Holiday Spirit "Done Right"

The St. Paul Fire Department received a 911 call around 3:00 a.m., Tuesday, December 14th reporting a fire at the NOOK restaurant and bar, a neighborhood place known far beyond the corner of Randolph and Hamline Avenues. For many the NOOK is all about great hamburgers and fries, for others it is a place where students, neighbors, business people and famlies gather together often - for a great burger meal.

Owners Ted Casper and Mike Runyon quickly expressed concern for their 25 employees who are temporarily out of work in the heart of the holiday season and announced plans to re-open the NOOK as soon as repairs can be made, estimating it will take three to four months.

In the meantime, less than two miles away is the GROVELAND TAP, usually a competitor, who announced they will host a fundraiser this weekend with proceeds going to help out NOOK employees this holiday season. Saint Paul is a city of neighbors where the needs of people once again are paramount. The Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet and Consociates are a community committed to continuing Jesus' mission in the world by responding to the needs of our time. It is heartening to learn that the Groveland Tap is responding to the need of NOOK employees this holiday season.

UPDATE January 3, 2011

The fundraiser at the Groveland Tap generated $6,000 for the employees of the NOOK!

Dane Smith, Senior Darfur Diplomat

Washington, D.C. - "Sudan Now applauds the appointment of Dane Smith as the senior U. S. diplomat for Darfur, and strongly urges President Obama and Secretary of State Hilary Clinton to appoint a team under the diplomat to help focus efforts on revitalizing the Darfur peace process, securing humanitarian access, and introducing accountability for human rights violations."

Helping Children and Victims of Domestic Violence

"With passion and courage women have taught us that when we band together to advocate for our highest ideals, we can advance our common well-being and strengthen the fabric of our nation."
- President Batack Obama

"In October, President Obama and Vice President Biden announced unprecedented coordination across the federal government to protect victims of domestic violence and help break the cycle of abuse. Last week, the U.S. Senate took an important step towards the same goal by reauthorizing the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) which also included the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA). This important legislation has broad bi-partisan support, and will help states both improve child safety and continue critically needed services for victims of domestic violence." Lynn Rosenthal, White House Advisor on Violence Against Women

The DREAM ACT

The time has come to pass the DREAM ACT (Development, Relief , and Education Act for Alien Minors of 2010). After ten years of refining and negotiating a new bill, S. 3992 authored by Senator Durbin and co-sponsored by Senator Leahy was introduced November 30.

S. 3992 is supported by the Immigration Working Group of the Justice Commisison of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet and Consociates, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Justice for Immigrants National Campaign, Catholic Charities Office for Social Justice of the St. Paul Minneapolis Archdiocese, NETWORK Catholic Social Justice Lobby are among the advocacy groups in the Twin Cities and across the nation urging passage.

Visit the Justice for Immigrants or NETWORK website to read their Action Alert and send an electronic message to your senators and representative in Congress. We need as many votes as possible and your support WILL make a difference.

In a conference call yesterday with the Justice for Immigrants National Campaign it was stated that Congress IS hearing from constituents with approximately half in favor of the DREAM ACT and half opposing it. THANK YOU for taking action and for forwarding this blogpost on to your colleagues and friends. Every voice counts!

Justice for Immigrants: Broadville Detention Center

December 1, 2006 people of faith began gathering every Friday (year round) at 7:15 a.m. in prayer and presence at the Broadview Detention Center, Broadview, Illinois.

Friday, November 5, 2010 more than 35 participants of the Justice for Immigrants National Convening joined the Chicago Religious Leadership Network on Latin America (CRLNLA)as a public witness to our broken United States immigration system. Sisters of St. Joseph, LaGrange are members of CRLNLA.

The unmarked white bus in the picture is transporting people to Chicago O'Hare Airport to be deported from the United States. We waved to them, raised our hands offering signs of peace, held rosaries, and signed "I Love You" in solidarity as the people being deported were driven away in an unmarked white bus whose windows are covered. Just one person on the bus today was charged with a criminal offense, the others with minor, i.e. traffic violations, a civil not criminal offense.

