Kathleen Sabol

Name: Kathleen Sabol
Hometown: Orlando, Florida
School/Major: Graduate student at George Washington University; master’s degree in women’s studies with a concentration in international development
Assigned Issue/Country Concentration: Communications & Media; Election 2012; Refugees, Domestic Workers; Burma & Taiwan
Most look forward to: Working with others who are passionate about actively creating a more just world.

Joanne Angbazo

Name: Joanne Angbazo
Hometown: Rockville, Maryland
School/Major: University of Maryland; Government & Politics major, International Development & Conflict Management & French minors
Assigned Issue/Country Concentration: Environmental Justice (climate change, water, genetically modified organisms); Britain, Fiji, Japan
Most look forward to: Experiencing her dream job working as a humanitarian/social advocate.

Kevin Butts

Name: Kevin Butts
Hometown: Montgomery Village, Maryland
School/Major: University of Maryland; Arabic Studies and Spanish Language, Literatures, and Cultures
Assigned Issue/Country Concentration: Economic Justice (Trade, extractives, debt, food); Chile, Philippines, Australia
Most look forward to: Applying her Spanish skills to promote human rights.

Sarah Perret

Name: Sarah Perret
Hometown: Silver Spring, Maryland
School/Major: University of Maryland; double major in Chinese and Linguistics and minor in Spanish
Assigned Issue/Country Concentration: Migration (CIR, DREAM Act, Border, Lomas del Poleo); Peru, China, Ireland
Most look forward to: Using the skills and languages she learned in school in a place where her knowledge is valued and useful.

Juanita Abii

Name: Juanita Abii
Hometown: Houston, Texas, but grew up in Nigeria
School/Major: George Washington University; International Affairs with a concentration in African Studies
Assigned Issue/Country Concentration: Peace & Conflict Resolution (Nuclear arms, SOA, Afghanistan, Defense budget); Pakistan, Korea, New Zealand
Most look forward to: Expanding her knowledge on new topics such as the SOA and learning more from a Catholic point of view.

Upcoming Dates:
2/1 CCAO at George Washington Career Fair
2/21-2/22 CCAO at University of Maryland’s Career Fairs
2/27 Advocacy Call @ 9:30 a.m. EST
The Columban Center for Advocacy & Outreach (CCAO) offers part-time Spring and Fall semester internships and full-time summer internships in Washington, D.C. and Omaha, Nebraska. To learn more about this and other programs the CCAO offers, please visit www.columban.org/get-involved or call 301-565-4547.

Kathleen Sabol

I really take to heart the Catholic Social Teaching principle of “solidarity,” which states, “We are one human family whatever our national, racial, ethnic, economic, and ideological differences. We are our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers, wherever they may be.”

I strongly believe we have a responsibility to care for our brothers and sisters, regardless of age, gender, religion, class, ethnicity, or race. As followers of Christ, it is our duty to question our leaders of government and compel them to act in a way that is just for all – especially the marginalized and oppressed. Every human being, no matter what social status, educational attainment, or any other label is a being created by God and deserves to be treated with the same love that God gives us.

I have been privileged to receive a wonderful education and to be able to live and work in Washington D.C., a city that influences the world. As a result, I believe I have a duty to actively work in a position that can impact others in a positive way. By following the principles of Catholic Social Teaching as a lens which to observe and analyze the world around me, I can faithfully and powerfully influence lives directly.

My role as the marketing, communications and media intern is to be the voice; to assist in being the bridge between the office of advocacy and outreach and the surrounding political world. My role is to make sure the message of the research interns gets communicated to people of influence in the most effective ways. Taking into account the principles of Catholic Social Teaching, I have the obligation to provide a space for all to participate, learn, and work toward justice for all.

*The content of these blogs are the personal reflections of the author and do not represent official Columban positions or statements

Sarah Perret

Much of what goes into the immigration process seems to go against Catholic teachings.  Instead of welcoming and loving our neighbors, we challenge them to prove their worth.  People from all over the world come to the United States in hopes of a better future for themselves and their families.  Some immigrants do achieve this dream, but in a much more difficult way than those who were born in the United States.  Once an immigrant is granted permission to live in our country after a lengthy process, they face more challenges.  There is discrimination and judgment, language barriers, and if desired, an even more exhausting process of gaining a green card or citizenship.  In making immigration difficult, we actually challenge Catholic teachings.  We should remember that we are one human family.  Protecting ourselves and our own country is important, but even more so we have to protect all humankind.   A recent Washington Post article titled Pitting brightest immigrants against one another discusses some of the challenges immigrants face even against fellow immigrants.  In a proposed Fairness for High-Skilled Immigrants Act, immigrants are granted a green card based on who is most worthy by the skills they demonstrate in the workplace.  Hard work and skills are important and should be rewarded, but I wonder how these skills are being assessed and on what terms an immigrant is determined to be ‘highly skilled’.  However, I believe all people all over the world are highly skilled in something.  I understand that it would be impossible to leave our borders open to all of our neighbors, but I have faith that there must be a better way to open our doors and treat all peoples as the equals they are.

