NCR recently (12/28/21) posted its most read articles of 2021. The top article was "How Catholics got conned by Donald Trump." Last January, a week before Joe Biden was sworn in as president, NCR published this essay by Franciscan Sr. Fran Ferder, a clinical psychologist, and Fr. John Heagle, chair of the Gospel Nonviolence Working Group for AUSCP (the Association of United States Catholic Priests).

In the essay, the writers said that former President Donald Trump conned many Americans, including Catholics, into voting for him because of his so-called "pro-life" stance. But, in 2017, a team of 27 mental health professionals wrote a book outlining the danger that Trump posed to the U.S. and to the world. You can read more by clicking on this title: How Catholics got conned by Donald Trump

Thank you to those who have already responded by nominating someone for the 2022 St. John XXIII Award. This is a reminder that you have until January 10th to submit nominations. This award honors persons, lay or ordained, who have significantly promoted the spirit of Vatican II by the witness they have given in the way they live, through their ministry, and by the way they share their spirituality. Each nomination must give the reasons for your nomination. Those who receive the award need to be present at the Assembly.

You are invited to nominate someone for this award by sending their name and the reasons for your nomination to: office@auscp.org

AUSCP member Fr. John Padberg, SJ, age 95, died on Christmas Day. An internationally recognized scholar and author, he served for 28 years as director and editor of the Institute of Jesuit Sources and is considered an authority on the history of the Society of Jesus and Jesuit education.

John Padberg’s life will be celebrated in a Mass of Christian Burial on Thursday, Jan. 13 at St. Francis Xavier College Church in St. Louis. Visitation will begin at 4:00 p.m. and the funeral Mass will begin at 7:15 p.m. Burial will be at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 14 at Calvary Cemetery in St. Louis.

May John rest in God's eternal love.

Progress Report on 2022 Annual Appeal

The total response to the Appeal thus far is $85,066.25 from 354 donors. Thank you!

The Annual Appeal is the main source of income for the AUSCP! We need the support of all who believe in furthering the spirit of Vatican II and the agenda of Pope Francis. If you know any persons who are possible supporters of the AUSCP, please approach them for a donation.

Thank you for whatever support you are able to offer! We are counting on your generosity to help us move forward.

You can give online at the AUSCP website: AUSCP - HOME

Assembly Scholarships Available

All AUSCP Priest members and Friends are invited to join us for the 2022 Annual Assembly in Linthicum, MD (near Baltimore), June 20-23. See below for the wonderful line-up of speakers. If you have friends who are interested, we welcome them also.

Scholarships available: Special scholarships are being offered to those who have been ordined five years or less. The scholarships will include the Assembly registration fee and three nights at the hotel (June 21,22,23). Scholarships are also available for others in need of assistance. These scholarships include up to half of the registration fee as needed. Please call the office for more information: 872-205-5862.

Other Assembly Notes: If you wish to share a hotel room, or to connect with someone who is driving to the Assembly, contact us: office@auscp.org.

More webinars are planned for the New Year of 2022. You can register for these webinars by clicking HERE.

Wednesdays, January 5, 12, 19, 26 at 4:00 PM EST - Our Mission: LEAVENING HUMANKIND in TODAY’S WORLD by Living the Gospel a la` Vatican II
Pope Francis’ Synod 2021-23 for a Synodal Church is his call for a second “wave” of Vatican II implementation. He judges that the Church has embraced and effected only 50% of the Council’s Vision and Values, if that. Accordingly Francis invites us to “Dream” a timely “Path to a Better Future”. Refreshing our grasp of Vatican II’s 16 conciliar documents can help us dream that dream and walk that path. This series will revisit all 16 Vatican II documents over the next few years. The series will start with Gaudium et Spes, one of the final documents of the Council but the best lens for re-reading clearly Vatican II’s collective dream. Only if its teaching remains fresh in our minds and hearts are we likely to walk the challenging steps we still must take to effect God’s plan in today’s world. Presenters: Fr. Bob Bonnot with Dr. Joseph Torma

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Thursday, January 13, 3 PM EST - Eucharist of Gospel Nonviolence: The AUSCP Working Group on Gospel Nonviolence presents the Eucharist on Gospel Nonviolence. On Jan 1, 2022, the World Day of Prayer for Peace, copies of this Eucharist Prayer were sent out to all AUSCP members, friends, and peace groups. Join us in discussing this document. Experience it modeled in prayer. Then please join us in advocating for it in our Catholic community.

You can register for the webinars by clicking HERE.

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Other events & webinars that might be of interest to you:

Please join us for a 7-week Diversity and Inclusivity Multimedia Discussion Group via ZOOM. We will provide links to videos, podcasts, and readings for you prior to each meeting. Each week is independent so you need not attend all sessions. Discussion leaders: Rev. John Judie (AUSCP Anti-Racism chair), Susan and Paul Sherman. Start date: Thursday, Jan. 13, 2022, Time: 7:00 – 8:30PM, Register by email to: sherman.paul@twc.com. Zoom link will then be provided. Feel free to invite others.

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February 2022: The Franciscan Federation is sponsoring a Book Discussion Group on Isabel Wilkinson's book, CASTE-The Origin of our Discontents. This is in February in honor of African American History Month. Follow the link to find great options for dates and times. There is a limit for each group to favor fruitful conversations. The direct link is:

Caste – A Franciscan Federation Book Discussion Series. – Franciscan Federation of the Sisters and Brothers in the United States, Inc. (franfed.org)

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The following past 2021 webinars are available for viewing:

God's Own Vintage - Dr. Marc DelMonico - January 11, 2021

Ban the Nukes, Feed the Hungry

Caste discussion videos - 7 sessions

Catholic Social Teaching Series - 4 sessions by Dr. Joe Holland

Dvine Design Series - by Dr. Joe Toma, (Sessions 1- 7)

Stop Banking the Bomb

Assembly Highlight Videos

The Border: The reality, current legislation and hearing the story of long term volunteers

Solidarity with Our Muslim Siblings in Faith