Currently, approxiamtely 11,000 persons are deported monthly from the United States. In 2009, a total of 387,790 people were deported. To learn more about the detention and deportation of migrants by the United States Department of Homeland Security Immigration Customs Enforcement visit DETENTION WATCH.

The Dream Act Supported by DePaul University

Reverend Dennis H. Holtschneider, C.M., DePaul University President addressed the 245 participants of the Justice for Immigrants National Convening the evening of November 4. Founded in 1890 by the Vincentian religious community to provide the opportunity for a college education to immigrants, DePaul University continues to serve immigrants. Forty per-cent of the student body are the first in their family to attend college.

Many excellent students who are undocumented, through no fault of their own, do not qualify for federally funded student loans or scholarships and are excluded from many private scholarships. DePaul University stands in strong support of the DREAM ACT (has bi-partisan support in Congress) knowing that college students DREAM for more than an education ~ their DREAM is to be well prepared citizens, contributing fully to a strong society. Fr. Holtschneider stated, "...an extraordinary education should not only be available to those of great means, but all those with dreams."

Justice for Immigrants National Convening: November 3 -5

Immigration in the New Congress
Catholics from across the United States are convening in Chicago to continue working for Comprehensive Immigration Reform.

Presentations include:

~ Catholic Social Teaching and Migration
~ A Pro-Immigration Agenda for the 112th Congress
~ Immigration and Detention

Participating from the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet
Ginger K. Hedstrom, Consociate, Justice Associate, St. Paul
Diana Oleskovich, CSJA, Justice Coordinator, St. Louis
Carolyn Henry, CSJA, Multicultural Committee, St. Louis

Convened by: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Justice for Immigrants: we are one family under God

General Election Day ~ Bethany Convent

Joanne Tromiczak-Neid, Justice Coordinator holds "Betsy, a Chantilly Lane Musical Bear" who wears a red velvet hat and sings "God Bless America." Sister Aline Baumgartner joins in song as she proudly wears her "I VOTED" sticker.

The staff of the justice office spent the late morning visiting the sisters. They presented "I VOTED" stickers to those who voted absentee ballot and they heard stories of the sisters civic engagement.

General Election November 2, 2010

The 2010 General Election is just days away and the website for the Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State provides vital information to assist voters in getting to the polls and casting their ballot. All citizens of this great nation have the right and the responsiblity to vote. The entire website of the Sectretary of State provides resources.

Minnesota Secretary of State Mark Ritchie reminds us that Minnesota consistently leads the nation in voter turnout. We can do so again if you step

up to the plate and vote in 2010.

Do you, a family member or friend have problems standing in line at the polls? Check out the curbside voting option available at Polling Place Access and Personal Assistance.

Minnesota Votes

Election Day Registration

Interfaith Coalition on Immigration Monthly Vigil: November 7, 2:30p.m.

Photo of the October 3, 2010 Vigil
The first Sunday of each month at 2:30 p.m. the Interfaith Coalition on Immigration (the Justice Commission of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet and Consociates are members) gathers in peaceful prayer and presence outside the Ramsey County Adult Detention Center(RCADC) located at 425 Grove Street, Saint Paul, to recognize and remember our sisters and brothers who are being held there awaiting deportation. Despite the defense that the target is criminals and terrorists in our midst, half or less of the detainees have a criminal history. On any given day there are approximately 15 people detained at the RCADC.

Some websites pertaining to the detention of immigrants
Detention Watch
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops: Justice for Immigrants Campaign
Minnesota Public Radio: ICE Jail Screenings
Energy of a Nation: Immigration & Detention
Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota
More Criminal Aliens Deported Last Year

Remembering Senator Paul Wellstone

Monday, October 25, 2010 is the eighth anniversary of the plane crash that claimed the lives of Senator Paul Wellstone; his wife, Sheila; their daughter, Marcia Wellstone Markuson; his driver, Will McLaughlin; two members of his staff Mary McEvoy and Tom Lapic and the two pilots, Michael Conry and Michael Guess.

Quotes by the late Senator Paul Wellstone

We all do better when we all do better.

The future will not belong to those on the sidelines. The future will not belong to the cynics. The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.

