#ccusa

[locustheologicus]

Catholic Charities USA: Oklahoma City

The Catholic Charities USA conference took place on September 16-19, 2024, in Oklahoma City. The conference brought us to a land that was weirdly beautiful. We took a journey where we shared in their history, their tragedy, their hope, and social renewal. We visited their cowboy museum (pic 7), we saw the site of the 1995 bombing of their federal building (pic 8&9). We saw the newly opened national shrine to Bl. Stanley Rother (pic 2&3) where we walked to Tepeyac hill and venerated la Virgen de Guadalupe (pic 4). Of coursem we also saw some of the amazing social ministries that Oklahoma City Catholic Charities offers (pics 6-7).

The newly built offices were designed creatively to respond to the emergency needs that would arise. They are equipped with access to potable water, emergency power and WiFi outside in order to assist the community in the midst of a disaster. They also have a warehouse that can transform into a 60 bed emergency shelter if necessary. They designed the building to be powered with geo-thermal energy and incorporated sun and green spaces in the spirit of Laudato Si’. They have a chapel dedicated to Mother Theresa of Calcutta and at their reception there is a powerful quote from her that guides their mission:

Never worry about numbers. Help one person at a time and always start with the person nearest you. - Mother Theresa

Our sessions involved going over parish engagement and community collaboration. I also went to sessions on financial literacy and workforce development. The first picture has a presentation from the new CEO Kerry Robinson. She shared with us her insights in visiting many local Catholic Charities agencies throughout the nation and from those visits she highlighted six values that she feels defines who we are.

Conviviality - the idea that we coexist with the larger community as freinds to one another; being hospitable and integrative with those we serve and partner with.

Creativity - the recognition that all our agencies are able to adapt to the local reality and can design programs and services based on these realities and the crisis that emerge.

Tenacity - our ability to persevere in providing services through great social challenges and unbelievable struggles that are clients and communities face.

Magnanimity - our ability to incredibly generous and open to the people we serve and to the communities we are a part of.

Hope - we are inspired to do our work from the hope-filled message of the gospel. We are guided in the belief that creation can and will be redeemed by our service to one another.

Reverence - our commitment to the holy dignity that is imbued throughout all creation and especially with those that we serve.

In the spirit of creativity and magnanimity, I thought about the women sanctuary project that Catholic Charities in Oklahoma established in an old mission church. Catholic Charities rebuild that mission church (pic 6) to accommodate the growing needs of women and children. They maintained the mission architecture, but expanded it to build greater spaces for women and children to take showers, wash clothes, take classes, have access to food, clothes, and internet resources and rest.

Those values guided how many of us discussed the programs we each were looking at networking with. I both shared and was attentive to how we embraced these values within the area of parish engagement in social ministries, financial literacy, and workforce development. The conversations allowed us to network with national partners to receive modules from programs like Rework America Alliance, UNIDOSUS, CFPB and others. These modules and partnerships can help us improve programs we need to offer the communities in need throughout Brooklyn and Queens. At the end of the conference Brian Corbin (the last picture) presented on the history of our mission and methodology (see, judge, act) as we discussed what we, the local Catholic Charity communities, want to see with the strategic planning process CCUSA will be going through.

Part of the concluding discussion we had was the perception that Catholic Charities has both in the public eye and with its member agencies. In reviewing it's marketing and branding strategy we asked questions concerning what we members need from CCUSA in order to help be a resource for us and a useful public presence that can help bring awareness to our local agencies. As a resource, our discussion suggested that it needs to embrace a useful internal social media platform so that we members can have visual best practices and tools for the work that we do. If the platform (for now CC connect) has useful tools and resources that we can take and adapt, then many of us will gladly participate with the larger community through this platform. As for our mission and identity, this will be an ongoing discussion throughout the process. Our mission is clear in that it is based on the social mission found in the Gospel and specifically the works of mercy. But as to what we do, we need greater flexibility with how this will be presented. We are local agencies that answer to the diocese and the needs of our community. We apply the principle of subsidiarity in this way and it will be valuable for the local community to know how we operate within the diocesan structure. But CCUSA should be able to provide institutional solidarity with each of our agencies to enhance the work that we do while defining itself as the national advocacy think-tank for the issues we face. It will be interesting to see how we move forward as we go through this process.

