tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8746000298666979582024-03-04T23:31:43.584-08:00Justice MattersJustice Mattershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15188900894855939350noreply@blogger.comBlogger105125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-874600029866697958.post-9093193403059128062012-05-17T12:30:00.000-07:002012-05-22T12:31:40.654-07:00Holy Creation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgov0vZkv6Mmk8vaJdwQOoT5mctsnEY3_Ec3DQVp4cpNPkRZ3hUAF_9IXBiDKbUWNsU28y-tOxl3S5e_lMYyIhS6sw2nKqGNbhUpWmunX_dGTCK-jfVP5lO76cglqE_YrGdwyaBTqfE-Rw/s1600/Earth_snap+pea+seedlings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgov0vZkv6Mmk8vaJdwQOoT5mctsnEY3_Ec3DQVp4cpNPkRZ3hUAF_9IXBiDKbUWNsU28y-tOxl3S5e_lMYyIhS6sw2nKqGNbhUpWmunX_dGTCK-jfVP5lO76cglqE_YrGdwyaBTqfE-Rw/s200/Earth_snap+pea+seedlings.jpg" width="200" /></a>The snap peas in our garden are reaching toward the sky--a constant reminder of the miracle of life. Every morning as I pass our backyard garden, I am reminded of the few days I spent at the White Violet Center for Eco-Justice (WVC) with the St. Joseph Worker Program.</div>
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Seven of us packed the green mini-van to full capacity and headed to Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana. We knew we would see Alpacas, we heard there were two rocking CSJs there, but beyond that we were left to wonder and wait. A few naps and several car games later, we arrived in Indiana and were greeted by Sister Mo and a loaf of pumpkin bread from Sister P.B.<br />
<br />The next morning, Alyssa and I had the task of weeding the potato field and covering the seedlings in hay to reduce the amount of weeds over the season. It frosted the evening before, and we witnessed resiliency and strength from the tiniest of sprouts. Some had lost their fight with the frost, but an overwhelming number had survived and were showing a healthy green stem under a brown-spotted leaf. A miracle. Awe-inspiring still were the rutabaga roots that had populated the same plot last year and survived the winter. These little plants had not been fostered by the gardeners, yet they grew--with support from the soil, rain, themselves and God they were actively growing. I couldn't help being continually amazed as we worked.<br />
<br />Throughout the weekend, all seven of us had the chance to garden and to work with the Alpacas. Observing the great reverence the WVC staff has for the land, plants and animals under their care is incredible. Sister P.B. told me of illnesses that have befallen the Alpacas, and the compassion and empathy for the animals was palpable. Sister Mo when showing us the compost had great pride and admiration for the created dirt--the beautiful, black pile of dirt that would foster the growth of many more plants.<br />
<br />
This is the beauty of the White Violet Center, and the lesson I have brought back with me--the created world is to be revered, loved, and protected, after all...this too is our dear neighbor.<br />
<br />To learn more about the White Violet Center for Eco-Justice, visit their <a href="http://www.spsmw.org/white-violet-center-for-eco-justice/home------wvc.aspx">website</a>.<br />
<br />
--Elizabeth Fairbairn, St. Joseph Worker & Justice Office InternJustice Mattershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15188900894855939350noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-874600029866697958.post-23266913541936258502012-05-16T09:26:00.000-07:002012-05-23T12:51:05.325-07:00LCWR Justice and Peace Alert: May 17 ACTIONGreetings great people of justice: <br />
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We received this Justice and Peace Action Alert from the Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR) and encourage you to take action as you are able on behalf of the <span style="color: #20124d;"><strong>"rights of immigrants who continue to suffer from Congress and President Obama's lack of Action."</strong></span><br />
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<strong><span style="color: #000033; font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 24pt;">LCWR
Justice and Peace Alert</span></strong><span style="color: #000033; font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 24pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">We are asking you for 5-10 minutes of your time on Thursday,
May 17, to contact President Obama and Speaker Boehner about the rights of
immigrants which is part of our congregation's corporate stance.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times-New-Roman","serif"; font-size: 8pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">The <i>United We Dream</i> network is calling for a day of
action with events across the country to secure rights for all immigrants
because they continue to suffer from Congress and President Obama's lack of
action.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times-New-Roman","serif"; font-size: 8pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Please contact President Obama and Speaker Boehner and
tell them to honor the dreams of immigrant youth!</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times-New-Roman","serif"; font-size: 8pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times-New-Roman","serif"; font-size: 10pt;">President Barack Obama<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times-New-Roman","serif"; font-size: 10pt;">John Boehner, Speaker
of House<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times-New-Roman","serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Phone</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times-New-Roman","serif"; font-size: 10pt;">
2020-465-1111<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times-New-Roman","serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Phone:</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times-New-Roman","serif"; font-size: 10pt;">
202-225-0600<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times-New-Roman","serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Email</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times-New-Roman","serif"; font-size: 10pt;">:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times-New-Roman","serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001X98KGiQ3M2igRT0vTCxSykzxgKJF6fFPEE50XEbIi9qfg6rP1CBn2ydEL3fcvdOQHKzP9mA_Gwqo3va54M7YYDZ_XidSrYBCtp3WtaCaoS-2aSYHm-KgrUJrFbL47rQyULllss2MrnKYps7d-deETZAhhPT6iX2Lpmlj-CcASlw=" shape="rect" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/submit-questions-and-comments</span></a> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times-New-Roman","serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Email:</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times-New-Roman","serif"; font-size: 10pt;">
<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001X98KGiQ3M2gBV9uZJOG39IgahA0JUfH7W1zhdHo0ccOZqJ9A2O_Y1gh9AhRjEJd53Yhzi4oGF5klgJhv4wAClVRc5_NT9XWk5BRPPuv_W_elH0WNMlEzLZmETxwQPhuc" shape="rect" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">www.speaker.gov/contact</span></a> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times-New-Roman","serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Letter/post
card:</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times-New-Roman","serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times-New-Roman","serif"; font-size: 10pt;">President Barack Obama<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times-New-Roman","serif"; font-size: 10pt;">1600 Pennsylvania Ave
NW<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times-New-Roman","serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Washington DC 20500<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times-New-Roman","serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Letter/post card:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times-New-Roman","serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Office of the Speaker<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times-New-Roman","serif"; font-size: 10pt;">H-232 The Capital<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times-New-Roman","serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Washington DC 20515<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Possible comments for President Obama and Speaker
Boehner: </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times-New-Roman","serif"; font-size: 8pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">
Support the DREAM Act</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times-New-Roman","serif"; font-size: 8pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times-New-Roman","serif"; font-size: 8pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Our Immigrant youth have the right to live without fear.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times-New-Roman","serif"; font-size: 8pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Our Immigrant youth have the right to live with their
families.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times-New-Roman","serif"; font-size: 8pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Our Immigrant youth have the right to move freely.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times-New-Roman","serif"; font-size: 8pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Our Immigrant youth have the right to be educated.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times-New-Roman","serif"; font-size: 8pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Our Immigrant youth have the right to give back to the
community.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times-New-Roman","serif"; font-size: 8pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Our Immigrant youth have the right to build a strong
sustainable economy.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times-New-Roman","serif"; font-size: 8pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Our Immigrant youth have the right to build their dreams.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times-New-Roman","serif"; font-size: 8pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><strong>An Immigrant's Prayer</strong></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times-New-Roman","serif"; font-size: 8pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">O holy God, Heart of heaven and earth, praised be your holy
