Feb 11 – Catholic Advocacy Day – Maryland State
Dear Mother Seton Parishioners,
Today, Wednesday, February 11, we celebrate the Memorial of Our Lady of Lourdes and observe the World Day of the Sick. In his message for this year’s observance, Pope Leo XIV reflects on the parable of the Good Samaritan and reminds us that Christian love is never passive. It does not walk by. It stops. It draws near. It takes responsibility.
The Holy Father emphasizes that compassion is not merely a feeling, but an action — a willingness to “encounter” the wounded and vulnerable and to respond with concrete care. The Samaritan did not simply feel sorry; he bound wounds, lifted up the injured man, and ensured he received ongoing care. In this way, Pope Leo reminds us that love of neighbor is the visible sign of our love for God.
On this day dedicated to healing, we are invited to ask: How do we, as disciples of Christ, refuse to pass by?
While called to love those immediately as our neighbors, there are others in our extended community. A practical way to avoid refusing Christ is to participate in Maryland Catholic Advocacy Day, organized by the Maryland Catholic Conference and led by the Bishops of the Dioceses of Maryland. In just a few minutes, you can contact your Maryland state senator and delegates regarding legislation that affects our churches, schools, ministries, and especially those who are most vulnerable.
Advocacy, when rooted in faith, is not partisan politics — it is lived charity. It is one way we “go and do likewise.”
How it works:
• Go to the MCC Action Center
• Review the issue alerts
• Choose the issues important to you
• Click, personalize if you wish, and send
This year’s Advocacy Day topics include:
• Protecting conscience rights and care at Catholic hospitals
• Opposing limitations on education funding and school choice
• Supporting humane immigration facility design
• Promoting accountability and transparency in women’s healthcare policy
• Stopping the automatic charging of youth as adults
• Supporting the Incarcerated Job Training Act to reduce recidivism
Each of these issues touches real lives — the sick, families, immigrants, young people, and those seeking a second chance. By lending your voice, you help ensure that public policy reflects the dignity of every human person.
Pope Leo reminds us that the Good Samaritan allowed himself to be interrupted by another’s suffering. On this World Day of the Sick, may we also allow ourselves to be moved — not only in prayer, but in action.
I encourage you to take a few moments today to participate. In doing so, we live out Christ’s call to love beyond ourselves and to be instruments of His healing in the world.
In Christ,
Rev. Kevin Regan
Annual Catholic Services Appeal
Over the years, I’ve had the chance to see firsthand the good this appeal makes possible across the Archdiocese. We want every parish family to have the opportunity to participate. While not everyone can make the same gift, everyone can make a gift, as they are able and as they feel called.
Be the Light! – Make your Pledge Today!
El 11 de febrero, Memoria de Nuestra Señora de Lourdes y Jornada Mundial del Enfermo, el Papa León XIV nos recuerda, a través del Buen Samaritano, que el amor cristiano es activo y compasivo. Una manera concreta de vivir este llamado es participando en el Día de Defensa Católica de Maryland. En solo unos minutos puede comunicarse con sus legisladores estatales sobre temas importantes que afectan la dignidad humana, la educación, la inmigración, la salud, la justicia juvenil y la reforma penitenciaria. La defensa basada en la fe es caridad vivida — una manera de “hacer lo mismo.”
Le 11 février, Mémoire de Notre-Dame de Lourdes et Journée mondiale des malades, le Pape Léon XIV nous rappelle, à travers la parabole du Bon Samaritain, que l’amour chrétien est actif et compatissant. Une manière concrète de vivre cet appel est de participer à la Journée catholique de plaidoyer du Maryland. En quelques minutes, vous pouvez contacter vos représentants pour soutenir des enjeux liés à la dignité humaine, l’éducation, l’immigration, la santé, la justice des jeunes et la réinsertion. Le plaidoyer enraciné dans la foi est une charité vécue — une façon d’« aller et faire de même ».
Ngày 11 tháng 2, Lễ Đức Mẹ Lộ Đức và Ngày Thế Giới Cầu Nguyện cho Bệnh Nhân, Đức Giáo Hoàng Lêô XIV nhắc nhở chúng ta qua dụ ngôn Người Samari Nhân Hậu rằng tình yêu Kitô giáo phải được thể hiện bằng hành động cụ thể và lòng trắc ẩn. Một cách sống lời mời gọi này là tham gia Ngày Vận Động Công Giáo Maryland. Chỉ trong vài phút, bạn có thể liên lạc với các đại biểu tiểu bang về những vấn đề liên quan đến phẩm giá con người, giáo dục, di dân, chăm sóc sức khỏe, công lý cho giới trẻ và cải huấn. Việc lên tiếng dựa trên đức tin chính là sống bác ái — một cách “hãy đi và làm như vậy.”