Along with parishes, hospitals, and schools/universities the Catholic Church has always had a thriving social service componant that is very much part of our religious identity. In the past 300 years (since 1727) this has been institutionalized by agencies which we now identify as Catholic Charities here in the United States or Caritas Internationally. There are other Catholic agencies that many of us partner with including Catholic Relief Services, the Catholic Campaign for Human Developmennt and the St. Vincent DePaul Society but Catholic Charities has been the official diocesan arm of domestic charitable work. The needs are different in every location so we strive to be adaptable to the issues we face. The Brooklyn/Queens diocese has an amazing history of promoting this specific aspect of our Church's mission. Here in Brooklyn/Queens we are attentive to providing senior housing to our elderly population, early childhood programs for our struggling families, case management and food distribution for our low-income communities, social services and resources for pregnant women, and legal service and case management for our growing migrant community.

Through CCUSA we are part of a larger network of Catholic social services and this allows us to network with one another.

[ourpickwickclub]

Carly’s push week is 3/18-19. She’s on CCUSA. So her single will have peaked by the time CMTs roll around. Perfect time for her new single. I like NB. It’s catchy and fun and as good as some of the other noms. I’m a Carrie fan and do not like IHMH. Keith’s songs all sound alike. Or Luke’s awful Country meh. We’re so critical of Blake but he has such fun performing that song. Also the Voice ratings are as good as anything else. Still won its night. Just can’t fall back on that anymore. I agree with anon who pointed out the spring Voice really wasn’t supposed to happen but after the epic fail of ASC.. They scrambled to fit the Voice in around already scheduled shows. But I’m going to enjoy Blake’s last hurrah. So pleased Niall is on. Such a fun balance with him.

[thegeekx]

SBS World Movies: Nicole Kidman | Movie News

SBS World Movies: Nicole Kidman | Movie News

Audio Description (AD) available for all titles Closed Captions (CC) available for Margot at the Wedding, Strangerland and Rabbit Hole   Margot at the Wedding Monday 12 December, 9:30pm on SBS World Movies / Now streaming at SBS On Demand M, AD, CCUSA, 2007Genre: Comedy, DramaLanguage: EnglishDirector: Noah BaumbachStarring: Nicole Kidman, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Jack Black, Ciarán Hinds, John…

[holdingbee]

just got placed at a camp!!! ya boi is going to texas!!!

[cricketerbook]

Cricket Back in America https://youtu.be/0amdxNbMjqc #CRICKET #cricketbackinamerica #usacricket #ccusa https://www.instagram.com/p/CBI-O36hURH/?igshid=1ab7fv6duva83

[itsakatething]

Today is #camptshirtday. Being part of the @campvega staff changed my life in way I’ll never truly be able to imagine. Camp gave me friendships, memories and happiness that will always last a lifetime and a special place to always call home, no matter how long it’s been since I left. Happy Camp T-Shirt Day! 💚

[a-kiwi-and-his-cabin]

An Adventure To Remember

That’s a wrap!

Hiking Half Dome was a seemingly fitting way to end my time at camp. If 2016 Dylan could see me now. What I have achieved in four summers at camp, would not have been possible without a number of people.

Obviously, Skylake Yosemite Camp for one but how did I come to know about them or even summer camp in the USA in general? A family friend, Fiona Mitchell, spent two years at a summer camp in the USA. Her stories had me hooked. They seemed too good to be true. What she said to me has stuck with me.

“I know this sounds too good to be true and that I am hyping this up, but I am really not. Trust me, this will be the best thing you will do.”