name.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times-New-Roman","serif"; font-size: 8pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Your daughters and sons, from all peoples of the world,</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times-New-Roman","serif"; font-size: 8pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">regardless of boarders, praise you.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times-New-Roman","serif"; font-size: 8pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">We praise you and give you thanks</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times-New-Roman","serif"; font-size: 8pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">because you have placed in our hands the immigrant pilgrims</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times-New-Roman","serif"; font-size: 8pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">who make the earth flourish and produce,</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times-New-Roman","serif"; font-size: 8pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">to bring food to the table of the rich and poor alike.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times-New-Roman","serif"; font-size: 8pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">We praise you and give you thanks because you walk always</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times-New-Roman","serif"; font-size: 8pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">with those who cross borders in search of wellbeing,</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times-New-Roman","serif"; font-size: 8pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">doing their part in building the world you entrusted to us.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times-New-Roman","serif"; font-size: 8pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">On our way, we are mindful of your Presence</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times-New-Roman","serif"; font-size: 8pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">in the promise to Abraham and in the liberation of your
people, Israel.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times-New-Roman","serif"; font-size: 8pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">We praise you and give you thanks for your blessings on all
immigrants,</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times-New-Roman","serif"; font-size: 8pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">on those who cross all the borders in the United States.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times-New-Roman","serif"; font-size: 8pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">And you, O lady of Guadalupe, empress of the Americas,</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times-New-Roman","serif"; font-size: 8pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">be always our protector and intercessor for reconciliation</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times-New-Roman","serif"; font-size: 8pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">and the building of equality and peace. Amen.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times-New-Roman","serif"; font-size: 8pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times-New-Roman","serif"; font-size: 8pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Ann Scholz, SSND, PhD</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times-New-Roman","serif"; font-size: 8pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Associate Director for Social Mission</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times-New-Roman","serif"; font-size: 8pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Leadership Conference of Women Religious</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times-New-Roman","serif"; font-size: 8pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">8808 Cameron St.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times-New-Roman","serif"; font-size: 8pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Silver Spring MD, 20910</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times-New-Roman","serif"; font-size: 8pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">301-588-4955 (W)</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times-New-Roman","serif"; font-size: 8pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">443-570-2606 (M)</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times-New-Roman","serif"; font-size: 8pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times-New-Roman","serif"; font-size: 8pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><a href="mailto:ascholz@lcwr.org" shape="rect" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="color: blue;">ascholz@lcwr.org</span></span></a> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times-New-Roman","serif"; font-size: 8pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001X98KGiQ3M2goPO5I9SCpdlH7RrEdvN1tomO4jmZRVMwANXojFSQ_CZ8TnwPFoFGoq0XQKzv3NUMPmiknZRZnDlJTT0GWOBpfR1bMaCc-kfzQFbX49LgIzVsj_-I0-FeK" shape="rect" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="color: blue;">facebook.com/lcwr.org</span></span></a> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times-New-Roman","serif"; font-size: 8pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.lcwr.org/">www.lcwr.org</a></span></span></span></div>
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</div>Justice Mattershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15188900894855939350noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-874600029866697958.post-28614712553017879732012-05-10T13:00:00.000-07:002012-05-23T12:41:04.124-07:00Food Justice at St. Catherine University<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-LWStwFo5l6tHSD86L5vfsUEOHSTpCsaMlp_Y5FzvAyMxr-ZKn7ExB4b-2azLDJp0TNtXT9NbG4OqPOBb20Y_Ecwzaz6PL87UfB6EPOnkAxZcytT-nyiLU0yu0epP6evgFvLV2emIiXY/s1600/Food_organic+display.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-LWStwFo5l6tHSD86L5vfsUEOHSTpCsaMlp_Y5FzvAyMxr-ZKn7ExB4b-2azLDJp0TNtXT9NbG4OqPOBb20Y_Ecwzaz6PL87UfB6EPOnkAxZcytT-nyiLU0yu0epP6evgFvLV2emIiXY/s200/Food_organic+display.jpg" width="200" /></a>In September, the Justice Commission agreed to co-sponsor the first St. Kate's Food Week. This quickly planned collaboration resulted in over 30 events in one week all focusing on the injustices that surround food. That week spurred into a Food Justice movement on campus and has now been formalized into the Food Justice Coalition.</div>
<br />Two student organizers have led the charge at St. Catherine University in hopes of creating a greater sense of community on campus, engaging community members in action for justice, and producing a more socially just campus. Cirien Saadeh and Liesl Wolf have poured time and energy into this effort, along with being busy students as well! On May 8th they had the chance to celebrate the progress of this year and publicly announce the Food Justice Coalition.<br />
<br />
The Food Justice Coalition will serve as an organizing force of the Food Justice Movement. Individuals and groups will work in committees focused on key issues (currently they are Awareness & Outreach, Dining Services: Relations & Contract and a Community Garden). A Leadership Board will hold the big picture of the movement and coordinate the efforts of the task groups. The Food Justice Coalition is opened to "anyone and everyone committed to food justice at St. Catherine University." I am impressed with the commitment to fostering student leadership within the Food Justice Coalition and the commitment to the values of St. Kate's and the CSJ community. I am very excited to see how this will move forward.<br />
<br />
If you are interested in learning more about the Food Justice Coalition at St. Catherine University, please contact Liesl Wolf at <a href="mailto:lwolf@stkate.edu">lwolf@stkate.edu</a> or me at <a href="mailto:emfairbairn@gmail.com">emfairbairn@gmail.com</a>.<br />
<br />-Elizabeth Fairbairn, St. Joseph Worker & Justice Office Program AssistantJustice Mattershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15188900894855939350noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-874600029866697958.post-8224683009470903302012-04-25T11:04:00.001-07:002012-04-25T11:05:03.126-07:00Immigration is Abuzz in the Headlines<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJCQuNCwWigIhnIKAVa3f06UWw3ScQJaNFkcG6wQv-WJN3us4xuMw8q3Vcb8ll6ytTrFRMCL6LhXDdjfLNMxWqeFVCQ58qTFeNhdWtmpw0Bhb0Iw6P6yD4Js10e1mURRvg-_DuW91HYC8/s1600/Supreme+Court.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJCQuNCwWigIhnIKAVa3f06UWw3ScQJaNFkcG6wQv-WJN3us4xuMw8q3Vcb8ll6ytTrFRMCL6LhXDdjfLNMxWqeFVCQ58qTFeNhdWtmpw0Bhb0Iw6P6yD4Js10e1mURRvg-_DuW91HYC8/s200/Supreme+Court.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The United States Supreme Court is
set to review the legality of Arizona SB1070, the contentious immigration law
that was passed a few years ago. According to BBC, the Supreme Court will
review four provisions that were blocked by a lower appeals court:<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt 48pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">requiring officials to check the immigration status of
anyone arrested and allowing police to stop anyone suspected of bein an
undocumented immigrant</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt 48pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">making it a state crime to reside in Arizona without legal
documentation</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt 48pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">banning all undocumented immigrants from working in the
state or applying for a job</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt 48pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">allowing police to arrest a person believed to have
committed a crime that could lead to deportation, even if the crime occurred in
another state<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">See this </span><a href="http://world-us-canada-17830567/"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">BBC article</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> for
further details on the Supreme Court case.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">While the Supreme Court prepares to
hear this case, the Catholic Church in the United States has been doing some
prep work of their own. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">NETWORK, a National Catholic Social
Justice Lobby, along with approximately 50 other civil rights, faith and
community organizations filed an </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amicus_curiae"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">amicus brief</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> with the
Supreme Court urging the court to affirm the blockage of the four provisions.
