Justice and Education Opportunities

Direct service makes up one side of social justice. The other side to social justice is working for justice. Direct service addresses the immediate needs caused by some injustice. Justice deals with the systemic causes of the injustice and seeks to end the injustice, so future harm is avoided.

Given we are near the state capital, we have a great opportunity to influence our state legislation and to educate our folks on how to lobby and influence their representatives for the sake of justice, for sake of those who do not have a voice in society. (a useful website on lobbying).

However, in order to work for justice, we need to learn about the issues and be more aware of what is happening locally and around the world. Throughout the year, we'll be providing educational opportunities to help us be more aware. In particular, we hope to help our parishioners learn about 7 principles of Catholic Social Teaching. These principles help us identify and discern when injustice is occurring.

1. Life and Dignity of the Human Person
2. Call to Family, Community, and Participation
3. Rights and Responsibilities
4. Option for the Poor and Vulnerable
5. The Dignity of Work and the Rights of Workers
6. Solidarity
7. Care for God's Creation