Historic Precedent Set for Trafficking Victims

The Southern Poverty Law Center is at it again--this time expanding past enforcement and application of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA).

Passed in 2000, the TVPA is landmark federal legislation that is used to prevent trafficking overseas, protect and rehabilitate victims, and prosecute traffickers. Since its inception, the TVPA has only been used to prosecute traffickers for individual cases and coersion has been narrowly interpreted--until now.

A human trafficking lawsuit, involving hundreds of Filipino guestworkers, Louisiana Public Schools and an international trafficking ring run by labor contractors, is the first to utilize the TVPA as a class action suit. The Filipino workers, around 300 of them, will be represented as a group, instead of individuals. As many traffickers victimize more than a single individual, this is a useful precedent for future victims.

The other precedent, a wider interpretation of coersion, is crucial to future protection of victims. To meet the definition of trafficking, it is necessary to prove that the victim(s) were subject to force, fraud or coercion (unless they are minors). While the TVPA widely defines coercion to include "psychological coercion, trickery, and the seizure of documents," this is the first case to apply and accept these more subtle definitions.

This is wonderful news for the victims of trafficking, and those who work to end human trafficking in our world. Hallelujah!

To read the full article from the Southern Poverty Law Center regarding the case, please click here. Find further resources from the Justice Commission's Anti Human Trafficking Working Group.

-Elizabeth Fairbairn, St. Joseph Worker & Justice Office Intern

Homeless Memorial March

Last Thursday, the 27th Annual Minnesota Homeless Memorial March was held by Simpson Housing Services. We gathered at the Hennepin County Government Center and each picked up a sign with the name of a person who has died in the past year while experiencing homelessness, experienced homelessness in recent years, or was an advocate for the homeless. I marched for Jessie M. No other information was provided on the sign I chose--no knowledge of Jessie's age, birth place, societal roles, passions, dreams--only a name.

Heart of the Beast Puppet Theater's "Luna" was the leader of the silent march down Nicollette Avenue to 28th Street stretching several blocks long. After over an hour of quiet walking and reflecting down a busy street, we entered Simpson United Methodist Church for a Service of Remembrance.

The signs we carried were laid at the foot of the altar while beautiful music set the tone. The program began with a welcome from the pastor of Simpson Church, then was followed by an address from Sen. Jeff Hayden of District 61. The names of the remembered individuals were read and a candle lit for each person. When Jamie M's name was read and candle lit, my heart fluttered. My only relationship with this person was holding out a name to be remembered, but that was enough of a relationship to feel the loss of life connected to an unjust system.

The most moving part of the service was an open microphone to share a memory. I was struck by the families who mourned the loss of brothers, parents and children. The deep relationships formed between social service workers and the people experiencing homelessness was clear--we are lucky to have such people supporting our community.

For many of the people remembered in the service, this was the only memorial service they would receive. This is not a perfect solution and the need for this type of service points to a deep injustice, but the silent march and Service of Remembrance filled a hole. It provided dignity and honor to a group so often left out.

As one of the organizers stated at the very beginning of the march--tonight is for remembering and reflection, tomorrow is for action. To learn about Simpson Housing's legislative agenda for 2012 and what steps they're taking towards action please click here.

If you're interested in attending in the future, the march occurs on the nearest Thursday before the Winter Solstice.

-Elizabeth Fairbairn, St. Joseph Worker & Justice Office Intern

December Peace Prayer: Advent Vespers & Our Lady of Guadalupe

This past Sunday, the Justice Office co-sponsored the Advent Vespers put on by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet & Consociates, St. Paul Province. It was a celebration of Advent with beautiful singing and quiet moments for meditation--much needed in this peaceful but busy time. During the advent celebration, Our Lady of Guadalupe was held up and celebrated. Her feast day was yesterday (December 12th) and coincided beautifully with the vespers service on Sunday evening.

Karen Kenelly, CSJ, did the reflection for the evening. She shared the story of Our Lady of Guadalupe, a written account can be found here, as well as the traditions of the Feast Day she experienced while living in Los Angeles. Karen was delighted to find hot chocolate, one of the many traditions, as a part of the reception after the Vespers.

This prayer, found below, was given to attendees as they left the chapel.

Mary, Holy Mother of God, we salute and honor you.
In this season of darkness, we await the coming feast of the birth of God's Son,
We do pray to you, Mother of the Lord of Light.
Hail to you, Holy Sun Virgin, Our Lady of Guadalupe,
Patroness of the Americas.
We watch the winter sun, our source of heat and light, our calendar maker,
as it wanes and prepares for rebirth.
Holy sun, mystic mother of ages past, be for us a living sign.
Holy Virgin of Tepayac, with the sun as your mantle,
you who are clothed with yellow light, the moon under your feet,
with stars for your crown: we honor you.
Holy earth mother, holy lady of the star-filled night,
mother of the candles and lamps, we praise you.
Thank you for the protection of our land, for your loving kindness and many gifts.
Protect our homes, guard our families,
our world, and our congregation,
watch over us forever. Amen
-Liturgical Service, Mount St. Mary's, Los Angeles

-Elizabeth Fairbairn, St. Joseph Worker & Justice Office Intern
**Art by Baya Clare, CSJ

Native American Awareness

This is the second year that the Native American Awareness Task Group (NAA) of the Justice Commission has been engaged deepening awareness of issues that are faced by Native Americans.

NAA is also actively involved with Dream of Wild Health in Hugo where the heirloom seeds of Cora Baker are carefully tended, planted, harvested, prepared and consumed by Native American youth from the Twin Cities under the guidance of the staff of Dream of Wild Health and volunteers.

Yesterday, I was privileged to represent the Justice Office at The Circle Breakfast at All Nations Church, Minneapolis featuring Diane Wilson (Executive Director, Dream of Wild Health), author of Beloved Child, A Dakota Way of Life and Jim Northrup, prolific writer and poet who has been writing for The Circle Newspaper for 23 of its 31 years.

I learned from the director of development and programs for the Tiwahe Foundation that “Tiwahe” means “family” in the Dakota language, symbolizing the interconnectedness of all living things and one’s personal responsibility to honor family, community and the environment. 70% of students receiving grants for GED, associate or bachelors degree programs are over age 30.