The fifty page report argues that SB1070 will harm U.S. Citizens, misapprehends
the federal immigration scheme and cannot be implemented constituionally. For
further information </span><a href="http://www.networklobby.org/network-immigration-supreme-court"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">click here</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The USCCB (United States Conference
of Catholic Bishops) released news that they, along with other faith leaders,
called upon the President and Congress to reassert authority on immigration
law. As the Supreme Court is working to review state authority of immigration,
the USCCB called upon the President and Congress to enact immigration reform
legislation "as soon as possible" in order to secure federal power
over immigration policy. For further information </span><a href="http://www.usccb.org/news/2012/12-071.cfm"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">click here</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Great examples of putting feet to
the Gospel message and a glimpse of the Kindom.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">-Elizabeth
Fairbairn, St. Joseph Worker & Justice Office Intern</span>Justice Mattershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15188900894855939350noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-874600029866697958.post-10654313387888937642012-04-04T14:43:00.007-07:002012-04-05T08:06:05.535-07:00Women's History Month Reflection<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjodiUlF3RNDmV7-DC_cXBGwHlcMi-QTk7ggiG_fWUETKCCT5f8iSgCK7t8gYu5frYd27gkVNwySS4S8gnzpdPCsJGEyS0zESnecButzsj4jeY-lgacKhLnOcdEg06N6IHv8TSR9cj_N5Y/s1600/Women+behind+us.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 200px; height: 200px; float: left; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5727664674577102178" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjodiUlF3RNDmV7-DC_cXBGwHlcMi-QTk7ggiG_fWUETKCCT5f8iSgCK7t8gYu5frYd27gkVNwySS4S8gnzpdPCsJGEyS0zESnecButzsj4jeY-lgacKhLnOcdEg06N6IHv8TSR9cj_N5Y/s200/Women+behind+us.jpg" /></a><div>As we move into the first week of April, I am called to reflect on March – Women’s History Month.</div><div><br />A single experience of March that comes to mind is the 11th Day Prayer for Peace – Celebrating Women—hosted by the St. Joseph Worker Program. The time spent with friends and in front of the computer for the planning of this event is memorable, and yet what that time provided is what resonates: to learn more about women who have laid the path for me, especially those from the CSJ community.</div><div><br />During the service, we recalled the lineage of women leadership that has come before all of us. Women who fought for the rights we enjoy today, who infuse society with love and passion that we carry in our hearts, and who opened the societal perceptions of women. In the narrative of this lineage, our hope was to name the unnamed sheroes that make up so much of this lineage, especially members of the CSJ Community who have gone uncelebrated and unnamed despite the large contributions provided.</div><div> </div><div>With the help of Jill Underdahl, Mary Kaye Medinger and Mary Kraft, we were able to name and more fully understand three Sisters of St. Joseph from our lineage. Sister Jackie Slater (1934-1984) who integrated her values and relationships within her community as she served three terms on City Council representing the diverse Sixth Ward of Minneapolis. Sister St. Mark Wirtz (1904-1962) who had a deep passion for all of creation and carried this passion into her many positions at the College of St. Catherine as an Ornithologist. Finally, Sister Rita Steinhagen (1928-2006) who’s actions are often recognized within the great lineage of social justice leadership, but we chose to highlight the motivation for her work which was steeped in her experiences and relationships with people.</div><div><br />Several weeks after that beautiful service in the Our Lady of the Presentation Chapel, I still have a burning curiosity for the fullness and depth of the lineage of women which leads to my heart, mind and feet. I encourage everyone to learn a bit more about one woman who has inspired you as a leader-- with the caution that once you learn a little you will be captivated.</div><div><br />--Elizabeth Fairbairn, St. Joseph Worker & Justice Office Intern</div></div>Justice Mattershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15188900894855939350noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-874600029866697958.post-83646614077369739752012-03-26T12:58:00.002-07:002012-04-25T11:05:33.127-07:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJfs5Qy_uu-OzhP44z_KikjufeG_msl7_fI0Un3gw8toJqzTeu01YdwDgxcnxPGNcDX-_-XGfCdGArSANupa3Kx0KDmcchVKHq5sJCHIzY12BitSjQS_FVOYIuW3s1kxe5pzK5-9NLEiY/s1600/Nobel+Peace+Prize+Forum.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724298504599341538" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJfs5Qy_uu-OzhP44z_KikjufeG_msl7_fI0Un3gw8toJqzTeu01YdwDgxcnxPGNcDX-_-XGfCdGArSANupa3Kx0KDmcchVKHq5sJCHIzY12BitSjQS_FVOYIuW3s1kxe5pzK5-9NLEiY/s200/Nobel+Peace+Prize+Forum.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 198px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 200px;" /></a><br />
<div>
The <a href="http://nobelpeaceprizeforum.org/the-event/">Nobel Peace Prize Forum</a> is an annual event bringing together Nobel Peace Prize Laureates, civic leaders, and scholars together with students and other citizens in an effort to engage peacemaking efforts around the world. The 2012 Forum used a variety of mediums and topics, ranging from “The Ethics of Hip Hop” to an address by Nobel Laureate F.W. de Klerk.</div>
<div>
<br />
I attended the “Business Day” of the forum at the beginning of this month and was pleasantly surprised by the continual emphasis on the need for the private sector to be involved if peace can prevail on earth. The day was filled with a variety of interests from the private sector epresenting the large field it is-- renewable energy, microenterprise and entrepreneurs, agriculture and food industry, chambers of commerce, economics, etc. </div>
<div>
<br />
I greatly appreciated all the presentations I attended throughout the day, but the final keynote speaker was astonishing. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saki_Macozoma">Saki Macozoma</a> served time on Robben Island during Nelson Mandela's imprisonment and was a business leader throughout the ending of apartheid. He spoke of the South African private sector's collective involvement that kept the debating factions at the table during the ending of apartheid, and the business community’s involvement presently to help decrease unemployment. The key to his presentation was that the South African business community recognizes the benefits from social reform and high quality of life. This is a revolutionary concept. If the worldwide business community supported and understood this we could have a radically different world--one where corporate power could be a term of social change, not greed and corruption.</div>
<div>
May peacemaking prevail on earth, and may all of us play a role,<br />
Elizabeth Fairbairn, St. Joseph Worker & Justice Office Intern</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
For a schedule of the <a href="http://nobelpeaceprizeforum.org/business-day-march-1/">Business Day click here</a>.<br />
