Your help is urgently needed! Urge your members of Congress to ensure that lifesaving social safety net programs, like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), are funded and to end the government shutdown as quickly as possible.
More than 42 million Americans rely on SNAP to put food on the table. As the government shutdown continues, these families in need are at risk of losing access to this lifeline. Last night, Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, issued a plea to lawmakers and the Administration to work in a bipartisan way to ensure funding for lifesaving programs and an end to the government shutdown. He wrote:
“As this government shutdown continues, the U.S. bishops are deeply alarmed that essential programs that support the common good, such as SNAP, may be interrupted. This would be catastrophic for families and individuals who rely on SNAP to put food on the table and places the burdens of this shutdown most heavily on the poor and vulnerable of our nation, who are the least able to move forward. This consequence is unjust and unacceptable.”
As people of faith, let us stand shoulder to shoulder with our brothers and sisters in need. Tell your members of Congress to work in a bipartisan way to ensure continued funding of lifesaving programs and to put an end to the government shutdown.
By advocating today, your voice can help families with children, soon-to-be mothers, senior citizens, people with disabilities, and veterans.
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John Frank from Holy Rosary Church Hazleton, chairperson of the VOICE of JOHN annual Christmas Card Event has announced this year’s competition, open to all students grades 9-12. 
Area members of our Hispanic population gathered at St. Lawrence Church in Great Bend, PA to celebrate Mass for our Blessed Mother, followed by a fellowship at local family’s home. Over 150 members attended this special event, similar to the one celebrated in Ecuador, from where many of our family have come.
We held our second annual Parish Family Picnic at Green Gables in New Milford, PA. We had a prepared dinner, a corn hold tournament, pie contest, basket raffle, and 50/50.
The Knights of Columbus John Paul II Council 13935 took part in the Pilgrim Silver Rose program. Eight silver roses travel from Canada through the United States to Mexico stopping at local councils and parishes. The councils become custodians of the silver rose where they hold a public ceremony in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe. The roses represent the gift the Blessed Mother gave Saint Juan Diego at Tepeyac Hill, Mexico City, to prove her presence to the Bishop. The ceremony revolves around Our Lady’s protection of expectant mothers and unborn children. The Knight of Columbus is an International Catholic Fraternal Organization and you can learn more at 
The Knights of Columbus #8613 Our Lady of Fatima Council graciously donated a $1,000 check to The Voice of John Ministry. All donations help the Voice of John continue to promote and educate the community about the value and dignity of all human life at all stages of development. The VOJ is in the process of producing its own curriculum which will further its mission to educate on life issues like abortion and its alternatives, euthanasia, unplanned pregnancy, living with disabilities, receiving negative prenatal diagnoses, caring for and respecting the elderly, and dying with dignity.