Also at our table was the project manager for Environmental Justice Advocates of Minnesota
whose mission is to work in collaboration with communities to create equitable, healthful and sustainable futures for all generations.

I also met two persons from the Minnesota History Center and learned that they preparing an exhibit focusing on the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862 and its 150th anniversary (2012). 1862 refers to the events known by various names relating to conflicts between Dakota people and white people starting in Minnesota in August 1862, and all that flowed from those events. (http://www.minnesotahistory.net/)

The Circle Newspaper is available in the Justice Resource Room, is highly regarded in the Native Indian Community across the United States, is dedicated to presenting news from a Native American perspective, while granting an equal opportunity to community voices and is a member of the Native American Journalist Association and Minnesota Newspaper Association. (http://www.thecirclenews.org/)

Posted by Ginger K. Hedstrom, Justice Associate

Image above: Photo featuring a window at First Nations Church with images of the Eagle feather, Peace Pipe, Cross, Earth and Thunderbird taken by Ginger K. Hedstrom

World AIDS Day, December 1, 2011

Julie Del Cour, Associate Editor of the Tulsa World wrote,"'A human issue' AIDS affecting a totally new generation." She takes the reader on a 30 year journey through the challenges of AIDS including the ongoing challenge of committing money to fund research and to begin addressing the continuing impact of AIDS globally.

She writes, "In 1984, activist Roger Gail Lyon testified before Congress about a serial killer - AIDS - that had received a muted public outcry, an appauling lack of research funding and precious little action from government leaders" and she quotes Lyon's testimony "This is not a political issue. This is a health issue. This is not a gay issue. This is a human issue. And I do not intend to be defeated by it. I came here today in the hope that my epitaph would not read that I died of red tape." She goes on to note that Mr. Lyon passed away less than a year late.

World AIDS Day website offers current information, exposes myths and provides an opportunites for action and asks readers to answer the question "What will you do this World Aids Day?"

International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women

As the title suggest, November 23rd is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, sponsored by the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women

This is an annual celebration to shed light on the problems of violence against women around the globe, and to take action to eliminate such violence. The focus this year is youth leadership in preventing and ending violence against women and girls, in line with efforts to engage youth in the Secretary-General's UNiTE to End Violence against Women campaign, and with the recent International Youth Year.

This day is a kick-off to 16 days of activism against gender violence, and the UN Women has created a 16 Step Policy Agenda aimed at ending gender violence. This, along with the UNiTE to End Violence campaign demonstrates a collaborative, cross-field approach to ending violence around the globe. I challenge each of us to read the 16 Step agenda and find at least one step that we can take action on.

For more information check out the Virtual Knowledge Center, provided by UN Women. I would also suggest the book Half the Sky by Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn as a source of global experiences of women.

-Elizabeth Fairbairn, St. Joseph Worker & Justice Office Intern

Veterans for Peace Bus Leaves for Fort Benning, Georgia

Veterans for Peace Chapter 27 (VFP) has been going to the School of the Americas Vigil since 1993. In 1994 they began chartering busses and inviting others to join them in working peacefully and non-violently to close the School of the Americas (http://www.soawatch.org/).

In the early years VFP chartered a school bus. Today (November 18, 2011) a Minnesota Coaches bus with room for 48 riders pulled up to the St. Stephen's school parking lot in Minneapolis at 7:15 a.m. to begin the 2011 SOA Vigil trip.

I have been participating in the "send off the bus" activities for about seven years. This year was very different! Jim Steinhagen, VFP told me that there would be 46 people going on the bus. That four St. Joseph Workers (pictured l-r: Sheila Otto; Catholic Charities, Opportunity Center Branch III; Norzin Waleag, SCU Center for Work and Learning; Donna Bonicatto, St. Stephen Human Services, Street Outreach; Elizabeth Ihde, Learning in Style) are again participating is no surprise, the St. Joseph Worker Program has a long-standing committment to the SOA Vigil. The wonderful shift is that this year 11 students from the College of St. Benedict, Collegeville are participating and the bus will stop in Rochester to pick up another 13 students from St. Mary's University in Winona!

As I watched the young women arrive with their pillows and comfy clothes, I was aware that things are very different this year. More than half of the participants on the bus this year are young adults. This kind of involvement is reminiscent of the engagement and activism I witnessed in the 1960's. And it is VERY exciting to see it happening again today!

Brigid McDonald, CSJ, Kate McDonald, CSJ, Rita Foster, CSJ, Joan Wittman, Consociate, Joanne Tromiczak-Neid, Justice Coordinator and Ginger K. Hedstrom, Justice Associate were among the crowd sending them off. Brigid led the group in a song followed by a time of silence. Joanne gave each person present a prayer folder and I led the prayer:

Who is fit to hold power

and worthy to act in God's place?

Those with a passion for truth,

who are horrified by injustice,

who act with mercy to the poor

and take up the cause of the helpless,

who have let go of selfish concerns

and see the whole earth is sacred,

refusing to exploit her creatures

or to foul her waters and lands.

Their strength is in their compassion;

God's light shines through their hearts.

Their children's children will bless them,

and the work of their hands will endure.

Based on Psalm 24 (version by Stephen Mitchell) from Prayers for the Earth Benetvision

We invite you to join us in praying this prayer, November 18 - 20, when people of all ages from across the United States, including a bus of students from St. Catherine University and the University of St. Thomas, are traveling to Fort Benning, Georgia to participate in the 2011 Vigil. CLOSE THE SOA!

Posted by: Ginger K. Hedstrom, Justice Associate

National Hunger and Homelessness Week: November 13-18

St. Stephen's Human Services ending homelessness, zAmya Theater is presenting The Reality Roadshow: Who Wants to be a Homeless Millionaire this week at various locations in Minneapolis. The play bill describes this play as, A reality game show with a million dollar prize! With humor, drama and a song and a dance or two, we're cracking open the conversation that starts with real stories from homeless folks, but also speaks to how the current economy affects all of us.

