SOCIAL JUSTICE COMMISSION
Our Mission Statement
Inspired by the vision of the Gospel and Catholic Social Teaching, the members of the Social Justice Commission at St. Bridget Church seeks to foster ways to promote the dignity of all persons and all creation and bring about justice and peace. Challenged by the example of Christ, the committee strives to follow and to teach, by example, this foundational dimension of our Faith and advocate on behalf of the poor and powerless.
Vision
St. Bridget Church brings the message of the Church’s social justice teachings to the parishioners and serves as a beacon of hope to those suffering from social injustices globally and domestically. As a community of faith we reach out to those in need, create an informed compassionate parish individually and collectively, and advocate and act for the poor and disadvantaged to effect systematic change in their circumstances.
Goals
I. Support the identified Parish Charities outreach programs.
II. Provide opportunities and programs that educate parishioners about the issues, situations, of injustice and activities of the Church to address those issues.
III. Identify and support programs of formation for parishioners.
IV. Identify National or Archdiocesan advocacy programs and campaigns and encourage parishioners to participate in this essential aspect of social justice.
Social Justice encompasses a very wide spectrum of topics. The "Seven Foundations of Catholic Social Justice Teaching" that are posted on the alcove wall, between the church and the parish Hall, exemplify that broad range of issues.
For the present, the Social Justice Commission's planned activities for 2011-2012, beginning in September of 2011, will focus on the overall theme of Poverty. The intent will be not just to provide educational opportunities, but to promote a sharing of diverse points of view and prayerful dialogue, in the light of our shared faith. All parishioners are invited to explore this and other issues. Those parishioners involved with our many Outreach activities (to alleviate poverty) are especially encouraged to be involved.
If you are interested in the activities of
our Social Justice Commission, please contact:
Chairperson Pete Wickstrand -- pwickstrand@msn.com
Deacon Denny Duffell -
denny@stbridgetchurch.org, or 523-8787
To view the seven Foundations of Catholic Social Teaching, click here.
For "20 Things You Can Do to Address Poverty," from Catholic Charities USA, click here.
To see the US Bishop's letter on the Federal Budget conversations, click here.
To see the Bishop's statement on Assisted Suicide, approved at the June 2011 Bishop's meeting, click here.