to Neighbor is a space in our SSJ communications where we lift up our collective efforts to support democracy and justice with gospel-rooted clarity, faithfully and persistently. Together, as neighbors united in mission, we continue preparing our hearts and hands — waiting in hope — for the Spirit to move through us in response to the needs of our time.

“As Catholics, we take to heart Jesus’ invitation to follow the example of the Good Samaritan, who challenges us to “become neighbors to all” (no. 80). As a Church and a nation, we are polarized and divided. But as Pope Francis writes in Fratelli Tutti, we can seek “a better kind of politics, one truly at the service of the common good” (no. 154). We can see ourselves as members of one family. We can seek to encounter and to grow. We can identify common values. We can listen to understand. We can seek the truth together. We can jointly come up with creative solutions to the problems that face our world.” From the USCCB’s Civilize It! webpage.

Civilize It: A Better Kind Of Politics is a response to Pope Francis’ invitation. Start by taking a pledge, individually or with your community, to seek the truth, build bridges, and work toward solutions together that promote the common good.

Find the pledge along with great resources here.

From Braver Faith: Faith and Voting, Faith IN Voting

Free, fair, and safe elections are a core principle that has made the American experiment both possible and extraordinary. As distrust in our electoral processes reaches historical highs, Braver Faith and partner Faith in America are calling those who see the vote as a spiritual matter to bring their wisdom and compassion to bear on it as well. Gather online for Praying for America, October 11 and November 1, 4-5:15pm ET.  Both events will unite participants across faith traditions in celebration of the shared values of mutual respect, peace, and honoring the will of the people.

Can’t make it? Testify that “I Have Faith in America” with a short video.

For more accessible, actionable resources for faith- and community-leaders seeking to foster constructive engagement with elections, check out the Faith in Elections Playbook from Interfaith America!

Children’s Sabbath in the Holy Family Chapel, 150 French Rd.
Sunday, October 18 at 11:00 am

Need a little hope? Watch “How to Live on Earth.”

This documentary How to Live on Earth explores our vital connection to nature and its role in our future. Presented by Benedict Cumberbatch, the film includes inspirational, cutting-edge stories and powerful cinematography from around the world highlighting how humans are learning to team up with nature to solve our biggest challenges.

Don’t miss this chance to explore Magnifica Humanitas!

Join a Local Reflection Group on Magnifica Humanitas!

Join the Finger Lakes Catholic Creation Care Coalition for a dive into Pope Leo’s encyclical Magnifica Humanitas (Magnificent Humanity). This will be a 4-week journey where we will learn and engage with the text and our lived experience.  Discussion questions will be provided ahead of time so that you will have time to pray and reflect on that week’s readings. 

The program will be led by Dr. Nancy Rourke, Assistant Professor of Catholic Ethics at St. John Fisher University. We will be meeting on Thursdays starting Oct. 29th thru Nov. 19th in the mornings or the evenings depending on what the group prefers.

We are considering the interest in either doing this in person or virtually. We also want your input as to what time of day works best. Please RSVP by Oct. 26th via email fingerlakesccc@gmail.com or here.

When: 5 Nov 2026 7:00 PM, EST
Where: Zoom

Sr. Simone will explore today’s challenges to democracy, community, and the common good. She brings vast experience as an attorney for the poor, as head of NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice, and as a listener on Nuns on the Bus and later in travels through the South. Seeking the common good across the cultural divide and continuing in her contemplative practice, she will share her special perspective, many remarkable stories, and her Hope. "When you touch the pain of the world as real, there is a solidarity, an engagement with the Gospel, a living faith that blossoms forth."

Sister Simone, a Sister of Social Service, is a religious leader, attorney, author and recipient of a 2022 Presidential Medal of Freedom (the highest civilian honor). For 17 years she was executive director of NETWORK, gaining much experience in public healing. There she led Nuns on the Bus. She currently is an Emerson Elder with the Emerson Collective focusing on political healing. Her healthcare policy work was seminal in passing the Affordable Care Act. Her two award winning books are A Nun on the Bus (2014) and Hunger for Hope (2020).