The Justice Office attended this excellent production on Wednesday, November 16 at 10:00 a.m.. at Catholic Charities Opportunity Center. Two more performances remain in this series:

Wednesday, November 17, 7:30 at Wesley United Methodist Church, 101 East Grant Street, Minneapolis (ASL Interpretation) and Friday, November 18, 7:30 at Pillsbury House Theatre, 3501 Chicago Avenue, Minneapolis.

Some quotes from the play:

1/3 of homeless are under age 12

My daughter is seven and she has never had her own bed much less a bedroom

Lack of jobs and lack of transportation and lack of health care = homelessness

Marginalized, institutionalized, streetified, victimized

How can I be homeless if I never had a home to lose?

Hey, are you really faking being homeless?

The voice of addiction states it is only ME keeping YOU from being ALL alone

I'm not homeless. I am residentially displaced.

Winter is the hardest. People really freeze to death.

The system is everything about profits!

My mom passed through foster homes. She put me in foster homes. I got no mom

The American dream is just slippin' away, everyone is afraid of being homeless

Closing theme: We need to change the rules, we need to unify, realize, mobilize... ... ...

For more information http://www.ststephensmpls.org/ and click on 2011 zAmya Reality Road Show to read more about this incredible experience that is told in the stories of the homeless by actors, singers some of whom have been or are homeless.

Erika Hiller's 11/11 May Peace Prevail on Earth Canvases at Carondelet Center

The six paintings in Erika Hillers "11/11 May Peace Prevail on Earth" series are on disply in the Carondelet Center Main Parlor the week of November 13 - 20, 2011 during business hours.

Stop by to experience these works of art born in Erika's life-long love of painting and her experiences as a US Army Veteran, Desert Storm. She will provide a brief description which will also be available in the Main Parlor throughout the week.

November 11 Prayer for Peace

"Acknowledge" by Erika Hiller

11th Day Prayer for Peace: Armistice Day 11/11/11 May Peace Prevail on Earth
Presentation of our Lady Chapel, 1890 Randolph Ave, St. Paul
Friday, November 11 at 6:30pm

Ringing of the Bells by Veterans for Peace Chapter 27
Reflection: Erika Hiller, US Army, Desert Storm

Premiere Showing of 11/11/11 Canvases of Erika Hiller
Arrive early to experience her canvases

Prepared by Veterans for Peace Chapter 27 and the Justice Commission of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet and Consociates

Food Week's a Success...Now what?

Well Food Week was quite the success at St. Catherine's University.

Two students fostered an initiative that resulted in almost 30 events in a five day period. The first few events may have left the steering committee a little nervous...but the ferver built to include a large section of the campus. Remember this was a hard start to a year-long campaign for food justice at St. Kate's!

The week culminated in a pot luck celebration on Friday where a "Food Justice Recipe" was proclaimed to the SCU body, administration and food & dining services. The organizing team of students based this recipe off of surveys collected from the student body, panel discussions, open sessions, tabling, and coffee hours in order to ensure it represents the full body of students, staff and faculty at SCU.

Now that a phenomenal week has demonstrated that food justice is important to the community of St. Catherine's, and that this priority is supported by the Justice Commission of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, St. Paul Province--what's next? The "Food Justice Recipe" does outline "ingredients" of how to make this recipe come out just right, but the details of these actions have yet to be defined. They will be hosting a meeting on Thursday from 12-1:15 to explore and fill-in the details, please join in and contribute your ideas! (Email me for details on the meeting).

This week is a beautiful example of young adults making a difference. The passion and enthusiasm for food justice I witnessed over this past week has been incredible. Join in on these efforts to witness it for yourself.

-Elizabeth Fairbairn, St. Joseph Worker & Justice Office Intern

Go Beyond Your Plate

October 24th was Food Day--a day to bring together Americans from all walks of life to push for healthy, affordable food produced in a sustainable, human way. Movies, food expos, and forums occurred in the Twin Cities on Monday in conjunction with Food Day.

Though this day has passed, the goals of sustainability, affordability and health continue. We have a few opportunities for you to be involved in food justice into November, but encourage you to create an awareness in your own life surrounding food in the year to come.

St. Catherine University students have put together a Food Week for October 31st - November 4th, which is being co-sponsored by the Justice Commission. Close to 20 events will occur in 5 days to raise awareness, educate and create action surrounding issues of food justice. Our very own Earth Partners are involved with 3 events centering on community gardening and food toxicity. Click here for the full schedule.

Another option is being provided through NETWORK. They have posted a Food Stamp Challenge from Fighting Poverty with Faith--attempt to live on a food stamp budget for a week ($31.75 per person/week). Being a St. Joseph Worker this is not out of the realm of normalcy, but from experience can attest to the change in thinking that occurs with such a budget shift. Senators and Representatives have signed onto participate, and you can too. Check out this link to register and find more information.

Food is in a web of many different social justice issues and the saying goes, "You Are What You Eat"
-Elizabeth Fairbairn, St. Joseph Worker and Justice Office Intern

October is National Bullying Prevention Month

The Youth Performance Company of Minneapolis created and presented the play MEAN October 5 - 23.

Josh Pavek, a high school junior and a member of the ensemble, is my neighbor, Lynne's, grandson. Josh has been coming from East Bethel to University Avenue in Minneapolis to practice and act in this play about bullying since August. That is what I call commitment!

We attended the final performance of MEAN Sunday, October 23. This musical powerfully tells the stories of youth being bullied because they are Muslim, defined as overweight or not pretty or too slow or they are assumed to be gay.

It also shows how difficult it often is to really see bulling when it is done in the bathroom or the hall when no one but the bully and the bullied are present and then it shows it occuring with bystanders seeing and staying silent or cheering on the bully. Examples of bullying by cell phone and facebook are also portrayed.

Ruben Rosario, Columnist, Pioneer Press covered MEAN in his October 5 column Minnesota group takes on bullying. He writes, "Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me. The old saying needs some reframing in this age. Verbal and online bullying, can linger far longer than fractures or black eyes."

MEAN is an amazing musical with very talented youth singers/actors and adult actors conveying the heart rending message of the bullied, the bully, the ones who stand by silently and the ones to say strongly "you don't have to take this." MEAN ends by members of the cast announcing the statistics that approximately 25 % of youth are bullied, 25% are bullies and a great many of the rest of us are silent observers. The conclusion urges all of us to STAND UP and put an end to bullying!

