Advocacy and Social Justice
Interracial Justice Ministry
The mission of this ministry is "to work towards ending the sin and pain of racial injustice in ourselves, our parish, our schools, our community and our world." We attempt to do this through sponsoring events, like the "Work of Human Hands" Sale, the Lenten concert of the Jones High School Choir, and the Pentecost celebration which celebrate the gifts of different cultures, making known in our community the commitment of St. Margaret Mary Church to racial justice, bringing speakers to our parish to enlighten us on current issues.
Peace and Justice Ministry (Shopping Guide):
The Peace and Justice Committee at St. Margaret Mary has the mission to:
- Provide educational opportunities for the parish to increase parishioners’ awareness of Catholic social teaching in the context of real world issues.
- Research real world peace & justice issues. Identify issues for possible action by the parish community.
- Present potential actions or programs to the parish staff & community.
- Provide structure and opportunity for parishioners to become involved with Peace & Justice issues.
- Encourage participation in the democratic process through voter registration campaigns and candidate forums.
- Provide on-going support to social action and outreach ministries.
Currently, the Peace & Justice committee is concentrating its efforts to repeal the Death Penalty in Florida and the nation, in supporting the boycott of Taco Bell stores to protest the sub-minimum wages paid to Florida tomato pickers, in boycotting Mt. Olive pickled products for low wages paid to farm workers, and in monitoring immigration issues in Florida and the nation.
Contact: Ann Buckley at 407-898-3294
Pro-Life Ministry
The Pro-life Ministry works to educate the parish on Pro-Life issues, provide opportunities for prayer, advocates on public policy, and supports local pregnancy centers. The Saturday Center for Women and Children is the major project of this ministry. The Saturday Center is a place where mothers can come for emergency baby supplies, support agency referrals, access to social workers, counselors, and medical professionals, and emotional support. This ministry is supported by volunteers and donations. If you feel that you can give the gift of your time, talent, or treasure, and of course diapers, wipes, or formula, we need you!
Contact: Catriona Barbato (407) 228-2251 or
Mary Ann Gilbert (407) 628-1324 or email
New RISEP report on immigrants in Florida
RISEP released our annual spring report, this time looking at immigrants in Florida over the past five years using available U.S. census and CPS data from 2000 to 2005. Immigrants in Florida: Characteristics and Contributions looks at demographics, labor force characteristics, and compares taxes paid with benefits received. Some findings: -- Immigrants are just as likely to have advanced degrees and nearly as likely to have Bachelor's degrees as non-immigrants.
-- Immigrants are more likely to be entrepreneurs.
-- Immigrants contribute equally or more to our economy than non-immigrants as measured by taxes paid and benefits received.
The report includes an executive summary of findings and appendices providing information for specific metropolitan areas of Florida. Read the full report here.