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 Ministry Events

Sunday, February 25th - Interfaith Environmental Alliance of Central Florida: Winged Wonders - Discover the enchanting Orlando Wetlands with Kathy Rigling, Orange Audubon Society's Education Coordinator. Learn more and register HERE
Monday Lenten Film Series 6:30 PM (February 27, March 6, March 27) (Damascus Room) Join our Peace & Justice Ministry select Mondays in Lent for film screenings that invite us to deeper consideration of Catholic Social Teaching, especially how we journey together in community, care for our planet, and care for vulnerable members of our communities.
- February 26 - Living Old offers a powerful and intimate look at the realities of aging in America. Sharing stories of seniors and their families in rural and urban communities, the film focuses on the increasing numbers of Americans living longer lives, various aspects of their health, and effects on their caregivers.
- March 4 - People of God: How Catholic Parish Life is Changing in the United States sheds light on major trends occurring in parish life today. This documentary highlights several parishes across the United States to explore parish community life, the various social issues parishes address, and challenges these communities face.
- March 11 - 2040 explores what our future on earth may look like, with brief depictions of how intentional actions can provide a cleaner, safer, more equitable world rather than the consequences of carbon overload. This story is told through the lens of a letter from an Australian filmmaker to his young daughter.
Wednesday, March 6th - Monthly Peace and Justice Meeting (zoom). Contact [email protected] for information and zoom link.
Saturday, March 9th 9 AM - Stations of the Cross at Mead Gardens. Come join the Peace and Justice Ministry at Mead Gardens on March, 9th at 9:30 AM to pray the Stations of the Cross with a focus on Care for Creation. Wear your walking shoes. This was a meaningful experience for all who attended last year. Come pray with us in the gardens.
Saturday, March 9th 10 AM: Interfaith Book Discussion (With the Best of Intentions: Interreligious Missteps and Mistakes by Lucinda Mosher, Elinor Pierce, Or Rose)
Wednesday, April 3 - Monthly Peace and Justice Ministry Meeting (Family Life Center) Monday, April 22 Earth Day: Planet versus Plastics - Healing Our Throwaway Culture: A Focus on Plastics (time TBD) The one-hour program will help our community learn about how plastic production, consumption, and disposal is impacting human and planetary health and offer strategies for personal, community, and systemic actions.

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 the first Wednesday of the month 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