There is encouraging news with regard to our Corporate Stand to abolish the Death Penalty. The graph gives us some very good news. In addition, executions have reached a 20-year low. Public opinion has been greatly influenced by the increasing number of exonerations of people on death row and the terrible accounts of “botched executions” in public media. Ironically, economics has played a role too. Death sentences are both costly and slow to implement because of the appeal process. Thank you for your response to calls for action on this issue. You are part of the cause for this good news. You might be interested in joining the Charter of Compassion whose founder, Karen Armstrong has said, “Compassion is a practically acquired knowledge, like dancing. You must do it and practice diligently day by day." charterforcompassion.org

After reading William T. Cavanaugh’s essay, “Mourn the Dead Without Glorifying ‘Charlie Hebdo’”, published in the Commonweal Magazine on January 13, 2015, Sister Katleen Deignan was moved to reply to the author.

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Left to Right: Sr. Kathleen Murphy, Vicki Remson, Katherine DiGiulio

Wishing you all a very Happy and Healthy New Year! Katherine DiGiulio has begun her ministry with us in the Mission Advancement Office. I anticipate that this will be a smooth transition. Katherine has reviewed our newsletters, appeals and projects that will continue to be a part of the office as well as introducing new skills and ideas. Katherine, Vicki and I are pictured above.

During December we received many donations for our Christmas Appeal. As always our benefactors are very generous. Please keep them in your prayers. Thank you for all your support and ideas these last 7 ½ years. It has been my joy to serve in this office.