The Peace and Justice Advocacy Commission was formed with a goal of providing opportunities for our parish to learn, discuss and engage in action on current issues that we face each day. Building equity through action, we seek to do this work through our Faith as Catholics, and with a prayerful focus on the principles of Catholic Social Teaching - a rich treasure of wisdom about building a just society and living lives of holiness amidst the changes of modern society.

If you would like to learn more, become aware and be invited to St. Joseph's Peace and Justice Commission opportunities, simply sign up for our Flocknote, Catholic Social Teaching / St. Joseph - Peace & Justice Commission group. See below for events and activities to get involved!
 

The 7 Themes of Catholic Social Teaching



1 - Dignity of the Human Person
Human life is sacred and that the dignity of the human person is the foundation of a moral vision for society. Every person is precious, that people are more important than things, and that the measure of every institution is whether it threatens or enhances the life and dignity of the human person.

2 - Family & Community
How we organize our society, in economics and politics, in law and policy -- directly affects human dignity and the capacity of individuals to grow in community. People have a right and a duty to participate in society, seeking together the common good and well-being of all.

3 - Rights & Responsibilities
Every Person has a fundamental right to life and a right to those things required for human decency. Corresponding to these rights are duties and responsibilities, to one another, to our families, and to the larger society.

4 - Option for the Poor
A basic moral test is how our most vulnerable members are faring. In a society marred by deepening divisions between rich and poor, our tradition recalls the story of the Last Judgement (Mt 25:31-46) and instructs us to put the needs of the poor and vulnerable first.

5 - Dignity of Work
The basic rights of workers must be respected, the right to productive work, to decent and fair wages, to the organization and joining of unions, to private property, and to economic initiative.

6 - Solidarity
We are one human family whatever our national, racial, ethnic, economic, and ideological differences. We are our brothers and sisters keepers, wherever they may be. Our love for all our sisters and brothers demands that we promote peace together.

7 - Care for god's Creation
We show our respect for the Creator by our stewardship of creation. We are called to protect people and the planet, living our faith in relationship with all God's creation. This environmental challenge has fundamental moral and ethical dimensions that cannot be ignored.

Social Advocacy



Throughout the year and especially during the Minnesota Legislative Session, members and staff at St. Joseph Catholic Community meet with elected officials and lend their voices to many issues; people experiencing homelessness and food insecurity, affordable housing, education and transportation funding.  We partner with local organizations and attend "Days on the Hill" during the legislative session.
 

++++++ EVENTS ++++++

Drop-In Online "Essay Discussion" Book Club

April 7 through July 22 (Join at any time!)
Wednesdays 11:30a - 12:15p OR Thursdays 7:00p - 7:45p
Attend One or More "Essay Discussion"

*** Registration Required - Click Here***

$15 Suggested Donation - Pick Up Book After Mass
OR Purchase Your Own Copy Online!

"A Good Time For The Truth" is a provocative book of sixteen of Minnesota's best writers, providing a range of perspectives on what it is like to live as a person of color in Minnesota. Each writer gives readers a splendid gift: the gift of touching another human being's inner reality, behind masks and veils and politeness.
They bring us generously into experiences that we must understand if we are to come together in real relationships.

Minnesota communities struggle with some of the nation's worst racial disparities. As its authors confront and consider the realities that lie beneath the numbers, this book provides an important tool to those who want to be part of closing those gaps.

Participate in One or More of the "Essay Discussions"

A unique offering to those who choose to attend one or more of the Zoom online “Essay Discussions” throughout the 16 weeks. Each essay stands alone, making it possible to join the discussion for as many, or as few meetings as your time and engagement allow. See dates and times below.

When?
Zoom Wednesdays 11:30a - 12:15p
Zoom Thursdays 7:00p - 7:45p

April 7/8 - Introduction and Essay Discussion #1: "Fear of a Black Mother"
April 14/15 - Essay Discussion #2:  "Disparate Impacts"
April 21/22 - Essay Discussion #3:  "A Surrealist History of One Asian American in MN"
April 28/29 - Essay Discussion #4: "With an 'e'"
May 5/6 - Essay Discussion #5:  "Trouble in Mind: To Be Black is Blue in America"
May 12/13 - Essay Discussion #6:  "Brutal"
May 19/20 - Essay Discussion #7:  "Say What?"
May 26/27 - Essay Discussion #8:  "Red, White and Blank"
June 2/3 - Essay Discussion #9:  "The Good Kind of Immigrants"
June 9/10 - Essay Discussion #10:  "Fighting the Oppressive Whiteness"
June 16/17 - Essay Discussion #11:  "Dark Trees in the Landscape of Love"
June 23/24 - Essay Discussion #12:  "The Price We Pay"
June 30/July 1 - Essay Discussion #13:  "Songlines for the Future Culturewalkers"
July 7/8 - Essay Discussion #14:  "Discomfort Zone:  Minnesota Born and Raised"
July 14/15 - Essay Discussion #15:  "People Like Us"
July 21/22 - Essay Discussion #16:  "Seeds for Seven Generations"
 

*** Registration Required - Click Here***