Please click here for the <a href="http://nobelpeaceprizeforum.org/livestream/">video archive of the 2012 Nobel Peace Prize Forum.</a></div>Justice Mattershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15188900894855939350noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-874600029866697958.post-6473500780739190992012-03-13T11:51:00.004-07:002012-03-13T12:28:49.642-07:00Call to Action Conference<img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 134px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5719465281072535858" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDOhnIIj-p52dJpEGyJHP6QIlhrO3jzP3vfshBtPVgbTtXoZkwxfzNN1vBaRJU8l8fQyKN34IlIkkfrEXOcPKSZvz3LNrzXcTB9IgGZHwVHBxJNizKFycCoZGLLmDdZ3-NpxshfJ5febk/s200/vote.jpg" /><strong>The Marriage Amendment: Can Faithful Catholics Vote "No"?</strong><br /><br /><div><strong>Saturday, April 21, 2012</strong></div><br /><div>Registration 9:00; Conference 9:30 (lunch and snacks provided)<br /><strong></strong></div><br /><div><strong>Gloria Dei Lutheran Church </strong><br />700 Snelling Avenue, Saint Paul, MN 55116<br />Sponsored by Call to Action<br /><br />"Shall the Minnesota Constitution be amended to provide that only a union of one man and one woman shall be valid or recognized as a marriage in Minnesota?" Can Faithful Catholics vote "no"?<br /><br />"Call to Action acknowledges that people of faith have differences on this issue and offers conference participants an opportunity to consider this issue from a variety of perspectives."<br /><span style="font-size:78%;">(CTA event brochure)</span><br /><span style="font-size:78%;"></span><br /><strong>Conference Music:</strong> Donna Pena, composer and performer resding in Inver Grove Heights<br /><br /><strong>Conference Presenters </strong><br /><strong>Lucian "Mickey" Martinez</strong>, attorney who drafted a bried on behalf of a national civil rights organization in <em>Log Cabin Republicans v. United </em><em>States of America </em>on the matter of the U. S. Military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" Policy. His topic: "<strong>A Holy, Civil Matter"</strong></div><br /><br /><div><strong>Patricia Beattie Jung</strong>, editor of the discussion text, <em>God, Sex, Science and</em> <em>Gender</em> <em>and </em>Professor of Christian Ethics and Health and Welfare Ministries at Saint Paul School of Theology, Kansas City, Missouri. Her topic: <strong>"Marriage Equality and Catholicism"</strong> </div><br /><br /><div><strong>Project 515 Players,</strong> directed by Bryan Gerber, performs vignettes based on the real-life discrimination facted by same-sex couples and their families in Minnesota and highlights many of the 515 discriminatory laws through theatrical presentation and song. </div><br /><br /><br /><div><strong>REGISTRATION</strong> </div><br /><br /><div>Before March 31: $35 per person </div><br /><br /><div>After March 31: $45 per person </div><br /><br /><div>Young Adults (under 30) $10 per person</div><br /><br /><div>Adults traveling two hours or more $20 per person</div><br /><br /><div><strong>PLEASE REGISTER EARLY to help with food count</strong></div><br /><div>Please make checks payable to CTA-MN, P. O. Box 19406, Minneapolis, MN 55419<br /></div><br /><div><strong>Conference Contact Person</strong></div><br /><div>Art Stoeberl 651.278.6630 <a href="mailto:artstoeberl@yahoo.com">artstoeberl@yahoo.com</a></div>Justice Mattershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15188900894855939350noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-874600029866697958.post-85672588492999768452012-02-29T09:05:00.016-08:002012-03-01T15:37:50.478-08:00March is Minnesota FoodShare Month<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuD6fX_VwZMR0IlAua5swkv-S8mnnj7iqsL3d8gJLWmzRls1FepAglBkVyruhb8I5PQ2u4xem5S86884V138ryJywKotD5JsySh3FoRaSdTGKxyw3WQY7xxif4iDNrpX0gb77AWWspcnk/s1600/MarchFoodShareLogoGreen.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 117px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714605324995681394" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuD6fX_VwZMR0IlAua5swkv-S8mnnj7iqsL3d8gJLWmzRls1FepAglBkVyruhb8I5PQ2u4xem5S86884V138ryJywKotD5JsySh3FoRaSdTGKxyw3WQY7xxif4iDNrpX0gb77AWWspcnk/s200/MarchFoodShareLogoGreen.jpg" /></a><br />The Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet and Consociates collected over $300 to support the work of Minnesota FoodShare. Friday, February 24, Joanne Tromiczak-Neid, Justice Coordinator and Ginger K. Hedstrom, Justice Associate presented the check to Sara Nelson-Pallmeyer for the March Minnesota FoodShare Campaign 2012.<br /><br />Nelson-Pallmeryer expressed gratitude to the sisters for their support of Minnesota FoodShare. She also cited examples of the sharp increase in hunger across Minnesota: 2008-2010 visits to food shelves increased 62% statewide and 97% in the Twin Cities area; and 36% of visitors to Twin Cities Area food shelves reported having at least one working adult in the household. <a href="http://mnfoodshare.hunger_php/">Hunger Facts</a><br /><br /><em>Each March, Minnesota FoodShare directs the March Campaign, the largest food drive in the state and restocks 300 food shelves across Minnesota. It recruits thousands of congregations, companies, schools and civic groups to run local food and fund drives to aid in the effort.<br />Minnesota FoodShare organizes a statewide media campaign to promote food shelf donations. It produces and distributes free promotional and educational resources for food drive organizers. It acts as a clearinghouse for cash donations and distributes the funds to participating Minnesota food shelves. Throughout the year, Minnesota FoodShare advocates on behalf of hungry Minnesota families with both state and federal lawmakers and educates the public about hunger in Minnesota.</em> <a href="http://www.mnfoodshare.gmcc.org/">http://www.mnfoodshare.gmcc.org/</a><br /><br /><strong>The Catholic Spirit<br /></strong><em><strong>100 percent to food shelves<br /></strong>“The March campaign raised approximately half of that,” Nelson-Pallmeyer said. “The beauty of the March campaign is that when there are donations to Minnesota FoodShare — general donations or donations from corporations during the month of March — we turn around and give 100 percent of those funds back to the food shelves. We don’t keep any for administration.” </em><a href="http://www.thecatholicspirit.com/news/local/fight-hunger-by-supporting-the-mn-foodshare-march-campaign">The Catholic Spirit</a><br /><br />Nelson-Pallmeyer hopes Minnesotans will strongly support the <em>March Minnnesota FoodShare Month</em> Campaign and remember hunger needs in Minnesota do not end on March 31, hunger is a reality 365 days a year and our support of Minnesota families is needed all 365 days.<br /><br />March is a good time to make a commitment and become involved as an individual, parish, congregation or organization. Visit <a href="http://mnfoodshare.gmcc.org/march.php">Minnesota FoodShare</a> Become involved. <em></em><br /><em></em><br /><em>We can make a difference and we can do it now.</em>Justice Mattershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15188900894855939350noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-874600029866697958.post-81201358628763644322012-01-24T13:13:00.000-08:002012-01-26T14:55:34.366-08:00Imagining a Just Economy<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhdIt6CTrheKwBi6y5ZCmGhyphenhyphenkO9nxBoKibGWzV3tyqI8Dy5KK3C29Ws0aO8GOCYusr4L9icp-u2hLVpJzNPBt_H5HlL5zy5jyr-GxIIkZC1KXwmgrnsg-IkgK8aC8WspJXJ_kec0cdNqM/s1600/stock+market.