Posted by: Ginger K. Hedstrom, Justice Associate

October 17th: International Day for the Eradication of Poverty

"There aren't two categories of people. There aren't some that were born to have everything, leaving the rest with nothing, and a majority that has nothing and cannot taste the happiness that God has created for all. The Christian society that God wants is one in which we share the goodness that God has given for everyone" - Archbishop Oscar Romero

In 2005, an estimated 1.4 billion people were in extreme poverty. Due to spikes in global food prices and global economic recession, 100-150 million more people have been pushed into poverty. Poverty is a local, national and international problem. It is a complex issue as it intersects systemic issues of education, hunger, race, location, and the list goes on. Educate yourself and others, and take action to bring an end to poverty. United Nations information. USCCB videos on poverty.

Prayer to Make Poverty History
Lord of Life,
Open our eyes to make us:
Aware of the povery suffered by others;
Aware of the immorality of allowing that suffering to take place;
Aware of our rights as citizens to be heard;
Aware of the men, women and children dying as we speak;
Aware that our solidarity gives us strength;
Aware that our leaders may turn a deaf ear but Almight God hears our cry;
and aware that only together can we: Make Poverty History.
Give us the strength and determination to work towards solutions and policy changes that can free our sisters and brothers around the world from the chains of poverty.
Inspire us to challenge our leaders to make debt relief and fighting poverty a priority, and make our voices loud and clear.
Amen.

-Elizabeth Fairbairn, St. Joseph Worker & Justice Office Intern

M. L. K. National Memorial Dedication

October 16, 2011

National Mall, Washington, DC

Delayed by weather in August, yesterday under brilliant clear fall skies the MLK Memorial was dedicated. The quote "Out of the Mountain of Despair - A Stone of Hope" by Martin Luther King was visible on the stone ediface behind the podium.

This truly historic day included a Minnesota connection. The Cold Spring Grantite of Cold Spring, Minnesota that helped design the MLK Memorial. A visit to this site allows you to view the dedication ceremony, the history of the memorial and much more.

Remarks by the President at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Dedication.

World Mental Health Day

On the United Nations calendar, October 10th is reserved for World Mental Health Day. It is a day to raise awareness about mental health issues, promoting discussion of mental disorders and invementing in prevention and treatment services.

This year the theme is "Investing in Mental Health." Financial and human resources allocated for mental health are inadequate, especially in low resource countries. The majority of low- and middle-income countries spend less than 2% of their health budget on mental health. A considerable part of the limited resources is spent on large mental hospitals and not for services delivered through community and primary health care.

This day is sponsored by the World Health Organization, utilize links below to access some of WHO's resources on mental health:
Information about mental health
Investing in mental health brochure
Message from the UN Secretary-General regarding Mental Health Day

Elizabeth Fairbairn, St. Joseph Worker and Justice Office Intern

October 11th Day Prayer for Peace

Criminal Justice Month in Minnesota: Turn the Other Cheek. Really?

Presentation of Our Lady Chapel
Tuesday, October 11, 2011, 6:30 pm

Music: Marita and Ann Thompson, mother-daughter
Reflection: Chris Furlong, Consociate
Gospel Enactment: Mary Maas and Carmen Shaughnessy Johnson, Consociate

Prepared by the Criminal Justice Working Group of the Justice Commission of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet and Consociates

2011 Nobel Peace Shared by Three Women from Africa and the Arab World

Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Leymah Gbowee, also of Liberia and Tawakul Karman of Yemen are the three women from Africa and the Arab world who were acknowledged by the Nobel Peace Committee for their non-violent role in promting peace, democracy and gender equality.

We cannot achieve democracy and lasting peace in the world unless women obtain the same opportunities as men to influence development at all levels of society, said the citation read by Thorbjorn Jagland, a former prime minister who heads the Oslo based Nobel Prize Committee that choses the winner of the $1.5 million prize (quoted from http://www.nytimes.com/).

Leymah Gbowee and her non violent work for peace are documented in the film Pray the Devil Back to Hell. The documntary is available for purchase and will also be premiered on PBS October 18.

Ginger K. Hedstrom, Justice Associate

Justice for Immigrants Regional Conference: Theology of Migration & Framing the Message

"Migration is not a problem in an of itself, it's a deep rooted problem within human hearts." - Dr. Groody, csc

The Justice For Immigrants event was a successful collaboration of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet and Consociates, Myser Initiative on Catholic Identity at St. Catherine University, Justice For Immigrants - Minnesota and other regional co-sponsors. Similar events were held Sept. 30th at St. John's University, and Oct. 1st at St. Catherine's University. Over 300 people attended!

The St. John's event ended in a 5 minute standing-ovation--the good news Groody preached was well received. Jen Rooney, Good Ground Press employee, was present at St. John's and described it as, "The best social justice event for the past few years."

I attended on Saturday, and have to agree with Jen's evaluation. The day at St. Catherine University began with a short address from Bishop Piche and a beautiful prayer.

Fr. Groody described his passion for immigration as an extension of his compassion for migrant peoples, especially those whom he has served as pastor. Then, he expertly marched us through the foundation of the issue, the debated areas, and finished with the theological and pastoral perspectives.

The most pertinent aspect of his presentation was his understanding of the life of Jesus and the experience of Christians as migration stories. He rephrased John 3:16 as, "God, in Jesus Christ, so loved the world that he migrated into our world, so that whoever believes in him shall migrate back to God's Kingdom." Groody explained the true alien not as the person without documents, but the person disconnected from God, stranger and self.

This event was moving, informational and insightful. For your continuing education, advocacy and action on this issue, please reference Fr. Groody's website and Justice For Immigrants for more information.

Elizabeth Fairbairn, St. Joseph Worker & Justice Office Intern

Invisible Children Event

On Monday, September 19th, the Justice Office and Celeste's Dream co-sponsored a screening of the latest Invisible Children documentary.