Above and beyond the question of how to grow the economy is a legitimate concern of how to grow the quality of our lives.

Successful organizing is not built on self-interest but rather on dignity and a sense of purpose.

More quotes by Senator Paul Wellstone

Anti Human Trafficking and Slavery Demonstration

As part of our annual U. S. Congregations of the Sisters of St. Joseph Justice and Peace Coordinators meeting, we gathered with Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange at the corner of their campus and the freeway entrance, Friday, October 8 at 4:30 p.m. for silent and peaceful demonstration for an end to the trafficking of humans into slavery.

Catherine Marie Kreta, CSJLA, Board President of Coalition to Abolish Slavery and Trafficking (CAST) provided the banner, signs, death masks for more than 35 peaceful demonstrators.

United Nations Women

Michelle Bachelet

UN Women, Executive Director

From UN Women website:
In a historic move, the United Nations General Assembly voted unanimously on July 2, 2010 to create a new entity to accelerate the needs of women and girls worldwide.

The establishment of the UN Entity for Gender Equality and Empowerment of Women - to be known as UN Women - is the result of years of negotiations between UN Member States and advocacy of the global women's movement. It is part of the UN reform agenda, bringing together resources and mandates for greater impact. "I am grateful to Member States for taking this major step forward for the world's women and girls," said UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon in a statement welcoming the decision.

The CSSJ Federation Justice and Peace Coordinators met early October in Orange, California. Marianne Senneck, CSJ, and Alternate ECOSOC Representative, CSSJ NGO Ministry at the United Nations provided an update on UN Women. She stated that all CSSJ sisters need to know that there are UN agencies in all countries. We celebrated this enormous step forward for the world's women and girls. UN Millennium Goal #3 (MDG) Empowerment of Women and Gender Equality has been one of our priorities for the past three years. It was unanimously agreed to keep MDG #3 as one of our 2010-2011 goals.

Annual Meeting: CSSJ Federation Justice and Peace Coordinators

October 7-10, 2010

The Sisters of St. Joseph Orange, California are hosting the Annual Meeting of the CSSJ Federation Justice and Peace Coodinators. Griselda Martinez-Morales, CSJ, CSSJ NGO ECOSOC Representative to the United Nations provided a report on her first year the United Nations. In addition, presentations were given on Anti-Human Trafficking, Immigration, the Housing Crisis, ICCR/Monsanto, the CSJ living and working in Latino American Countries Meeting (held every five years) and Systemic Justice Office of the Sisters of St. Joseph in London Ontario, Canada.L

Thursday evening, October 9, participants organized a peaceful demonstration highlighting Anti-Human Trafficking which is an issue being addressed by the CSSJ Federation Justice and Peace Coordinators.

Griselda Martinez Morales , CSJ

The CSSJ NGO Representative to the United Nations

October Criminal Justice Month

Criminal Justice Week was established in the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis in response to the statement by the United States Catholic Bishops: Responsibility, Rehabilitation, Restoration: A Catholic Perspective on Crime and Criminal Justice (2000). In the year 2006 it was extended to Criminal Justice Month and is observed in October annually.
Criminal Justice Month Resources

National Hispanic Heritage Month

While flying Soutwest Airlines to meetings in Califorinia we received a packet of peanuts announcing National Hispanic Awareness month. We applaud their extending this awareness. We dedicate this blog entry to Hispanic people throughout the world.

The U. S. government, in wanting to recognize the accomplishments of Hispanic-American citizens created by Public Law 90-498 National Hispanic American Heritage Week on September 15, 1968. The law was later amended by Public Law 100-402 expanding it to National Hispanic Heritage Month August 17, 1988.

National Hispanic Heritage month is a month long period recognizing the contributions of Hispanics to the United States and a time to celebrate heritage and culture. It begins on September 15 - the anniversary of independence of five Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Mexico declared its independence on September 16 and Chili on September 18.

Associate Supreme Court Justice Sonya Sotomeyor is but one example of the millions of accomplished Hispanic Americans.

United Nations International Day of Peace, September 21

The United Nations International Day of Peace, is observed on the 21st of September each year and is a global call for ceasefire and nonviolence. Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon "is calling on young people around the world to take a stand for peace under the theme, Youth for Peace and Development.