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 200px; height: 100px; float: left; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702077421915480450" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhdIt6CTrheKwBi6y5ZCmGhyphenhyphenkO9nxBoKibGWzV3tyqI8Dy5KK3C29Ws0aO8GOCYusr4L9icp-u2hLVpJzNPBt_H5HlL5zy5jyr-GxIIkZC1KXwmgrnsg-IkgK8aC8WspJXJ_kec0cdNqM/s200/stock+market.jpg" /></a>Last Wednesday night, the Eliminating Poverty Task Group hosted "Imagining a Just Economy" facilitated by Carol Gariano, CSJ Consociate and Terin Mayer from TakeAction Minnesota.<br /><br />The event was a success! It was a wonderful collaboration between two organizations, and an exploration into the possibilities of our world. The two hour agenda was full of engaging activities, I found two to be most valuable.<br /><br />We were given a timeline of past economic policies and recognized different policies that have impacted us. As Terin reminded us several times, the economy is not like the weather--we, as a society, shape and affect our economic future.<br /><br />The second activity was the actual imagining of a new economy--a just economy. We first discussed our envisioned purpose of the economy: to foster success, for all to recieve bread and roses, to emphasize economic & societal relationships, to name a few.<br /><br />Next we discussed what needs to change for the proposed economy to exist. We walked through different aspects of society - government, work, banks...we could have gone all night through the different areas. We had both tangible ideas (ending corporate personhood; adjusting current political campaign system; creating a liveable wage; etc) and ideas that truly rock the boat (ending individualism; changing the definition of success; etc).<br /><br />I left feeling hopeful while skeptical of how immense some of our ideas were. I also felt liberated in the ability to have this conversation and the recognition of our knowledge and power in the situation.<br /><br />I was pleasantly surprised while reading the newspaper this past Sunday. A few of our proposed changes are already being tried and tested by individuals. There is hope for our society, and a great need for continued imagining.<br /><br />Star Tribune articles regarding just economic strategies:<div><a href="http://www.startribune.com/business/137768328.html">"Company Prospers, and so do Workers"</a></div><div><a href="http://www.startribune.com/business/yourmoney/137763418.html">"Serving those with Smaller Nest Eggs"</a><br /><br />Interested in continued work on creating a just economy and world? Check out the <a href="http://tinyurl.com/jo-currentevents">current events</a> from the Justice Office of the Sisters of St. Joseph<br /><br />-Elizabeth Fairbairn, St. Joseph Worker & Justice Office Intern</div></div>Justice Mattershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15188900894855939350noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-874600029866697958.post-64786899090422916692012-01-16T08:29:00.000-08:002012-01-19T08:24:56.711-08:00Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Breakfast<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJGjd1NdQddZPtaUSBGNuPtp_CIDYPrQCtRt3WvRwg6_NqJif-ITYSoHZ0SJojh6jupPO2_PuQ_7-eo1A88ykKB0dxFIixOiPZO-oOo1rimHiKZqvwSrLFULxl4HpYtT6MyZaiF9D3qWw/s1600/MLKBreakfast11612+015.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698273869969379042" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJGjd1NdQddZPtaUSBGNuPtp_CIDYPrQCtRt3WvRwg6_NqJif-ITYSoHZ0SJojh6jupPO2_PuQ_7-eo1A88ykKB0dxFIixOiPZO-oOo1rimHiKZqvwSrLFULxl4HpYtT6MyZaiF9D3qWw/s200/MLKBreakfast11612+015.jpg" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#660000;"><strong>BUIDING PEACE & UNITY WITHIN </strong></span></span><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#660000;"><strong>THE GLOBAL COMMUNITY<br /></strong></span></div><br /><br /><br /><p></span>The <span style="color:#660000;"><strong>22nd Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Breakfast</strong></span> main event was held at the Minneapolis Convention Center, with community breakfasts held at four locations in Saint Paul (sponsored by the St. Paul Area Council of Churches) as well as Duluth and River Falls, WI.<br /><br />The theme was lived powerfully throughout the event, beginning with the reminder that Dr. King spoke often of the "beloved community" in which truth, forgiveness and reconcilliation are alive and well.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mlkbreakfast.com/">Naomi Tutu</a>, third child of Archbishop Desmund Tutu was keynote speaker. In her stirring speech, she repeatedly used the African word "omboto" which means humanity - shared humanity. She encouraged us to follow the guidance of Dr. King whose non-violent work helped guide the people of South Africa peacefully to an end of apartheid in 1993. </p><br /><br /><br /><p>MS Tutu reminded us that the "true celebration is not this breakfast, the celebration begins when we step out of these doors and reach for justice."<br /><br /><span style="color:#660000;"><strong>Community Breakfast: Mt. Olivet Baptist Church, Saint Paul</strong></span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;"><strong>Cheryl Steeves, Consociate Candidate, Director,</strong> Sarah's...an Oasis for Women</span> (pictured above) introduced <a href="http://www.sarahsoasis.org/">Sarah's</a> to those present at Mt. Olivet. In celebration more than $600 was collected to be donated to Sarah's.<br /><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;"><strong>Andria Canty, Consociate Candidate</strong></span> served on the planning committee and <span style="color:#3333ff;"><strong>Mari Ann Graham, Consociate</strong></span>, participated in the program inviting all present to carefully consider how each will carry this celebration in our lives and communities.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">Posted by Ginger K. Hedstrom, Justice Associate</span></p>Justice Mattershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15188900894855939350noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-874600029866697958.post-54541909520646663552012-01-13T08:56:00.000-08:002012-01-17T08:14:11.867-08:00Bread & Roses<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx-Qp37f4EUl0pIPyBJWDCFFnyHUQdAj6gedUE6wzFj3eH8KEEGA_S7yX-WYH9ECuUxN3QQCUwoXQEJflA5IE3_KOtDCoCAoPd7d4OMpaLC-9S37nDGLA3e70QGN5yocRVC2U0bynQYi0/s1600/Bread_Roses.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 200px; height: 150px; float: left; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697172139074983010" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx-Qp37f4EUl0pIPyBJWDCFFnyHUQdAj6gedUE6wzFj3eH8KEEGA_S7yX-WYH9ECuUxN3QQCUwoXQEJflA5IE3_KOtDCoCAoPd7d4OMpaLC-9S37nDGLA3e70QGN5yocRVC2U0bynQYi0/s200/Bread_Roses.jpg" /></a><div>Last Thursday marked the 100th anniversary of the Bread & Roses Strike (also known at the 1912 Lawrence Textile Strike) in Lawrence, MA. The story is a reminder of both the power of the collective and women leadership.</div><div> </div><div>On January 12, 1912, Polish women weavers at Everett Cotton Mills realized their pay had been cut after the state decreased the work week for women. 10,000 women left the mill and went on strike. The number of protesters involved grew to 25,000 within a week -- involving almost every mill in the area. </div><div> </div><div>The two-month long strike was ground-breaking as it was comprised of immigrant, largely female and ethnically divided workers -- defying American Federation of Labor's assumption that such a group could not be organized. The diverse group proved their strength and innovation in the creation of the first moving picket line to circumvent loitering laws.