Invisible Children is a grass-roots organization that is working to end the longest running war on the continent of Africa (history of the war). The effects of this war have been felt most pointedly by the peoples of Uganda where Invisible Children has worked extensively. The war has now left Uganda and spread to the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan and the Central African Republic. Invisible Children has widened their network of action along with this transition by devloping a Protection Plan.

The event involved the documentary, a short film about the Early Warning Radio Network, and a brief talk from Grace, a Ugandan college student who grew up in this war. Being able to see the footage of the war torn area, as well as hear Grace's personal experience was an unparalleled experience.

In addition to the awareness about Central Africa, the event demonstrated the potential for young people in social movements. From the ground up, Invisible Children is a social movement centered around young people. At our own screening, I witnessed the most passionate and action focused responses from high school students. It was truly inspiring.
-Elizabeth Fairbairn, St. Joseph Worker and Justice Office Intern

September 21st International Day of Peace

The International Day of Peace ("Peace Day") provides an opportunity for individuals, organizations and nations to create practical acts of peace on a shared date.

Peace Day is being celebrated by people all over the world. People in England have planned a meditation flash mob, people in Japan will be offering "Free Hugs for World Peace," people in Chile are planting a tree for each nation in the United Nations, and people in Nigeria are hosting a Peace Concert. To view events going on around the world and locally, please click here.

Anyone, anywhere can celebrate Peace Day. It can be as simple as lighting a candle at noon, saying a prayer for peace, or making peace in your own relationships.

Prayer of Saint Francis

Make me a channel of your peace.

Where there is hatred, let me bring your love.

Where there is injury, your pardon Lord,

and where there is doubt, true faith in You.

Make me a channel of your peace.

Where there is despair in life, let me bring hope.

Where there is darkness, only light,

and where there's sadness, ever joy.

Oh, Master grant that I may never seek

So much to be consoled as to console,

to be understood as to understand,

to be loved as to love, with all my soul.

Make me a channel of your peace.

It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,

In giving of ourselves that we receive,

and in dying that we are born to eternal life.

Seven Generations

Seven Generations
1650 - 1836: Seven Generations from the founding of the Sisters of St. Joseph in Lepuy France to the arrival of the first six sisters in Carondelet, Missouri.


12 years after the Sisters of St. Joseph arrived in the United States, The Seneca Falls Convention was organized by Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Lucretia Mott, two abolitionists who met in 1840 at the World Anti-Slavery Convention in London, where both were barred from the convention floor because they were women. Their outrage was the impetus for the Seneca Falls Convention was attended by 200 women.

1836-2011
November 2, 1851: The first four Sisters of St. Joseph arrived in St. Paul, Minnesota to teach children, found the first hospital in Minnesota (1853), St. Catherine College, now St. Catherine University (1905).

July 2011: We know our decisions will lead, influence and impact the next Seven Generations.

Sisters of St. Joseph Federation 2011 Event

Posted by: Ginger Hedstrom, Justice Associate

The Federation Event is truly global and intergenerational. More than 850 Sisters of St. Joseph and associates are here from the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Africa.

At my table is a young woman who will be a senior in high school and is a guest of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Concordia. She is one in a group of about 12 young women attending. Our learnings are many. Imagine, in 2011 she attends high school with a total of 40 others and is growing up on a five generation family farm. And, she is very happy to be here. We sang happy birthday yesterday to an 83 year old Sister of St. Joseph from Philadelphia. She may not be the eldest among us!

DVDs of the major presentations by, Meg Wheatly, Catherine Nerney, SSJ, PhD and Joan Lescinski, CSJ, PhD will be available to all congregations.

An associate from England went to the microphone yesterday and said, "I had no idea I was part of such a big family."

From the stage yesterday, participants from outside the United States (including those working outside the United States) introduced themselves, their congregation, and nation. Kathy McClusky, outgoing executive director of the CSSJ Federation, on behalf of the entire Federation addressed our Japanese sisters assuring them of our ongoing prayers and support.

Over lunch yesterday, the Justice and Peace Coordinators met with Patty Johnson, CSJ, incoming executive director of the Federation, Joe, her associate and Griselda Martinez-Morales, SSJ, CSSJ NGO Representative to the United Nations to further our work for global justice and peace.

The session this morning is focused exclusively on human trafficking!

We are immersed in "Zeal for healing the neighborhood of God's sacred universe." We are working hard (it is too hot to play outside), the energy is palpable and I am privileged to be among the great "swarm of bees" that is the Sisters of St. Joseph gathered here from around the world, including many from St. Paul.

The New Republic of South Sudan

175 years ago the Sisters of St. Joseph migrated from France to North America and began their ministry on this contintent in Carondelet, Missouri. The celebration, in St. Louis, Missouri, included opportunities to look back seven generations and forward to the next seven. There is much to celebrate and much to inspire, dream and anticipate into life.

As we celebrated yesterday through our own stories of migration, our work for humane and just immigration reform, and closed with the inspiring sending forth to the seventh generation ritual and banquet, the people of the Republic of the South Sudan were living the first day of their independence.

The children pictured here stand quietly holding the flag of their new republic. They are yet too young to understand what is happening, how their future was made more hopeful yesterday.

As the Sudan and global community celebrate the independence of the Republic of South Soudan, the United Nations vows it's support in ongoing global quest for peace and prosperity.

We celebrate and pray for the people of the Sudan today and to the seventh generation!

Immigration Witness Event

As the Sisters of St. Joseph Celebrate 175 Years in the United States

JOIN US for
Immigration Witness Event, featuring Miriam and Iacha, blood sisters from Ghana presenting "Personal Stories, Global Perspective."

Friday, July 8, 10:30 a.m.
Carondelet Center, 1890 Randolph Ave., St. Paul

FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
To register: 651.690.7043
We came as migrants
We live and work with migrants
We work for humane and just immigration reform.

Presented by the Immigration Working Group of the Justice Commission

Faith Leaders Meet with President Obama

Simone Campbell, Executive Director, NETWORK, A Catholic Social Justice Lobby (third from the left) and other faith leaders met with President Obama at the White House Easter Breakfast.
(posted on FACEBOOK, June 28, 2011)

Catholic Rural Life Sunday, June 26, Gergen Family Farm

Hosted by St. Mary's Catholic Church, New Trier, Rural Life Sunday officially began with Mass celebrated by Bishop Lee Piche at 1:30 p.m.