*The content of these blogs are the personal reflections of the author and do not represent official Columban positions or statements

Kevin Butts

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ publication no. 5-315 on “Themes from Catholic Social Teaching” tells us that, as God’s children, “We believe that every person is precious, that people are more important than things, and that the measure of every institution is whether it threatens or enhances the life and dignity of the human person.” I believe that it is around this principle that much of my work at the Columban Center will focus.

My area of concentration at CCAO is economic justice, and more specifically on trade, extractive industries, global food issues, and budgetary planning. I believe that, in these fields, monetary concerns far too often are given priority over real human lives in such a way that leads to the latter’s indignity and suffering.

A world so oriented is antithetical to our responsibilities as servants of God. Jesus warns us in the Gospel of Matthew that earthly treasures will rot, and that that rot will eat away our hearts (6:19-21). He also tells us, “Truly…whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:39).

The righteous society—the one we must strive for—is one whose treasures are stored not on Earth but in Heaven. And chief among these treasures are the kindness and love rendered unto those less fortunate.

I’m excited to bring this outlook to my work at the Columban Center this spring, and hope further to inspire it in those around me.

Joanne Angbazo

In the book of Genesis, we find that “God created the heavens and the earth (verse 1)… then God blessed them and said, ‘Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth and govern it (verse 28).” We see here that the earth we live in is a blessing given to us by the Lord and, according to the Church and God Himself, we are responsible to govern it for its well-being. Of course, why should we destroy a gift we have been given? Like anything we find valuable, we should use reason to make sure it lasts for our sake and in respect to Him who provided it for us. God created this earth and all that is in it for his people to sustain and enjoy it together.

Unfortunately, thus far we have not taken that great care of our environment. It is great to see that many people are starting to realize this and are taking measures to become “eco-friendly.” However, in a society driven by media and capitalism, I fear being eco-friendly may result to being a timely fad that will soon fade as the next big consumer-driven social movement takes its place. It is important to inform ourselves that the real reason for environmental justice is for the glory of God in the gift that he has provided us to sustain and enjoy—not because Leonardo Dicaprio drives a hybrid car.
*The content of these blogs are the personal reflections of the author and do not represent official Columban positions or statements

Juanita Abii

I know what conflict can do to a nation. My mum was a child during my country’s civil war. My aunt was born in transit between two villages because nowhere was safe. War is never the ultimate resolution. Too much is lost, because too much is at stake. It’s an irony in itself. I would love to delve more into this.

I must say that the question of war has always plagued my conscience; I guess that’s why I chose to go into conflict and resolution. A lot of times I find myself caught in a dilemma, trying to figure out where the church stands on war. I am really interested in getting a better grasp of this, because as much as I condemn war, I have come to the realization that it is nearly impossible to convince other people not to go to war. This is why I have taken the stand to avoid it at all costs.

In today’s secular society, the boundaries between right and wrong are disturbingly unclear. The precepts of the Church are relegated.  Many of the Lord’s faithful are led astray. How can we support war when it goes against the sacredness of the human person? Where can we stand when terrorists attack and the only seemingly logical retaliation is war? Our principles and beliefs are distorted in this age because we have separated our faith from our state.

John Ampiah-Addison

I had a good experience as an intern at the Columban Center for Advocacy and Outreach (CCAO). My experience has definitely changed my views about the world and given me a better understanding of my next step in life.  Attending the presentation on sustainable development was one of my favorite experiences at my internship because it changed my view and approach to development.

Like most people, I have always thought about economic growth as the major indicator for improvement in a developing country. Despite how relevant economic growth might be to development, I think sustainable development should be given more precedence over economic growth. Since we live on a finite planet it only makes sense to look for ways to sustain growth—this kind of growth aim to meet human needs while putting the environment in perspective. We need focus more on having better schools, better sanitation, healthcare, clean water, and disease prevention. The other issues I worked on like the Keystone Pipeline, KORUS FTA and Jeju Island, all gave me a better understanding of advocacy work. I really appreciate having the opportunity to work with CCAO. Thank you.

The Columban Internship program is the cornerstone of the Columban Center for Advocacy & Outreach (CCAO).  Spring and fall semester internships give those living in the Washington, D.C., area the opportunity to participate in the advocacy process using their faith as a starting point.  Interns begin by researching a specific advocacy area or country, and follow through with letters to members of Congress, Capitol Hill visits, and meetings with interfaith agencies.  Interns may focus their work in other areas, such as communications or website design, depending on their skills.  A full-time six week summer internship is also offered but is typically reserved for individuals from outside the D.C. region.  The internship is an opportunity to bridge faith and justice and work towards structural change.  One former intern shared that “it is so humbling to assist in bridging gaps, reaching out to our brothers and sisters in Columban mission countries and beyond.  It reminded me that I’m a part of something important and something bigger than myself.”