</div><div> </div><div>After two months of persistence, the strike was settled on terms generally favorable to the workers. They won pay increases, time-and-a-quarter for overtime, and a promise of no discrimination against strikers.</div><div> </div><div>Since the early 1970s, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet and Consociates have had a justice concerned group “Bread & Roses” inspired by the women of this protest. As with many protests of this time period, think suffrage movement, the persistence and courage of those fighting for justice is humbling and inspiring. Workers' rights and fair wage issues are still prevalent in our world 100 years later. May this anniversary re-light our passion for such justice.</div><div> </div><div>The below poem was later connected to the 1912 protest, giving it the title "Bread & Roses"</div><div> </div><div>As we come marching, marching, in the beauty of the day,</div><div>A million darkened kitchens, a thousand mill-lofts gray</div><div>Are touched with all the radiance that a sudden sun discloses,</div><div>For the people hear us singing, "Bread and Roses, Bread and Roses"</div><div> </div><div>As we come marching, marching, we battle, too, for men--</div><div>For they are women's children and we mother them again.</div><div>Our lives shall not be sweated from birth until life closes--</div><div>Hearts starve as well as bodies: Give us Bread, but give us Roses!</div><div> </div><div>As we come marching, marching, unnumbered women dead</div><div>Go crying through our singing their ancient song of Bread;</div><div>Small art and love and beauty their drudging spirits knew--</div><div>Yes, bread we fight for--but we fight for Roses, too.</div><div> </div><div>As we come marching, marching, we bring the Greater Days--</div><div>The rising of the women means the rising of the race--</div><div>No more the drudge and idler--ten that toil where one reposes--</div><div>But sharing of life's glories: Bread and Roses, Bread and Roses!</div><div> -James Oppenheim, 1911 <em>American Magazine</em></div><div>-Elizabeth Fairbairn, St. Joseph Worker & Justice Office Intern</div>Justice Mattershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15188900894855939350noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-874600029866697958.post-20218689194847821032012-01-11T12:48:00.001-08:002012-01-11T20:13:09.860-08:00Justice for Immigrants Conference -Salt Lake City, Utah<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWmO5pSfZ7JeTWWfNGnJ4zPebeIroZqNvgs56Av4VHMU1MqtvJ-Xu2mHj9LdF0W_no81jsnWxXthMWqvEgMNmFFkFquGoA-f196_nbqXdcHBdlNxlrYPJ452SVBhXfLHqYWHemFT_UmGI/s1600/JFI-logo.gif"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 110px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696479874399680626" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWmO5pSfZ7JeTWWfNGnJ4zPebeIroZqNvgs56Av4VHMU1MqtvJ-Xu2mHj9LdF0W_no81jsnWxXthMWqvEgMNmFFkFquGoA-f196_nbqXdcHBdlNxlrYPJ452SVBhXfLHqYWHemFT_UmGI/s200/JFI-logo.gif" /></a>Immigration - A 50 State Issue: a Focus on State and Local Immigration Initiatives: January 11-13, 2012<br /><br /><div>The conference opens later today with the Most Reverene John C. Webster, Bishop of Salt Lake City providing the keynote address <em>Catholic Public Policy and State Compacts."</em></div><br /><br /><div>Marjorie Cortex, reporter for the <a href="http://deseretnews.com/article/705397165/Catholic-bishops-advocates-to-meet-in-Salt-Lake-to-discuss-immigration-reform.html?pg=1">Deseret News,</a> in her article <em>Catholic Bishops, advocates to meet in Salt Lake to discuss immigration reform </em>writes<em><strong>,</strong> Conference organizers also recognize that Utah is a destination state for many immigrants, Bishop Wester said. "In our own Catholic Church, 80 percent of Catholics speak Spanish. That's an incredible statistic."</em></div><br /><br /><div><strong><span style="color:#990000;">The conference agenda includes:</span></strong> 1. <strong>Immigration Laws and Their Impact on the Church: </strong>Harboring and Transporting Laws;<strong> </strong>Marriage Barriers for Undcocumented Immigrants; Separation of Children and Families and Impact on Clergy and Seminarians <strong>2. Federal /State Enforcement Partnerships </strong>including John Sandweg, Special Counselor to DHS Seretary Janet Napolitano; Laura Olson, Office of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, Department of Homeland Security and Don Kerwin, Executrive Director, Center for Migration Studies (respondent) <strong>3. State Immigration Enforcement Laws - An Overview: </strong>Arizona and Alabama Laws and Copycats; E-Verify Legislation; Education and Public Benefits <strong>4. Communicating the Message</strong>~ speakers are Alfonso Aguilar, Executive Director, Latino Partnershipfor Conservative Principles and former Chief, U. S. Office of Citizenship and Ali Noorani, Executive Director, National Immigration Forum <strong>5.</strong> <strong>Lessons Learned from Different States</strong> with speakers representing Nebraska, Phoenix, Georgia and Boston <strong>6. Proacctive Strategies </strong>with presenters Mario Russell, Senior Attorney, Catholic Charities, Archdiocese of New York and John F. Whitaker, General Counsel, Diocese of Birmingham; Rob Tasman, Associate Director, Louisiana Catholic Conference and Allen Sanchez, Director, New Mexico Catholic Conference.</div><br /><br /><div>223 are registered! This afternoon I met a wonderful woman from Hawaii who works on immigration with Roselani Enomoto, CSJ!<br /></div><br /><br /><div><span style="font-size:78%;color:#6600cc;">Posted by Ginger K. Hedstrom, Justice Associate</span></div>Justice Mattershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15188900894855939350noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-874600029866697958.post-87207156581461966722012-01-04T08:45:00.000-08:002012-01-06T09:38:21.775-08:00Second Chance Coalition - DAY ON THE HILL<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_aRKEUYXJlfauNDfcfRMEkdcf-iOXj6e3EQrZIJ6brMfVxJd2carmjECStk3dI8a0ZYOVMjSFdApz9BZlAquRkqLhS0LLK8bmz9Sgzw9oo0y4-tLJf8XLBMjBXC5p7imjgCmuMLTJom8/s1600/142716.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 157px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694573687802491682" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_aRKEUYXJlfauNDfcfRMEkdcf-iOXj6e3EQrZIJ6brMfVxJd2carmjECStk3dI8a0ZYOVMjSFdApz9BZlAquRkqLhS0LLK8bmz9Sgzw9oo0y4-tLJf8XLBMjBXC5p7imjgCmuMLTJom8/s200/142716.jpg" /></a> Each year the Second Chance Coalition brings hundreds of ex-offenders and their supporters to the Minnesota State Capitol to rally and meet with legislators. <a href="http://www.mnsecondchancecoalition.org/day_on_hill_2011.php">Click here</a> to learn more about the upcoming <strong><span style="color:#cc0000;">Second Chance Day on the Hill, January 31, 2012</span></strong>.<br /><br /><br /><div>The Minnesota Second Chance Coalition is a <a href="http://mnsecondchancecoalition.org/partners.php">partnership</a> (including the Criminal Justice Working Group of the Justice Commission) of over 50 organizations that advocate for fair and responsible laws, policies, and practices that allow those who have committed crimes to redeem themselves, fully support themselves and their families, and contribute to their communities to their full potential.