The farm yard was replete with a wide array of tractors (several vintage), a fully restored 50's something GMC pick up truck, a petting zoo that incuded a Holstein cow with calf, banty chickens, rabbits and a goat. Mass seating on hay bales and rough planks overlooking the soybean fields and the farmstead faced the flatbed fifth wheel trailer from which the Mass was celebrated.

Through the ligurgy and Bishop Piche's homily gratitude was expressed to our God for the bounty of earth and the hands of farmers who abundantly feed God's people, and the ongoing call to continue to provide care for earth.

Immediately following the Mass, dinner was served in the machine shed to more than 400 people, from Mendota Heights, West Saint Paul, St. Paul and the surrounding area.

The Gergen Family was represented by Helen, 98 year old matriarch (back home on the farm for the day), Leon and Nancy, Ray and Elaine Gergen who currently live on and farm the land. More about Catholic Rural Life

The Honorable Joseph Boakai, Vice President of Liberia

The Honorable Joseph Boakai, Vice President of Liberia, met with civic leaders early in his visit to Minnesota, June 17. That afternoon, the Coalition for Permanent Residency (CPR) hosted a reception in his honor at the Urban League in Minneapolis.

CPR is an interfaith and advocacy based coalition that since early 2007 has been working with the Minnesota Congressional Delegation and local and national networks (NETWORK, A Catholic Social Justice Lobby, Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society, Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service, Advocates for Human Rights, Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota...) urging the White House to grant early extensions of Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) to affected Liberians; and for passage of HR 1293 and SF 656, the Liberian Immigrant Refugee Fairness Act to grant permanent status to approximately 3,600 Liberians who have lived in the United States "temporarily" since 1991.

Scott Gray, CEO Minneapolis Urban League opened the reception with a welcome from the Urban League. CPR representatives presented a program: Mayalan Keita-Brown: African and American Association for Cooperation and Development served as MC; Ahmed Sirleaf, Advocates for Human Rights presented an update on DED and pending legislation in Congress; Theodosia Gray, Liberian on DED, described the multiple challenges of living a life in limbo on DED; Ginger K. Hedstrom, Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet and Consociates provided background on the mission of CPR lived through our advocacy efforts locally and nationally.

In his remarks, Vice President Boakai described the harsh realities rooted in the civil war that forced so many Liberians to leave - and the current challenges in Liberia's reconstruction. He expressed deep gratitude to the United States for our ongoing support of Liberia and hospitality provided to Liberians living in the United States. Going on he expressed that the ideal would be for Liberians to return. However, he noted that the destruction of the infrastructure, lack of electricity, potable water, 80% unemployment, and lack of the opportunity for an education pose enormous challenges for those in Liberia. Passage of the Liberian Immigrant Refugee Fairness Act would allow Liberans on DED to return freely when the situation there improves rather than by forced departure. Proudly he stated that the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Administration "holds no political prisoners."

Vic Rosenthal, Jewish Community Action closed the afternoon by calling everyone to action by signing postcards urging President Obama to grant an immediate extension to DED and to join CPR in thanking Senator Klobuchar, Senator Franken, Congressman Ellision, Congresswoman McCollum for their leadership roles in advancing the Liberian Immigrant Refugee Fairness Act in Congress. Vice President Boakai signed a postcard before leaving the reception.

NOTE: Brooklyn Park and Brooklyn Center, Minnesota are home to the largest number of Liberians in Minnesota - estimated at more than 23,000.

World Peace and Prayer Day 2011

World Prayer and Peace Day 2011 (WPPD) events are being held in the Minneapolis - St. Paul area, June 18 -21. The events center around Bdote, (Mendota), the confluence of the Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers. Sacred sites in this area include: Oheyawahi/Pilot Knob and Coldwater Springs. Since 1996 WPPD has grown to include grassroots and international communities - as part of a coalition for all Humanity involved in healing Mother Earth.

Chief Arvol Looking Horse, founder of WPPD, is the 19th generation keeper of the White Buffalo Calf Pipe Bundle and holds the responsibility of spiritual leader among the Lakota, Dakota and Nakota people.

Schedule of events and information on presenters from around the world and more: http://www.worldpeaceandprayerday2011.org/
http://www.stpeters.org/Bulletin/2011/0612.pdf

Many of the events will be on the grounds of St. Peter Church, Mendota (Highway 55 and 13). NOTE: The Mendota Bridge will be closed Sunday, June 19, 2-4pm.

Twin Cities World Refugee Day, June 25, 12 - 6p.m.

Minnehaha Park, 4801 South Minnehaha Avenue, Minneapolis

This event will recognize more than 100,000 refugees living across Minnesota and build bridges between the longtime local community and the newest members of the wider Minnesota communty. FREE LIVE ENTERTAINMENT; food and vendors from around the world, children's activities, community resource fair and interactive educational displays. More information is available at TWIN CITIES WORLD REFUGEE DAY

11th Day Prayer for Peace, June 11, 6:30 p.m.

Promoting a Culture of Life

Short reflections on: War or Peace? Death Penalty or Rehabilitation? Drugs or Sobriety? Abortion or Adoption?

Pornography or Chastity? Trafficking or Human Dignity?

Euthanasia or End-of-Life Care? Deportation or Immigration?
Consumerism or Conservation? Poverty or Sharing?

FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC: Provincial House Chapel, 1890 Randolph Ave., St. Paul
FFI: 651.690.7079

Prepared by: Gospel of Life Task Group of the Justice Commission of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet and Consociates

Confronting Anti Semitism and Religious Intolerance

Confronting Anti Semitism and Religious Intolerance

Posted by: Joanne Tromiczak-Neid, Justice Coordinator

Ginger K. Hedstrom, Justice Associate

Hannah Rosenthal, Special Envoy to Combat and Monitor Anti- Semitism, U. S. Department of State was the featured speaker at the Town Hall Meeting hosted by Congressman Keith Ellison (MN), Wednesday, May 18. Special Envoy Rosenthal described her work as 1) diplomacy (nations, United Nations, Euorpean Union, etc.) 2) public diplomacy (engaging civil society) 3) programming (funding projects).