Longer-term domestic and international volunteer opportunities are available in several Columban locations.  “The struggle for justice is an integral part of proclaiming the Gospel. CCAO is at the heart of that proclamation for Columbans,” shares Fr. Eamon Sheridan, member of the Society’s General Council and Central JPIC Coordinator.  To that end, the CCAO office in Washington, D.C., accepts volunteers for a minimum of six months for advocacy positions similar in nature to the work of interns but more in depth.  Volunteers live simply and in community with others working in service in the nation’s capital.

If you want to serve abroad, there are teaching positions available through AITECE (Association for International Teaching, Educational and Cultural Exchange), a program which facilitates placing people as teachers who witness their Christian values of respect, generosity, and service.  AITECE volunteers spend a year working at a Chinese university in poorer areas of the country, helping to build better relations through mutual sharing.  There are also volunteer opportunities to spend a minimum of six months in Taiwan, working in migrant worker ministry.  Both of these placements would allow the volunteer to experience a new culture and live in solidarity with those they serve. Columban priest Liam O’Callaghan says that volunteer service “has the potential to make a significant difference for so many who are suffering and struggling in many parts of the world.”

Can’t travel but still want to give?  Consider supporting the Columban Fathers which offers scholarships to people who would like to serve as an intern or volunteer, or join one of our Mission Exposure trips, but are limited by financial constraints. For more information about any of these programs, contact the CCAO at ccaoprograms@columban.org or visit our website at www.columban.org/get-involved.

Paul Wyman

As my time as intern here at the Columban Center for Advocacy and Outreach draws to a close, I reflect on my time and experiences here. Through the Columban Center internship I have learned much about faith, the environment, and how the two affect one another and the world as a whole. I learned about the Catholic Social teaching values, and how those values apply to all, from the care of the poor and vulnerable to the protection of God’s creation and how these values can be voiced through the call of community action. We can all play a role in improving the world around us through utilizing these important values in our everyday lives.

This internship has served as a good experience in seeing firsthand the role of advocating in government and its importance in the legislative process. Through my experience with the Columbans, I have a better appreciation for those involved in voicing the concerns of the public when considering legislation that affects many. It has influenced me in giving me perspective to the role we all play in comprising our country and how what we say and act upon can affect others, both domestically as well as across the globe.

As a part of my experience with this internship, I learned more about myself and my faith. I discovered that faith has a role in issues that at first glance would seem unrelated to it, such as climate change and care for the environment. The faith of the Catholic Social Teaching holds the care of the environment in high regard, with the protection of God’s creation and all those in it as a priority in Columban advocating and outreach efforts. The Columban Center seeks to extend awareness of this issue and expand knowledge of the ways we all can contribute towards looking after God’s creation. While much has been accomplished in this aspect, there will always be new issues and difficulties that arise, and as a result the Columbans will continue its efforts advocating the ideals of the Catholic Social Teaching and in voicing the concerns of all, including those less fortunate who lack a voice in the policy-making process.

In conclusion, I have learned much through this internship, about the advocating process, the relationship between faith and environmental justice, as well as about my own faith and its influence on me throughout this internship. Although my role here is coming to an end, the Columbans will continue in its efforts in advocating for all and its work will not cease until all are heard and considered in policy-making across the globe in many issues, including economic justice, environmental justice, and migration. Let’s all contribute in improving our world around us by doing all we can towards following the examples set forth by the social values and ideals of the Columbans.

Hank Pin

This week marks the end of my internship with CCAO.  It went by a lot faster than I expected. Ever since coming here, I have learned quite a few things. For one, this internship opened my eyes to issues relating to agriculture, a field which I used to know almost nothing about it. This internship introduced me to the issue of genetically-modified food, and the problem with large agricultural companies like Monsanto. This internship had also helped me to gain valuable experience of working with a non-profit organization and in an office setting.

More importantly, through this internship, I have an opportunity to see Catholic Social Teachings, developed by Rerum Novarum and continuously refined, in action and how it affects the thought process of the Columbans. I also learned about the different kinds of work the Columbans are doing across the nation and the world, aiding those who are most vulnerable, and those who are forgotten.

Today, in a time when American Christianity is becoming increasingly materialistic, the Catholic Church and the Columbans remind us that preaching the Gospel requires more than cherry-picking the parts of the Gospel that one likes. It reminds us that amidst all the televangelist and prosperity theology, there are still people who preach the Gospel not with words alone, but with deed.

Blessed Mother Theresa once said, “Sometimes we meet Jesus rejected and covered in filth in the gutter. Sometimes we find Jesus stuffed into a drain, or moaning with pain from sores or rotting with gangrene, or even screaming from the agony of a broken back. The most distressing disguise calls for even more love from us.” For some, they found Christ among the poor peasants in Latin America. For others, they found Him among the migrants of America. For me, I have found the face of Christ among those who serve the poor.