Missouri bishops’ issue statement on Amendment 5
The Catholic bishops of Missouri are urging the faithful to consider Amendment 5 in light of Catholic social teaching principles. Amendment 5, which will appear on the Aug. 4 ballot, would phase out the individual state income tax based on revenue growth and authorize the expansion of sales and use taxes.
“While the Church does not prescribe any particular tax model, she teaches that every system of taxation must serve the common good, be guided by justice and equity and take into account each person’s ability to contribute,” the bishops said in a July 17 statement from the Missouri Catholic Conference.
The U.S. bishops’ pastoral letter “Economic Justice for All” says tax systems should be evaluated by their impact on the poor, ensuring that those with greater resources bear a proportionately greater share of the public burden. “For this reason, tax systems that rely heavily on regressive forms of taxation, such as sales taxes, should be approached with prudence because they can place a disproportionate burden on those with lower income,” the Missouri bishops’ statement said.
Amendment 5 would also curtail constitutional limits on taxing goods and services and require local tax rate cuts without reducing school funding if local sales tax revenue increases.
The bishops said they recognize that many supporters of Amendment 5 do so out of a sincere desire to promote long-term prosperity, but the methods “should be weighed alongside the potential effects on those who are most vulnerable.” Incentives for charitable giving should also be preserved, the bishops said.
“We encourage the faithful to consider Amendment 5 in light of these principles and to discern this decision thoughtfully. We also urge our elected officials, whatever the outcome of this vote, to ensure that the needs of the poor and vulnerable remain at the forefront of public policy,” the bishops said.
Read the bishops’ full statement at stlreview.com/45hO03Y.
Volunteers sought, group tickets available for Sheen beatification
The Diocese of Peoria has reserved a block of tickets for groups to attend the Venerable Fulton J. Sheen Beatification Mass and Expo Sept. 24 at The Dome at America’s Center. Tickets are available in levels 100 and 400 for groups of 11 or more. For future ticket orders from parishes and schools, a special school group rate of $12.50 per ticket is available for students (K-12/minors) and faculty and staff attending with their school. Adult ticket prices vary ($15-25) by seating level. To take advantage of these rates, please contact sheenstlgroups@archstl.org no later than Aug. 15.
The Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen Foundation also seeks volunteers to help welcome pilgrims for Beatification Mass and Expo Sept. 24 and the Sheen Awards Gala on Sept. 25 at the Peoria Civic Center in Peoria, Illinois. Volunteers will welcome pilgrims, assist guests, support liturgies and create a memorable experience for attendees. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old, complete safe environment training and attend a volunteer orientation session. Sign-ups are available at beatification.partnershipforyouth.org/interest.
Association of the Miraculous Medal receives honor
The Association of the Miraculous Medal in Perryville has been named Nonprofit of the Year by the Nonprofit Alliance Christian Development Council, a national organization that supports Christian ministries through leadership development and fundraising education. The honor was presented in July at the Faith & Fundraising Forum, a gathering that brings together Christian nonprofit leaders from across the country to share best practices and celebrate excellence in mission-driven work.
According to Christian Development Council (CDC) leaders, the association stood out for its ability to pair growth with careful stewardship — expanding its reach while remaining focused on accountability and impact.
Green Team hosts recycling event
The Green Team at Sacred Heart in Valley Park is partnering with three organizations to expand its annual electronic recycling event from 9 a.m.-noon on Saturday, Aug. 8. The parish will offer recycling for electronic devices, medical equipment and sports gear and equipment. Sacred Heart is located at 17 Ann Avenue in Valley Park.
MRC Electronics Recycling will accept an array of electronic devices for recycling including computers, scanners, fax machines, monitors, clean Styrofoam that can be broken up and more. Most electronic items can be recycled for free, but there is a charge for some items. Cash or check will be accepted. St. Louis Health Equipment Lending Program (HELP) will be taking home medical equipment for reuse including, wheelchairs, walkers, canes and other items. Passback will be on hand to recycle sports equipment. Learn more at sacredheartvp.org/recycling-event