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:78%;">Posted by Ginger K. Hedstrom, Justice Associate</span></div>Justice Mattershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15188900894855939350noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-874600029866697958.post-21915576083577269392011-12-21T11:34:00.000-08:002011-12-22T06:51:27.370-08:00Historic Precedent Set for Trafficking Victims<div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhThnsesaK0fq3V2M6CpLGiWd2hh_6HfphMqcGOSIvjDw18ov5-ZAn6bdXgCPX7NZMcJ85Dd64-0WmPkWkOvCPU-J82aiU4h84t70kPANAi2jrXsYZdkyPaxBLvIX2YHyDIaWVuT8YCLLo/s1600/gavel_flag.png"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 200px; height: 133px; float: left; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688681975702185938" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhThnsesaK0fq3V2M6CpLGiWd2hh_6HfphMqcGOSIvjDw18ov5-ZAn6bdXgCPX7NZMcJ85Dd64-0WmPkWkOvCPU-J82aiU4h84t70kPANAi2jrXsYZdkyPaxBLvIX2YHyDIaWVuT8YCLLo/s200/gavel_flag.png" /></a>The Southern Poverty Law Center is at it again--this time expanding past enforcement and application of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA). <div> </div><div> </div><div>Passed in 2000, the <a href="http://www.polarisproject.org/resources/resources-by-topic/anti-trafficking-efforts">TVPA</a> 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.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div>A <a href="http://www.splcenter.org/get-informed/case-docket/mairi-nunag-tanedo-et-al-v-east-baton-rouge-parish-school-board-et-al">human trafficking lawsuit</a>, 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.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div>The other precedent, a wider interpretation of coersion, is crucial to future protection of victims. To meet the <a href="http://fightslaverynow.org/why-fight-there-are-27-million-reasons/the-law-and-trafficking/trafficking-victims-protection-act/trafficking-victims-protection-act/">definition of trafficking</a>, 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.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div>This is wonderful news for the victims of trafficking, and those who work to end human trafficking in our world. Hallelujah!</div><div> </div><div> </div><div>To read the full article from the Southern Poverty Law Center regarding the case, please <a href="http://www.splcenter.org/get-informed/news/precedent-setting-decision-issued-in-splc-teacher-trafficking-case-0">click here</a>. Find further resources from the Justice Commission's <a href="http://www.csjstpaul.org/antihumantrafficking.aspx">Anti Human Trafficking Working Group</a>.</div><div> </div><div>-Elizabeth Fairbairn, St. Joseph Worker & Justice Office Intern</div></div></div>Justice Mattershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15188900894855939350noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-874600029866697958.post-7201120456955275312011-12-20T12:00:00.000-08:002011-12-21T21:42:51.370-08:00Homeless Memorial March<div><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8mg73bGG9U3P4Lut5MVNPQszkpWtTxndr_MYDK-RsqIOD78bkus8AKmjydb4GVZEKW_otPvDatNq9ZPltf6dlYivUUD5dpnXNH5HaMK5kt50OBLuQZ1Lh9-aOrWYKfkp_6zAhscTlYd8/s1600/Luna+puppet_homeless+memorial+march.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 155px; height: 200px; float: left; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688304896318638194" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8mg73bGG9U3P4Lut5MVNPQszkpWtTxndr_MYDK-RsqIOD78bkus8AKmjydb4GVZEKW_otPvDatNq9ZPltf6dlYivUUD5dpnXNH5HaMK5kt50OBLuQZ1Lh9-aOrWYKfkp_6zAhscTlYd8/s200/Luna+puppet_homeless+memorial+march.jpg" /></a>Last Thursday, the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/#!/events/301326093230414/">27th Annual Minnesota Homeless Memorial March </a>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.</div><div> </div><div>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.</div><div> </div><div>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 <a href="http://www.senate.leg.state.mn.us/members/member_bio.php?district=61">Sen. Jeff Hayden</a> 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.</div><div> </div><div>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.</div><div> </div><div>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. </div><div> </div><div>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 <a href="http://www.simpsonhousing.org/advocacy.html">click here</a>.</div><div> </div><div>If you're interested in attending in the future, the march occurs on the nearest Thursday before the Winter Solstice.</div><div>-Elizabeth Fairbairn, St. Joseph Worker & Justice Office Intern</div></div></div></div>Justice Mattershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15188900894855939350noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-874600029866697958.post-73015110865433551712011-12-13T10:13:00.000-08:002011-12-13T10:35:45.959-08:00December Peace Prayer: Advent Vespers & Our Lady of Guadalupe<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMYSdaRvlYSQD_zXJdRI-9zgOokwTPrHH3J7iehyphenhyphenJ45mMlC0fMFX_QClGJv7ACvekHU5f3S6Q_lIhkaCVOqxkW6A7qLjZvrtuAs3NplVEPWpPcBB1HDXQ8gm17HSmAU-pYaOW-q4AuR8g/s1600/advent_vespers.bmp"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 140px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMYSdaRvlYSQD_zXJdRI-9zgOokwTPrHH3J7iehyphenhyphenJ45mMlC0fMFX_QClGJv7ACvekHU5f3S6Q_lIhkaCVOqxkW6A7qLjZvrtuAs3NplVEPWpPcBB1HDXQ8gm17HSmAU-pYaOW-q4AuR8g/s200/advent_vespers.bmp" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685683115986151618" border="0" /></a>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.<br /><br />Karen Kenelly, CSJ, did the reflection for the evening. She shared the story of Our Lady of Guadalupe, a <a href="http://www.catholic.org/about/guadalupe.php">written account can be found here</a>, 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.<br /><br />This prayer, found below, was given to attendees as they left the chapel.<br /><br />Mary, Holy Mother of God, we salute and honor you.<br />In this season of darkness, we await the coming feast of the birth of God's Son,<br />We do pray to you, Mother of the Lord of Light.<br />Hail to you, Holy Sun Virgin, Our Lady of Guadalupe,<br />Patroness of the Americas.<br />We watch the winter sun, our source of heat and light, our calendar maker,<br />as it wanes and prepares for rebirth.<br />Holy sun, mystic mother of ages past, be for us a living sign.<br />Holy Virgin of Tepayac, with the sun as your mantle,<br />you who are clothed with yellow light, the moon under your feet,<br />with stars for your crown: we honor you.<br />Holy earth mother, holy lady of the star-filled night,<br />mother of the candles and lamps, we praise you.<br />Thank you for the protection of our land, for your loving kindness and many gifts.<br />Protect our homes, guard our families,<br />our world, and our congregation,<br />watch over us forever. <span style="font-style: italic;">Amen</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">-Liturgical Service, Mount St. Mary's, Los Angeles</span><br /><br />-Elizabeth Fairbairn, St. Joseph Worker & Justice Office Intern<br />**Art by Baya Clare, CSJJustice Mattershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15188900894855939350noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-874600029866697958.post-28987539161683378662011-12-09T08:44:00.000-08:002011-12-10T08:09:41.223-08:00Native American Awareness<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiM0qCmRTBFd7IZ2XbkEefYL71-Gg8ECXK67sxuw4dKJ3i1kgnBLXSTl0kxW1m2BN1HxEO1lbx-Dl7v_-L64sLeb2hr5UyIxPK3RndXJ5wUh3USzbmzGoa2nYek8DPdNqHxVAUmpeO8Oc/s1600/FirstNationsIMG-20111208-00075%255B1%255D.