[IMC] Press Release/PSA: "Nuns on the Bus, " Catholic Sisters on Campus, Taking a Stand for Economic Justice

[Megan Flowers]

*Press Release/Public Service Announcement:*

“Nuns on the Bus,” Catholic Sisters on Campus, Taking a Stand for Economic
Justice

For Immediate Release: January 25, 2013

*Who:* *University YMCA of the University of Illinois, engaging students in
service, reflection and action since 1873 *

*What:* The University YMCA announces that the Spring 2013 Friday Forum
lecture series, “Faith in Action,” will kickoff with a talk by Sister Mary
Ellen Lacy, of the “Nuns on the Bus” tour, highlighting the work Catholic
Sisters do to meet the needs of people at the economic margins and
revealing how federal budget cuts proposed by Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI) and
passed by the House of Representatives will hurt struggling families here
in Illinois.

*When:* February 8, 2013, 12 Noon

*Where:* Latzer Hall, University YMCA, 1001 S. Wright Street, Champaign,
Illinois

*Details:* Inspired by the national “Nuns on the Bus” tour organized by
NETWORK, A National Catholic Social Justice Lobby, Sister Mary Ellen-Lacy
will call attention to local needs and illustrate how faith-based social
service agencies that serve people who will be further harmed by proposed
budget cuts.  Local Church and political officials and the media are
invited to meet with Sister Mary Ellen Lacy.

*Background*: Catholic Sisters stand with the Catholic Bishops in
criticizing the Ryan budget and are committed to staying faithful to their
mission to serve those in need. Because of their work, Sisters see the
suffering of people in poverty on a daily basis. As a result, they
recognize the harm that the Ryan budget will cause, including:

·       Undermining the food stamp program (SNAP) at a time when millions
need it to feed their families

·       Giving large tax breaks to the wealthy at the expense of
protections for struggling families

·       Drastically cutting funding for health insurance programs for
low-income people, causing millions to lose access to healthcare

·       Increasing Pentagon spending while cutting programs that serve
people in need -- despite the Pentagon saying there are military programs
that should be cut.

·       Beginning to shift Medicare to a voucher program, thus driving more
seniors into poverty

The “Nuns on the Bus” tour was meant to focus attention on the enormous
moral choices facing our country.  Do we choose to be a nation of
individualism and fear where the rich get richer at the expense of those in
need? Or do we reclaim the principles of our founders and work together for
all the people to form a more perfect union?



“Nuns on the Bus” is a part of the Friday Forum Spring 2013 lecture series,
*“Faith in Action.”  *The series will* *feature speakers from across the
spectrum of faith traditions who are compelled by their faith to engage in
bold and creative forms of action.  From the frontlines of interfaith
activism, the series brings to life faith as a bridge of cooperation,
rather than a barrier of division.  Speakers in the series schedule include
Inner-City Muslim Action Network, Soulforce, Eboo Patel, member of
President Obama’s Advisory Council and author of *Sacred Ground: Pluralism,
Prejudice, and the promise of America *and others.


Friday Forum is a weekly lecture series held during the fall and spring
semesters that strives to raise awareness about national and international
trends.  Lunch is available at the Y eatery for $6.50/3.00 student.  The Y
Eatery now accepts credit cards.  For more information, including our list
of sponsors, visit: *www.universityymca.org/friday_forum.*

* *

*Contact:* *Ann Rasmus, Program Director*

*[217-337-1514, ann at universityymca.org]*


-- 
Best,
Megan Flowers
Communications Director
University YMCA
Office: 217-337-1500
Fax: 217-337-1533
Email: megan at universityymca.org
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