This year the International Day of Peace falls within the Millennium Development Goals Summit being held September 20-22 (MDGs are the world's largest anti-poverty campaign).

Spaghetti Dinner to honor the late Sister Rita Steinhagen

Sunday, OCTOBER 3, 2010, 5:00 p.m.

Sister Rita founded The Bridge for Youth in 1970 as a refuge, counseling center and shelter for runaway youth. Today The Bridge is proudly celebrating its 40th Anniversary.

Commentary: Fr. Roy Bourgeois, SOA Watch Founder

Music: Larry Long, Folksinger

Dinner: $20 per person (wine available for additional contribution)

ADVANCE TICKET SALES are encouraged. Make checks out to The Bridge for Youth or SOA Watch and mail to : Phil Willkie, 2625 Newton Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55405

LOCATION:Open Arms of Minnesota, 2500 Bloomington Avenue,Minneapolis, MN

FFI: Phil Willkie, 612.822.0522 or email philwillkie@earthlink.net

Justice Resource Room

Jane Hurley, CSJ, has been busy reorganizing the books, VHS and DVD films in the newly painted Justice Resource Room. She says, "this room is a treasure trove of justice resources. I look forward to coming here and working in this wonderful space. I just wish I could sit down and read everything here."

She is now adding new aquisitions to the library and updating the Justice Resource Room Library Catalog.

Located just inside the main entrance of the Administration Center, 1884 Randolph Avenue, the Justice Resource Room offers books, VHS and DVD films that can be checked out, an Apple computer to do research and a printer to print out small projects. Thank you Jane!

A New Age of Immigrants: Making Immigration Work in Minnesota

The Immigration Working Group of the Justice Commission of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet and Consociates suggests this excellent report commissioned by the Minneapolis Foundation and compiled by the Wilder Foundation on immigrants in Minnesota had a two-fold purpose: 1) bring the immigrant population into focus and 2) identify "some key areas for further research and discussion." Read more at: www.minnpost.com/communitysketchbook and at http://www.minneapolisfoundation.org/

Great Green Gathering: Saturday, August 28, 1:30-4:00 p.m.

It is here! The weather sounds perfect and we are ready to welcome YOU to the GREAT GREEN GATHERING which is being held at the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet and Consociates Randolph Complex, 1890 Randolph Avenue, Saint Paul.

Among the more than 20 presenters is DREAM OF WILD HEALTH whose mission is "to promote health in the Native community by expanding knowledge of and access to healthy indigeneous foods and medicines." Located on a beautiful rural site near Hugo, the gardens are tended by youth from St. Paul and Minneapolis who learn to plant, grow, harvest and cook traditional foods side by side with the staff of DREAM OF WILD HEALTH. Since its founding more than 500 youth have learned about American Indian agriculture, provided fresh vegetables to more than 600 families including donations to food shelves and elder programs. Visit http://www.petawakantipi.org/

The Earth Partners Working Group of the Justice Commission of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet and Consociates and partners are looking forward to welcoming YOU to the GREAT GREEN GATHERING tomorrow. See you there!

Picking Cotton: Our Memoir of Injustice and Redemption

Jennifer Thompson-Cannino was brutally raped and testified with absolute certainty that Ronald Cotton was the perpetrator of the violence against her body, soul and spirit. She testified in two separate trials that helped convict and keep Ronald Cotton incarcerated for 11 years inspite of his insistence that he was innocent.

During those 11 years, Ronald Cotton struggled to live inside several prisons in North Carolina and Tennessee and Jennifer struggled to learn how to live beyond the trauma of the horrific night when she was raped in her own bed. This book recounts the details of the crime, the struggles that both Jennifer and Ronald endured and how they have become good friends in the years since his release from prison. This is a book about injustice and redemption on many levels.

Sister Helen Prejean, CSJ writes: "This book will break your heart and then lift it up again... A touching and beautiful example of the power of faith and forgiveness. Its message of hope should reverberate far beyond the halls of justice."