Yep, she was right.

So how do I make this happen?

Fiona introduced me to Camp Counselors USA (CCUSA NZ). They are a Visa Sponsor company that specializes in sending New Zealanders to summer camp in the USA. After just one phone call with them, I felt right at home and so excited for my journey. They gave me a family-like feel to their company and it just felt so right choosing them.

Did I know about Skylake before being placed there?

Nope! As I applied early in the season, I was months away from the Camp Job Fair so CCUSA explained to me their application process and based on my application, skills and experience with children, they would find me the best placement for me – and they did. I can’t imagine my life without Skylake – it truly is a home away from home.

Why did I go year after year?

Trust me. After doing it once, you will have that itch to go back. Your summer camp becomes a second family and I am not usually one for the slang, but not going back would give me FOMO. Not only does summer camp introduce you to so many opportunities to grow professionally and personally but you also have the chance to see some of America’s hidden treasures through travel.

Yes, I went back to camp each summer to see my friends, hang out with some of the COOLEST kids you will meet and to travel more of America but each year, camp allowed me to grow as person through giving me senior roles and responsibilities.

From Mountain Biking to Earth’s Mightiest Heroes.

2016. Mountain Bike Activity Counselor. General Cabin Counselor.

2017. Kayak Activity Counselor. Camper In Leadership Training Counselor.

2018. Full Time Boat Driver. Yes, that’s a thing at camp.

2019. Special Programs Coordinator. Plans Avenger’s Themed Days.

Four summers at camp allowed me to progress up the ladder through various leadership roles. From going in 2016 for what was meant to be a one-time experience, turned into a career path for which I am now on, helping other New Zealanders experience a cultural exchange in America, through summer camp with CCUSA NZ.

Advice

My biggest advice to anyone thinking about some work and travel? JUST. DO. IT. You will never regret it. A cultural exchange program in America gives a safe and unique environment that allows you to be adventurous, spontaneous and lets you be you. You will walk away with some of the best friends and memories that will last a lifetime. You may discover hidden talents, interests and hobbies previously not known. You may find a new career path out of it just as I have done. You might change the life of a camper or they might change your life, just as mine did to me. You will never know unless you just do it. Your summer camp family is out there!

                                                                                                                            Dylan Lynch – 11th August, 2019.

[czarsportzglobal]

Associates galore on show for 11th edition of US Open T20 in Florida The 11th edition of the US Open T20, the ICC approved T20 League organised by Cricket Council USA (

[catholicprisonministries]

Criminal justice reform. Ending capital punishment. Care for creation. Economic justice. Just migration policies. Upholding human dignity. Standing with refugees and other displaced people. Take concrete action. Advocate and make a difference. Check our partners for advocacy: https://www.catholicprisonministries.org/advocacy/ #prisonministry #jailministry #massincarceration #restorativejustice #criminaljusticereform #jrs #jrsusa #catholicprisonchaplains #usccb #catholiccharitiesusa #ccusa #catholicmobilizingnetwork #jesuitswest #beajesuit #catholicprisonministriescoalition #cpmc #jesuitconference #jesuitconferenceofficeofjusticeandecology #popefrancis #prisonreform https://www.instagram.com/p/B2maqs_gxuR/?igshid=in6nsg1mm6c0

[agirlnamedally]

JUST HAD MY CCUSA INTERVIEW and my (very very cool) camp-coordinator told me she was going to get me placed for sure!!! 👻💖💖💖 Huuuge love to you for inspiring me to do this!!

Ahhh I’m so excited for you!! You have got to keep me posted 🥰

[locustheologicus]

The Role of AI in the Life of the Church

On a number of occasions I have heard Pope Francis and the Catholic Church share their concern for AI in the midst of our technological reality. This video, taken from a conference at the Vatican on the issue of artificial intelligence, offers a more positive perspective. What I do take to heart from this conference were ethical questions posed by the rector of the English College in Rome who asked the following.

