The Catholic Conference of Illinois produces occasional videos on public policy issues important to the Church. Our YouTube channel can be found at https://www.youtube.com/user/CatholicConfIL.
We also post videos of Catholic interest.
USCCB video puts face on unaccompanied minors crisis
When unaccompanied minors come to the United States, Catholic Charities and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Migration and Refugee Services Office step up to the plate to care for and place the children. This short, 5-minute video tells the story of two young men — one from El Salvador, and the other from Sudan — who are now living successfully in the United States.
"Freedom to Serve" video highlights 2014 Fortnight for Freedom
This snappy video from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops outlines what you need to know about the 2014 Fortnight for Freedom, which features a theme of “Freedom to Serve.”
CCI, Lewis University launch prison ministry training program
The Catholic Conference of Illinois and Lewis University have teamed up to develop a Prison Ministry Leadership Curriculum. Students participate in workshops and online classes during the 15-month program, which culminates in certification from the American Catholic Correctional Chaplains Association, an organization accredited by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.
Students from across the state met for their first workshop in August 2013, and will complete the program in October 2014. The program is one of only two such curricula nationwide that has been certified by the ACCCA.
The program grew out of a need for more formal training identified by the Catholic Conference’s Prison and Jail Ministry Network. Dr. Christie Billups of Lewis University and Fr. Christian Reuter, OFM, of the Belleville diocese served as architects of the new curriculum under the guidance of CCI’s Director of Social Services/Social Justice Marilou Gervacio.
Cardinal George, African-American pastors oppose redefinition of marriage: Q & A
Cardinal George and members of the African-American Clergy Coalition today held a press conference to express their opposition to redefinition of marriage legislation (Senate Bill 10) currently before the Illinois legislature. This video features the question-and-answer segment of the press conference.
Cardinal George, African-American pastors oppose redefinition of marriage: Statements
Cardinal George is his role as chairman of the Catholic Conference of Illinois today held a press conference with members of the newly formed African-American Clergy Coalition to express opposition to redefinition of marriage legislation (Senate Bill 10) currently before the Illinois legislature. This video shows the opening statements of Cardinal George and each of the seven pastors.
Illinois residents lobby House lawmakers to oppose redefinition of marriage
More than 3,500 Illinois residents today traveled to Springfield to lobby their House lawmakers to vote “no” on Senate Bill 10, which changes the state’s legal definition of marriage from “between a man and a woman” to “between 2 persons.” The legislation previously passed the Senate.
Bishop Paprocki of Springfield testifies against redefinition of marriage legislation
Bishop Thomas John Paprocki of Springfield testifies against redefinition of marriage legislation before the Illinois Senate Executive Committee on Jan. 3, 2013. You can read his testimony here.
Catholic religious lobby lawmakers on temporary licenses for immigrants
Catholic priests, sisters and brothers traveled to the state Capitol to lobby lawmakers on SB 957, which extends Temporary Visitor Driver’s Licenses to immigrants. The Senate passed SB 957 in December, and the House passed the measure in January. Gov. Pat Quinn has indicated he will sign the bill into law.