To learn more about "Picking Cotton: Our Memoir of Injustice and Redemption" visit: http://www.pickingcottonbook.com/

Minnesota Primary Election Turnout Exceeds Expectations

The Non-Partisan Get Out the Vote Task Group provided absentee ballot applications, pocket size US Constitutions, "I Will Vote" stickers, election day resources and issue based information tables in the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet and Consociates Administration Center and Carondelet Center leading up to the August 10 Gubernatorial Primary.

Visit: www.sos.state.mn.us/ to keep up-to-date on the results and to prepare for the General Election, November 2.

For more information read this editorial: http://www.twincities.com/politics/ci_15748802?nclick_check=1

Every vote counts! Every step taken to provide citizens with issue based and election information creates a more informed electorate.

GREAT GREEN GATHERING

Saturday, August 28, 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.

Carondelet Center

1890 Randolph Avenue, Saint Paul

Join CSJs and Consociate Ministries for garden tours, taste tests, eco-friendly tips and MORE!

FFI: www.csjstpaul.org/ggg.aspx

Legislative Advocacy Partners Orientation: St. Joseph Workers

Tuesday, August 10th the members of the Legislative Advocacy Partners (LAP) Working Group of the Justice Commission of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet and Consociates joined the 2010-2011 St. Joseph Workers (SJW) at the Minnesota State Capitol.

Members of LAP of provided a legislative advocacy orientation on the state and federal levels. All twelve 2010-2011 SJWs signed up to be LAPartners and take action for social change!

Hiroshima Nagasaki Time of Remembrance 2010

The annual observance of the anniversaries of the US dropping of atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki (65 years) is rapidly approaching. The Justice Office plans to attend some of the events scheduled for St. Paul and Minneapolis.

The Hiroshima Nagasaki Commemoration Committee offers these events to the community to encourage reflection on the past and hope for the future through action in the present. It calls for the total abolition of nuclear weapons throughout the world as one measure of ensuring a just and lasting peace.

Lyndale Park Peace Garden, Lake Harriet, Minneapolis
Thursday August 5th
5:30 p.m. Recorder music by Arden Consort
6:00 p.m. Commemorative Tea Ceremony
Friday, August 6th
7:30 a.m. Ceremony of Cranes

Don Fraser, former Minneapolis mayor, speaker
8:15 a.m. Moment of silence for Hiroshima
8:30 a.m. All day vigil
11:00 a.m. Ceremony of the Bells
Veteran's for Peace ; Women in Black, guests from Nagasaki

Global Harmony Labyrinth, Como Park, Saint Paul
Sunday, August 8th
7:00 p.m. Nagasaki Commemoration featuring music by the Junshin singers

and dance by KAIROS

FFI: www.wilpfmn.org/hn http://www.stpaulnagasaki.org/
MSPHNCC@gmail.com (952) 922-0308

Poverty and the Recession

NETWORK, Catholic Social Justice CONNECTION Third Quarter 2010 magazine is a tremendous resource providing a deep look into poverty on many levels.

The Executive Summary: TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) Tested: Lives of Families in Poverty during the Recession opens the publication introducing the reader to:

Chapter 1: NETWORK's 15-Year Review of TANF: Chapter 2: "Work First" during a Recession?"; Chapter 3 Increased Hunger; Chapter 4 Access to Job Training and Education; Chapter 5: Barriers to Employment and to Getting Help; Conclusion: NETWORK's Recommendations for Improved Services; RESOURCE LIST for readers to utilize.

This issue serves as a powerful tool as we strive to eliminate poverty. Visit http://www.networklobby.org/ to learn more about NETWORK: A National Catholic Social Justice Lobby's report on poverty and read past issues of CONNECTION.

Minnesota Gubernatorial Primary Election, August 10

The Gubernatorial Primary is rapidly approaching. Mid-term elections historically have low voter turnout. It is imperative for us to work even more diligently to ensure that voters have access to information on all candidates running for office. When you use the websites below, your vote on Primary Election Day, August 10 and the Gubernatorial Election Day, November 2 will be an informed vote.

The Non-Partisan Get Out the Vote Task Group of the Justice Commission of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet and Consociates will have voter information tables (absentee ballots, non partisan issue based information, copies of the U. S. Constitution, I WILL VOTE stickers, etc. on the entrance level of Carondelet Center and in the reception area of the Administration Center by Thursday, July 29.