Nationalism/ultra-nationalism are strong trends that are excalating in South America and Western Europe - both, she stated, can be described as "running on hate." The desecration of Jewish cemeteries and assertions that "Israel should not exist" are but two examples of this troubling trend.

A 2010 visit to Auschwitz and Dachau led by Special Envoy Rosenthal included eight Imams showing solidarity with the six million Jews murdered in the Holocaust. At the conclusion of the trip, she said that "as representatives of government, and communities we joined these clerics to bear witness to the horror and tragedy of the Holocaust and vow 'never again.'" She went on to state that denial of the Holocaust is "a lie that won't die."

She has worked with Elie Weisel, Nobel Peace Prize Winner (1986), who continues to ask through his writing, teaching and personal appearances, what did we learn from the Holocaust? He also expressed grave concern for our future noting that indifferent people do not confront evil. Congressman Ellision said, "as people of conscience we must stand up and speak up!"

Imam Magid, President of the Islamic Society of North America, was also scheduled to speak regarding his experiences of visiting Auschwitz and Dachau. Congressman Ellison announced that he had been called back to Washington, D. C. to be present when the President will deliver remarks at the State Department on how the U. S. can support positive change in the Middle East and North Africa.

In an effort to engage people under the age of 30, a cross cultural learning experience

2011 Hours Against Hate has been developed by Special Envoy Rosenthal and Special Representative Pandith to provide an opportunity for people to walk in the shoes of another person or group that is very different from them. Together, Special Envoy Rosenthal and Special Representative Pandith officially launched 2011 Hours Against Hate at the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) in Vienna, Austria on February 17, 2011. This work can also be followed on FACEBOOK.

Stand Up. Speak Out.

Hate is Hate, No Matter Who the Target Is. (2011 Hours Against Hate)

PBS Independent Lens, May 24: 'Welcome to Shelbyville

Posted by: Ginger K. Hedstrom, Justice Associate

I have seen "Welcome to Shelbyville" and found it to be a powerful testament to a committed group of people who worked together get to know the new immigrants among them and to welcome them into their community, moving beyond discord and division.

PBS writes, "On the eve of the 2008 election, the town of Shelbyville, Tennessee finds itself embroiled in a struggle to come to terms with a new wave of immigrants and grappling with what it means to be American."

For more information, Program Schedule and the opportunity to take the "Immigration Facts and Myths Quiz," copy and paste into your browser: http://www.pbs.org/independentlens/welcome-to-shelbyville

From Death to Life: Friday, May 20, 7:00 p.m.

Join us to hear Mary Johnson,mother of a murdered son and Oshea Israel who took that life describe their journey to meet in compassion and eventual forgiveness.

Carondelet Center, 1890 Randolph Ave. St. Paul

FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

"From Death to Life" is an organization founded by Mary Johnson to end violence by seeking to repair harm through healing and reconciliation.

Presented by: Criminal Justice Working Group of the Justice Commission of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet and Consociates

Sam Ostlund, Mahtomedi High School Senior Wins C-SPAN Student Cam 2011 Award

Posted by: Joanne Tromiczak-Neid, Justice Coordinator and Ginger K. Hedstrom, Justice Associate


Sam Ostlund, Mahtomedi High School Class of 2011 was advised on April 12 that he was the recipient of the Third Place C-SPAN Student- Cam Award. May 10,Rachel Katz, Marketing Representative forC-SPAN presented him with the award in the Chautauqua Theatre at Mahtomedi High School.
In her remarks Rachel stated that 1,100 student videos were submitted from across the nation. Sam's video, Homeless, was a standout. One of the major themes for students this year was education.

The C-SPAN 2011 theme is "Washington, D.C., Through My Lens. Tell us about an issue, event or topic that helped you better understand the roll of the federal government in your life and community."

The award ceremony was an opportunity to congratulate Sam, who is enrolled at the University of Minnesota to begin his post-graduate studies and an opportunity to congratulate C-SPAN for their work of recognizing the accomplishment of students across the country. Sam's video is an example of what we can learn when we actually see the person among us who is marginalized, learn the person's story and then learn about the challenges inherent in the issue for all us.

Congratulations Sam on your award-winning video and your commencement from Mahtomedi High School!
Congratulations Mahtomedi High School for your commitment to the creative academic achievements emodied in Sam Oslund.
Congratulations C-SPAN for your work of recognizing the tremendous achievements of our youth!

11th Day Prayer for Peace: May 11, 6:30 p.m.

Grandmothers, Mothers, Aunties and Children for Peace

Presentation of Our Lady Chapel

1890 Randolph Avenue, Saint Paul

COME - invite children, families, friends and neighbors!

Prepared by Consociate Services and the Justice Commission of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet and Consociates

FFI: Joanne Tromiczak-Neid, Justice Coordinator

651.690.7079

The Dear Neighbor in Alabama

Posted by: Joanne Tromiczak-Neid, Justice Coordinator
Ginger K. Hedstrom, Justice Associate

Since receiving the notice that the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), Montgomery, Alabama was celebrating its 40th Anniversary April 29-30, we have been planning to be present for the workshops, to meet with staff of the SPLC, to visit the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute and the National Voting Rights Museum, Selma, Alabama. We left Saint Paul early, Wednesday, April 27th.

By the time we landed in Alabama early yesterday afternoon, it was clear that the weather was turbulent, our flight from Chicago Midway Airport had to divert around storms and still it was so bumpy that the flight attendents sat buckled in their seats the entire flight. Several hours later we were tucked into our hotel in a valley near Hoover, south of Birmingham - restuarnts and businesses were closing, tornado sirens began blaring, the tornadoes were heading our way. We experienced heavy winds and rain, the skies black as night at 7:30 p.m., tree debris scratched our rental car. It was a very tense afternoon and night and that is all it was for us, very tense.

