Peace and Justice Ministry

For periodic updates and action alerts on current social issues informed by Catholic Social Teaching, sign up for our mailing list by emailing [email protected]

Upcoming:

Peace & Justice Ministry Meeting Wednesday, May 1, 6:30 PM M(Upper Room).
Ecumenical Prayer Service for Peace (May 3, Noon) Virtually at Pax Christi. Catholics are also invited to sign a public Letter on Israel-Palestine calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, release of all hostages, and a political solution to ensure justice, equality, peace, security, and freedom for the two peoples..
Long Sleeve Shirt Collection for Farmworker Association (May 1-31)
Farmworker Sunday (May 19) Visit courtyard tables after 8, 9:30, Noon masses and presentation in hall after 9:30 mass) Learn more HERE [Nick, please link to the farmworker info page]
Laudato Si’ Week (May 19-26) This year’s theme “Seeds of Hope” accompanies a guiding quote from the recently published Laudate Deum:“There are no lasting changes without cultural changes … and there are no cultural changes without personal changes” (LD 70). This week commemorates the 9th anniversary of the publication of Laudato Si’ on the care of creation and invites us to ecological conversion. What can you do?
Sign up for the Laudato Si Movement newsletter HERE to receive life-changing resources, including daily tips for sustainable living.
Gather in community to contemplate and nurture seeds of hope for our “suffering planet” (LD 2). Catholic Social teaching emphasizes the need for both personal and cultural transformation amidst our ecological and climate crises. Use this 8 day guide for prayer and simple practices you can take to live out Laudato Si:

EN_GUIA LSW

Interfaith Book Discussion (Tuesday, June 11, 7 PM). You are welcome to take part in our interfaith discussion of With the Best of Intentions: Interreligious Missteps and Mistakes by Lucinda Mosher, Elinor Pierce, Or Rose. Choose a favorite or most interesting chapter from the text to bring along for the discussion.
Peace & Justice Ministry Meeting (Wednesday, June 12, 6:30 PM). Join us for our final planning meeting before our summer break. Location TBD - contact [email protected].
World Refugee Day (June 20). World Refugee Day is an annual United Nations observance to honor refugees. It celebrates the strength and courage of people forced to flee their home country to escape conflict or persecution and is an occasion to build empathy and understanding for their plight and to recognize their resilience in rebuilding their lives. Learn more about refugees and several of the most pressing refugee crises in our world day on Catholic Relief Services’ website HERE.

The mission of the Peace and Justice Ministry is 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 and justice issues. Identify concerns for possible action by the parish community.
Present potential actions or programs to the parish community.
Provide structure and opportunity for parishioners to become involved with peace and justice issues.
Collaborate with other parish ministries and staff to coordinate joint offerings and content addressing social issues.

We always welcome new members!

Meetings are generally the first Wednesday at 6:30 PM (social time begins at 6:00 PM). We alternate between meeting in person or zoom.

For more information & to confirm meeting time/location, please contact [email protected]

7 Themes of Catholic Social Teaching

As stated by the US Conference of Catholic Bishops, “The Church’s social teaching is a rich treasure of wisdom about building a just society and living lives of holiness amidst the challenges of a modern society.” We focus our efforts on the 7 themes found in the papal, conciliar, and episcopal documents that articulate modern Catholic social teaching:

Life and Dignity of the Human Person
Call to Family, Community, and Participation
Rights and Responsibilities
Option for the Poor and Vulnerable
The Dignity of Work and Rights of Workers
Solidarity
Care for God’s Creation

Learn more: Catholic Social Teaching - Justice Peace and Human Development | USCCB

Focus Issues

Climate change, sustainable lifestyles, and environmental issues
Migrants and Refugees
Building a Just Society
Advocacy and Faithful Citizenship
Interfaith Dialogue
Death Penalty
Poverty
Racism

Typical Offerings

Guest speakers
Movie nights
Prayer services
Advocacy opportunities
Networking with local agencies addressing social issues
Prepare educational/advocacy content about current social issues for parish media