“The question is 'How can the Church help those who work with Artificial Intelligence to do so more deeply?' And the Church brings great wisdom. It has answers to 'What does it mean to be human, what does it mean to be conscious,' and all the questions about immortality or transhumanism…”

I recently took part in an ethical workshop on AI and Ethics regarding the use of AI technology with Catholic Charities system. Our own workshop looked into the insights that our Catholic tradition and values offer us as we consider the ethical impact that AI will make on us. Ethics of course is a process of learning to identify moral issues to make better decisions. It is meant to promote our human flourishing.

To engage in this issue we considered our own scriptural tradition regarding the use of technology. In the narrative that scripture presents we begin with Adam and Eve who were punished by God for their sin but oddly enough they were also gifted technology with an animal skin coat that they will need. This occurs until the Tower of Babel where they get punished for using technology to compete with God. We see this as part of our tradition, St. Augustine, for example, attributes technical development as providential gifts from God.

Our tradition offers a valuable lesson. AI, like anything else, is morally neutral in and of itself. It’s how we use it that brings moral qualifiers to bear. If we use it for power against the common good, to develop a device that we can utilize against humanity or creation, then we transgress a moral norm that will have consequences. AI is a form of machine based learning that helps us deal with the huge increase in the size of data that goes beyond human capabilities and the use of computing power to assist us in utilizing this data. This makes it an essential invention and if we are being honest we can see how such tools could be an asset for some of the work that we do. But we do need to formulate policies to address the appropriate use.

Ethics takes us into the question of should, should we or should we not. Technology gives us greater freedom of choice, greater efficiency, greater scope of action, greater determination of outcome. But there are concerns that CCUSA has had us consider these issues with a case study we went through with our peers.

There are many elements that will always need to be considered as we consider the appropriate role of AI in the field of social work/ministry. There is a role and in our discussions we certainly became aware of that. The point of the workshop was not to discourage us from the use of AI but to preemptively develop policies and codes of ethics for the utilization of this technology.

[wrooom]

Nissan GT-R (AJM CCUSA) 

By AJM STUDIOS

[ourpickwickclub]

🕵️‍♀️ Blake is listed for ccusa cohost on nov 7-8. That generally means he’d be pushing for #1 on the charts released mon nov 16th. It’s interesting though because I’d have though that would be Morgan’s week. (Jameson on pushing this week, Matt stell next week, and Russell the week after that). The burn rate for happy anywhere is fairly high though, so they might not have wanted to wait.

Thanks for this! I always love Blake on CCUSA. He’s so great with Lon Helton. Let’s hope that they hit that #1 spot. 🙏

— M

[bsbear]

Isn't it weird though, for people who obviously don't believe in Blake and Gwen, that they are fanatically following everything B and G do? I mean, I myself have just heard B's comments in the CCUSA countdown and anon has already had time to send an ask about it 🤔

They are closeted fans 🥰

Mostly like they stalk the blogs and fan twitters to be so updated on Shefani news.

[cricketerbook]

MAQ STADIUM - Historic day in Chicago Today will be an historic day in Chicago when the sod is turned to commission the Maq Cricket Stadium. Cricket in this part of the United States will never be the same after today as Mahammad Qureshi has made a significant investment that will take the game to the next level. With three cricket grounds to come into full effect in the not too distant future, people in Chicago can be right in thinking that this is an opening to having international cricket played at this venue in Hanover Park. #chicago #maq #maqsportscomplex #sportscomplex #maqtv #cricket #usopen #t20cricket #t10cricket #t20sports #cricketerbook #ccusa https://www.instagram.com/p/Bv7BxR-hb30/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=xexx67bq6bgl

[wherewhereare]

I’ve listened to the guest dj tbing before. It’s like when Blake co-hosts ccusa, it’s all taped ahead of time and then spliced

Thanks.  I figured it would be hard for him to sit there hours at a time.