Today, April 28, we heard story after story of the impact on the people with whom we came into contact.
When asked "how are you and your family" and we heard:
1) Hotel housekeeper: I live in Birmingham and we got no 'lectricty and don't know when we will.
2) Woman hotel guest: I manage photography stores. One was destroyed but all my people are okay. I was supposed to go home to Pensacola tonight but can't just yet.
3) Marathon Gas check out: my sister has a tree down on her house, but she is fine staying with her neighbors.
3) Ticket sales clerk at Birmingham Civil Rights Institute: I am fine. The patio door and bay windows in my daughter's house were blown out - her garage door sprung - and all the windows of her car inside the garage blew out. Across the street the houses are gone just gone. She is okay, with friends.
4) Sales clerk Birmingham Civil Rights Institute: Me and my family is fine. We gettin' water and food ready to take to the people who lost everything. We just gotta help them. Did you hear President Obama is coming tomorrow.
5) Manager, Texas Roadhouse Restaurant: She told us that two trucks of food and water were sen up today and we have people in the kitchen now cooking and getting ready to send more up tomorrow and Saturday. We put the food in lunch bags so each survivor or rescuer will have their own bag. We are all family and have to help out. My gramma was killed in a tornado years ago, it is hard to hear my mom tell about it. We just pitch in. When we were delivering the food today, a man told us he went out to clean his yard this morning and found two of his neighbors dead under a pile of debris in his yard. I just can't imagine finding my neighbors like that!

People have been asked to stay out of the area so the emergency crews can get in and begin the recovery. The picture above is one published down here...we have honored the plea for citizens to stay out of the area so resources can go into the recovery.

As we drove the 88 miles from Birmingham to Montgomery on Highway 65 we saw caravans of National Guard jeeps, demolition trailers, generators, water trucks, sheriff's cars, ambulances, and electric utility trucks all driving north to assist in the recovery.

Today is coming to a close. We are inspired by the generous spirits of people connecting in countless ways offering help and hope in the midst of such devistation.

Mahtomedi student's film wins C-SPAN award

Sam Ostlund is a senior at Mahtomedi High School. His "decision to stop and talk to Brad, the homeless man he saw on a White Bear Avenue corner every day, turned out to be an award-winning idea". (St. Paul Pioneer Press) "I knew absolutely nothing about it, coming into it, other than there was a homeless person on White Bear Avenue...I didn't know if there was help out there." Ostlund stated. Countless people do not see the person living with homelessness in our neighborhoods, on our street corners or ramp entrances. Sam really saw Brad, got to know him, made the decision to learn more about homelessness that is pervasive in this economy. He then made the film Homeless that won third place in the C-SPAN filmmaking contest. A resident of Grant, MN and student at Mahtomedi High School, Ostlund plans to share the monetary award for Homeless with Brad. (this post quotes the St. Paul Pioneer Press, "Mahtomedi student's film wins C-SPAN award," April 12, 2011)

Saturday at the Movies: Made In L. A.

Saturday, April 16, 10:00 a.m. - Noon 1890 Randolph Avenue, St. Paul. In support of humane immigration reform, this film and discussion focus on this Emmy Award-winner in the Outstanding Coverage of a News Story -Long Form. FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. Snacks and beverages provided. For more information call: 651.690.7054. Presented by: Immigration Working Group of the Justice Commission of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet and Consociates

11th Day Prayer for Peace: Peace for the Earth

Monday, April 11, 2011, 6:30 p.m

Presentation of Our Lady Chapel, 1890 Randolph Ave, Saint Paul

Reflection by Karen Olson Johnson

FFI: Joanne Tromiczak-Neid, 651.690.7079

Prepared by Earth Partners Working Group of the Justice Commission of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet and Consociates

The Basilica of St. Mary is featuring an exhibit of paintings and icons by Father John Giuliani, an icon artist known for depicting Jesus and the saints in the faces of Native American peoples. Father Giuliani states, "My intent in depicting Christian saints as Native Americans is to honor them and to acknowledge their original presence on this land."

Andean Good Shepherd, oil on canvas

The exhibit in the Pope John XXIII gallery runs through May 8: Gallary hours: Saturdays: 10:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. Sundays: 7:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. For more information: Basilica of St. Mary

Liberian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act

Minnesota is home to an estimated 30,000 Liberians, approximately 1,000 living under Deferred Enforced Departure which is due to terminate September 30, 2011. The Justice Office has been part of the Coalition for Permanent Residency (CPR) for Liberians since January 2007. During March CPR met with Congressman Keith Ellison, Siad Ali, constituent representative to Senator Amy Klobuchar and Amy Hang, field representative to Senator Al Franken. These meetings provided the opportunity to strategize and to urge Congressman Ellision, Senator Klobuchar and Senator Franken to take a leadership role in pursuing permanent resident status for Liberians. This week (March 29) Senator Amy Klobuchar and Senator Al Franken announced that they are co-sponsoring the Liberian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act with Senator Reed (RI), Senator Kerry (MA) and four other senators, and Congressman Elison introduced the Liberian Refugee Fairness Act inthe House. Press Release Senator Franken Press Release Senator Reed, also calls for President Obama to act on the looming DED deadline. Press Release Congressman Ellison Ethnic Capitol Liberians Ethnic Capitol: Liberians

The Universal Church as Defender of the Rights of Migrants

"The Catholic Church and Immigration: Pastoral, Policy and Social Perspectives"

Catholic University, Washington DC

March 21-23, 2011

Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, who presented at Catholic University on March 23, 2011, stated, "Migration is not always a pretty sight, as, because of the nature of our world, persons on the move are often running away from danger, from wars, persecution, or grinding poverty. However, it continues to be a permanent part of the international landscape that cannot be ignored, because it involves human beings and their welfare."

Full text

World Water Week Activities

UN World Water Day, March 22. The World Water Day Coalition is organizing a series of events in Washington DC and advocacy opportunities across the country. On March 23, particpants from around the world will join together in DC for Advocacy Day to show their support for water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) issues and urge continued support from members of Congress.

Also visit: One Week for Water

(information received from LCWR (Leadership Conference of Women Religious)

11th Day Prayer for Peace: UN Women

Friday, March 11, 2011, 6:30 p.m.

Reflection by Cheryl Maloney, Consociate

Her Experiences at the United Nations for the

55th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women

Music by Kathleen Olsen, Consociate

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