Check out these websites:
InvestInMinnesota: http://www.investinmn.org/
A Minnesota Without Poverty:
www.mnwithoutpoverty.org/index.php?option=com_frontpage&itemid=1

Minnesota Secretary of State: www.sos.state.mn.us/index.aspx?page=4

County Election Offices:
Dakota: www.co.dakota.mn.us/CountyGovernment/VotingElections/default.htm
Hennepin: www.co.hennepin.mn.us/elections
Ramsey: www.co.ramsey.mn.us/elections
Washington: www.co.washington.mn.us/info_for_residents/prts/elections

Support Justice for Darfur

DARFUR - The media hardly noticed that last month was the deadliest in the last two years: 600 were killed! Few headlines and fewer TV reports, yet this situation is urgent and needs our prayers. The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued a second warrant for the arrest of Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir for three counts of genocide. We can take action to prevent further retaliation, protect civilians and support justice for Darfur.
http://action.savedarfur.org/campaign/genocidebashir

25th Anniversary of Peace House

July 19th more than 75 people gathered at Peace House, 510 East Franklin Avenue, Minneapolis, MN in celebration of the 25th Anniversary of the Peace House Community. The event was planned by Larry Tillemans, "baby brother" of Rose Tillemans, CSJ, Peace House Founder. Peace House Community continues to flourish as a place of hospitality and community, a place for people to be supported and gather life resources.

Sister Rose lived in the neighborhood and loved all the people, she was a writer and a poet. Below is the song Simple Gifts: Rose's Version

Tis the gift to recognize the gifts that you prize

And to know you yourself are a gift on the rise

If people look sideways at you're all about

Turn, turn, turn and shout, shout shout.

God knows the GIFT that you IS

Even on the days when you don't pass the quiz

And know you are a star midst that galaxies above

Or even ameteor proclaiming your love!

Tis the gift to rebel, tis the gift to dissent

When things are'nt going the way they should've went

And if you're rocking a boat or a fort

Rejoice in your cause or any support.

Speak out the truth in your heart

Be glad for this gift even tho' you fall apart

Dance when you win and dance when you lose

Even if you must buy a new pair of shoes.

To learn more about Peace House visit http://www.peacehousecommunity.org/

United Nations will vote on a Resolution for the Right to Water

Mary Kaye Medinger and Joan Pauly Schneider of the Consociate Services Team of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet and Consociates recently attended the Sisters of Earth Conference at the Passionist Retreat Center, Bronx, New York. An outcome of that conference is becoming aware of an upcoming United Nations vote on the Right to Water. Background information can be found at http://www.blueplanetproject.net/RightToWater/index.html

Poem: "The Way I See Him"

Catholic Social Teaching calls us to be in solidarity saying "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..." http://www.usccb.org/sdwp/projects/socialteaching/excerpt.shtml


This poem was written by and posted with the permission of Reginald S. Lewis, a man imprisoned on death row in a Pennsylvania prison.

THE WAY I SEE HIM

Across the endless coils of shark-teethed razor wire--

over the high stone wall of Babylonia,

and on down the frigid dark corridors

of death row--

Bright orange fingers of sun

caress the cold, blue steel bars, and in its

crucible a warmth slowly reveals

the mystery of the Creator.

That's the way I See Him.

In the fathoms of a blue sky,

In the helixes of a green earth, and in the

shimmers of pink and burst

of a magenta moon -- He is not a painting

splayed across the sweat-stained canvas

of the wall--

nor a mirage, visible or invisible,

seen or unseen, wavering in and out of my cold reality.

He's my Homeboy--a Presence beyond my shoulder,

when the wicked convict plots,

when the guard's evil glare cuts through stones,

and when death's infinite hand looms,

he is there, yeah, over there.

