On December 17^th 1971, 47 Catholic Sisters from many orders and from all over the country gathered for a weekend meeting in Washington, DC, where they voted to create a “NETWORK” of Sisters who would live out the Gospel call to work for justice.

These sisters were united by a faith-filled vision: by taking action together to lobby our government, concerned citizens can end policies that keep people in poverty and develop new policies that instead create paths of opportunity.

NETWORK began as a powerful example of what we can achieve as a community of engaged people who care deeply about the common good. As NETWORK celebrates its 40^th anniversary year, we know that we’ll need to stay strong as a community to meet the challenges of this special year.

So we at NETWORK want to say: THANK YOU! Thank you for supporting NETWORK‘s mission to lobby, organize, and educate for economic and social transformation. The successes of this past year could not have been realized without you, especially during this time of political gridlock. Thanks to you, we can look forward to another year of working for the common good.

Over the past couple of weeks, you have brought NETWORK almost halfway to our $20,000 goal—can you help us reach it before the new year? We really appreciate your continued support during these tough economic times. Please consider making a contribution today in the amount of $25, $40, $50 (or inviting a friend!), and help us advance social justice.

NETWORK counts on your advocacy and your support to help Congress make the right decisions for our country. Thank you so much for all that you have done so far—we still have much to do, but we couldn’t get to where we are now without the collective energy and strong voice you lend us on Capitol Hill.

We look forward to our work together in 2012 and beyond. NETWORK has a lot to do, and we can’t wait to share our ideas and our successes with you.

Happy holidays to all of you.

The staff at NETWORK: Simone, Ann, Stephanie, Jean, Marge, Mary Ellen, Joy, Maggie, and Shannon

and our Associates: Claire, Eric, and Matt

P.S. Still looking for a meaningful gift for your friend, colleague, or family member? Invite them into our NETWORK community and give a gift membership for the Holidays.

You can send a check to: NETWORK Legislative Update, 25 E St. NW, Suite 200, Washington DC 20001.

Or use your credit card or bank account to donate online at http://www.networklobby.org/donate—make sure to select “give a gift membership”, and provide the recipient’s address in the Dedication section so we can send their membership to them.

http://www.paxchristimn.org/category/pax-christi-minnesota-events/

This Saturday, Nov. 26th is our monthly gathering for prayer/meditation/reflection from 9-10:30 AM at St. Joan of Arc Parish Center. Joe Palen will facilitate and the reflection piece he chose is below. Please join us if you are able.           http://www.paxchristimn.org/category/pax-christi-minnesota-events/

http://www.artsmia.org/index.php?section_id=2&exh_id=4302

Can faithful catholic’s vote “No”?

1. Mickey Martinez – Attorney
2. Patricia Beattie Jung – Professor of Christian Ethics
3. Presentation by two groups working for Marriage Equality:  Project 515 and Outfront Minnesota

 When: April 21, 2012

April 21st is the MN gathering of Call To Action.