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Take a Stand for Peace in Sudan!

What would YOU do if you could help prevent violence in Sudan?
On January 9, 2011, 5 years of relative peace could quickly dissolve into chaos in Sudan. That is the date when southern Sudanese will vote whether to remain united with the north, or to become independent. The date for the referendum was agreed upon as part of the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement, which brought the last civil war in Sudan to a close.

• YOU can pray with our brothers and sisters in Sudan for peace
  Prayer for Peace in Sudan:
  Lord Jesus, you said to us;
  "I leave you peace. My peace I give to you."
  Look upon us your sisters and brothers in Sudan
  as we face this moment of referendum.
  Send us your Spirit to guide us.
  Give us the wisdom we need to choose our future where we will know your true peace.
  You call us out of slavery, oppression, and persecution
  So that we may have life in abundance.
  Grant us peace with one another. Give peace among ethnic groups.
  Help us to work together for the good of all.
  We ask this in your name, Jesus our Lord.
  Amen.
  Mary, Queen of Peace, pray for us.
  

*Official campaign prayer approved by the Sudan Catholic Bishops' Conference on July 22, 2010

• Order this prayer as a Prayer Card that can be shared with friends, family and your faith community. Minimum order is one pack, which is equivalent to 50 cards. Also available is a DVD on Sudan: What Would You Do? All resources are free and can be ordered online or by calling CRS Fulfillment at 1-800-222-0025.
  
• Wear your support for peace in Sudan! Order your fair trade t-shirt now.
  
• Speak Up for Peace and for the People of Sudan! Thank President Obama for his support of a peaceful and stable Sudan. Urge him to continue to press for peace.
  

Advent and Christmas

Direct your hearts and minds to the anniversary of the Lord's birth on Christmas with resources from USCCB and CRS:

• Prepare for the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ, who is the Prince of Peace (IS. 9:6), and call to mind the places in our world where peace is not yet a reality with this Catholics Confront Global Poverty resource.
• Visit the USCCB Advent and Christmas website for lessons, carols, prayers and other resources.
• Give a gift that gives twice through the CRS Fair Trade Work of Human Hands catalog. Shop online today or call 1-800-685-7572 to place an individual order. Don't forget that any time of year is the right time to buy fair trade products—Valentine's Day, Easter, First Communion, Mother's Day, and Graduation. Consider having a 2011 consignment sale to help members of your community prepare for special seasons through economic justice! By purchasing a fair trade product, you give a beautiful, unique or tasty gift to someone you love, while supporting small-scale farmers and artisans all over the world. Check out your options at http://crsfairtrade.org.