In the twinkle of a child's sweet angelic eyes,

on the swift wings of pleasant dreams

carried in the night--

and even in the kind and compassionate

words of the Christians who write

to me--a castaway, the wretched, and

the condemmed--

That's the Way I see Him

~Reginald Sinclair Lewis, AY2902
Waynesburg, Pennsylvania

http://www.deathpenaltyinfo.org/
www.ccadp.org/reginaldlewis.htm

Joint Religious Legislative Coalition: only one in the nation

Kate Knutson, assistant professor of Political Science at Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter, MN, is researching the work of religious advocacy groups in the political process. Jackie Schwerm, a student at Gustavus conducted an interview today with Joanne Tromiczak-Neid, Justice Coordinator (pictured) and Ginger K. Hedstrom, Justice Associate regarding the Joint Religious Legislative Coalition (JRLC) that will be included in a book about the 40 year history of the JRLC which is the only organization of its kind in the nation bringing together people from the Jewish, Muslim, Catholic and Protestant faith traditions across Minnesota to engage in legislative advocacy.

For more information on the work of the JRLC visit http://www.jrlc.org/

Inter-religious Dialogue Breakfast, July 13, 2010

Congressman Keith Ellision invited the Justice Office staff to his Inter-religious Dialogue Breakfast, July 13 at the Sabes Jewish Community Center, St. Louis Park. Featured speaker, Rev. Joshua DuBois, Executive Director of the White House Office of Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships - spoke the more than 200 members of the interfaith and non-profit communities regarding "Faith-Based Organizations and the Federal Government: Working together for the Common Good."

For more information: www.whitehouse.gov/administration/eop/ofbnp

Patrick Kugmeh, Case Manager for Episcopal Commujnity Services in North Minneapolis in conversation with Ginger K. Hedstrom, Justice Associate said "I don't know how to thank St. Mary's Health Clinics enough, (a sponsored ministry of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet and Consociates) http://www.stmarysclinics.org/ for all they do for the immigrants and refugees we serve."

Nick Hayes, Noted Author to Speak at Bethany

Tuesday, July 13, 2010: 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Bethany Auditorium, 1870 Randolph Avenue, Saint Paul, MN

In his book, And One Fine Morning: Memories of My Father, we see the architect of Bethany, Mark Hayes, through the eyes of his son Nick who was taught by the Sisters of St. Joseph at Christ the King grade school in the 1950s.

Nick will present a slide show highlighting the work of his father as seen in designs of Bethany, St. Joan of Arc, Incarnation and other churches.

FFI: Joanne Tromiczak-Neid, Justice Coordinator (651.690.7079)

United States to review position on the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

April 10, 2010 -- U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Susan Rice, announced today tha tthe United States willl conduct a formal review of its position on the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. "We are going to have to keep pressure on the US government to actually change its position."

Consultations with Federally Recognized Indian Tribes and Outreach to Interested NGOs
The U.S. Government looks forward to hearing from all interested parties as it undertakes its review of the Declaration. The U. S. Department of State, together with other Federal agencies, will be holding consultations with federally recognized Indian tribes and meetings with interested nongovernmental organizations and other stakeholders on the review of the Declaration. Exact dates and locations will be announced at www.state.gov/s/tribalconsultation/declaration.

Anyone unable to participate in these consulations or meetings in person can send comments by email to declaration@state.gov or by mail to S/SR Global Intergovernmental Affairs, U. S. Department of State, 2201 C Street NW, Suite 1317, Washington, DC 20520. Written comments must be received by 7/15/2010 to ensure that they can be given due consideration in the review.

July 1, 2010

Justice Matters is managed by the Justice Office of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet and Consociates, St. Paul Province. Moving forward on the "two feet of social change" by learning from service ministries where systems need change and then through education, advocacy and action reach for systemic change we join with others to work for the common good.

JULY 11, 2010, 6:30 p.m.

We invite you to join us for 11th Day Prayer for Peace, Praying and Preparing for the Commemoration of the Anniversary of the Bombing of Nagassaki with Malcolm McDonald, friend of Lewis Hill reflecting on the legacy of the founding of the Sister City.

WHERE: Presentation of Our Lady Chapel, 1890 Randolph Avenue St. Paul.

PREPARED by: St. Paul-Nagasaki Sister City Committee & Justice Commission of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet and Consociates.

FFI: Joanne Tromiczak-Neid, 651.690.7079