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 192px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 144px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684201656788011522" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiM0qCmRTBFd7IZ2XbkEefYL71-Gg8ECXK67sxuw4dKJ3i1kgnBLXSTl0kxW1m2BN1HxEO1lbx-Dl7v_-L64sLeb2hr5UyIxPK3RndXJ5wUh3USzbmzGoa2nYek8DPdNqHxVAUmpeO8Oc/s200/FirstNationsIMG-20111208-00075%255B1%255D.JPG" /></a>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.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div>NAA is also actively involved with <a href="http://www.dreamofwildhealth.org/">Dream of Wild Health</a> 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.<br /></div><br /><br /><div>Yesterday, I was privileged to represent the Justice Office at <a href="http://www.thecirclenews.org/">The Circle</a> Breakfast at All Nations Church, Minneapolis featuring <a href="http://www.wilsonworlds.com/">Diane Wilson</a> (Executive Director, Dream of Wild Health<em>), </em>author<em> </em>of<em> Beloved Child, A Dakota Way of Life </em>and <a href="http://www.jimnorthrup.org/">Jim Northrup</a>, prolific writer and poet who has been writing for The Circle Newspaper for 23 of its 31 years. </div><br /><br /><br /><div>I learned from the director of development and programs for the <a href="http://www.tiwahefoundation.org/">Tiwahe Foundation</a> that <em>“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. </em></div><br /><div><em></em></div><br /><div><em>Also at our table was the project manager for <a href="http://www.ejamn.org/">Environmental Justice Advocates of Minnesota</a><br />whose mission is to work in collaboration with communities to create equitable, healthful and sustainable futures for all generations.</em></div><br /><br /><div><em>I also met two persons from the<a href="http://www.minnesotahistorycenter.org/"> Minnesota History Center</a> 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. (<a href="http://www.minnesotahistory.net/">http://www.minnesotahistory.net/</a>) </em></div><br /><br /><br /><div>The Circle Newspaper is available in the Justice Resource Room, is highly regarded in the Native Indian Community across the United States, <em>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. (<a href="http://www.thecirclenews.org/">http://www.thecirclenews.org/</a>) </em></div><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="font-size:78%;">Posted by Ginger K. Hedstrom, Justice Associate</span></div><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="font-size:78%;">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</span></div>Justice Mattershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15188900894855939350noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-874600029866697958.post-30426778637679262942011-11-30T12:51:00.000-08:002011-11-30T13:32:33.897-08:00World AIDS Day, December 1, 2011<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4qdBoJNhKynXC9iyzPsyeJLaIYyMNgKuVLSmEe73j5XFUIEs2I7y3dE5qAS-sQYeSH8R8yuL55wVlsngRyw_8AkvVv7zRTyC95xYf2__8gpO1g9DrtA6y4o7pbBa7aKX0MViR766cUMk/s1600/world-aids-day-logo.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 175px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680895381228459794" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4qdBoJNhKynXC9iyzPsyeJLaIYyMNgKuVLSmEe73j5XFUIEs2I7y3dE5qAS-sQYeSH8R8yuL55wVlsngRyw_8AkvVv7zRTyC95xYf2__8gpO1g9DrtA6y4o7pbBa7aKX0MViR766cUMk/s200/world-aids-day-logo.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>Julie Del Cour, Associate Editor of the Tulsa World wrote,<a href="http://www.tulsaworld.com/opinion/article.aspx?subjectid=214&articleid=20111127_214_G1_inacti708933">"'A human issue' AIDS affecting a totally new generation."</a> 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.</div><br /><br /><div>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.</div><br /><br /><div><a href="http://www.worldaidsday.org/">World AIDS Day</a> 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?"</div><br /><br /><br /><div></div>Justice Mattershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15188900894855939350noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-874600029866697958.post-36685098214638976712011-11-23T15:32:00.000-08:002011-11-29T06:41:18.719-08:00International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF6iQpS_erP8bQ8I6PHeUITsAHmMhitJeTOcSDE7qycSdnvb7AbJfthUHZUa3Msbo81RYqr2xXBYDov8iwxUiGb-ig9-vp6t_-z74_dY-P8-lgTx3hzdHZoSPQD_vsMMbVDtH8KdVAMRQ/s1600/UN_womenlogo.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 161px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 83px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678288203014068050" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF6iQpS_erP8bQ8I6PHeUITsAHmMhitJeTOcSDE7qycSdnvb7AbJfthUHZUa3Msbo81RYqr2xXBYDov8iwxUiGb-ig9-vp6t_-z74_dY-P8-lgTx3hzdHZoSPQD_vsMMbVDtH8KdVAMRQ/s200/UN_womenlogo.jpg" /></a> <br /><div>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</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>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 <a href="http://endviolence.un.org/">UNiTE to End Violence against Women campaign</a>, and with the recent International Youth Year. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>This day is a kick-off to <a href="http://www.unwomen.org/infocus/16-days-of-activism-against-gender-violence/#16">16 days of activism against gender violence</a>, and the UN Women has created a <a href="http://www.unwomen.org/infocus/16-steps-policy-agenda/">16 Step Policy Agenda </a>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.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>For more information check out the <a href="http://www.endvawnow.org/">Virtual Knowledge Center</a>, provided by UN Women. I would also suggest the book <em>Half the Sky</em> by Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn<span style="font-family:Arial;"> </span>as a source of global experiences of women.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>-Elizabeth Fairbairn, St. Joseph Worker & Justice Office Intern</div>Justice Mattershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15188900894855939350noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-874600029866697958.post-89865388538314131732011-11-18T07:43:00.001-08:002011-11-18T14:18:44.176-08:00Veterans for Peace Bus Leaves for Fort Benning, Georgia<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYeJtl2ss6yoRKqeJfSz-1OHO_QBaRMMSP5vRYfnWKi_ZLpgeZjHNR6WvBFOM1dEUbJ3N3fCNQ7rjG-rSOTeMOzk9O6J3I6K2Y-LcG0AbD2KAOf18zFy_5DbhWvYg3ed67Bcllwsc7KZs/s1600/IMG-20111118-00064%255B1%255D.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676362292515695202" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYeJtl2ss6yoRKqeJfSz-1OHO_QBaRMMSP5vRYfnWKi_ZLpgeZjHNR6WvBFOM1dEUbJ3N3fCNQ7rjG-rSOTeMOzk9O6J3I6K2Y-LcG0AbD2KAOf18zFy_5DbhWvYg3ed67Bcllwsc7KZs/s200/IMG-20111118-00064%255B1%255D.JPG" /></a>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 (<a href="http://www.soawatch.org/">http://www.soawatch.org/</a>).<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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!<br /><br />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!<br /><br />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:<br /><br /><div align="center"><em><span style="color:#330033;"><strong>Who is fit to hold power </strong></span></em><br /></div><br /><div align="center"><em><span style="color:#330033;"><strong>and worthy to act in God's place? </strong></span></em><br /></div><br /><div align="center"><em><span style="color:#330033;"><strong>Those with a passion for truth,</strong></span></em><br /></div><br /><div align="center"><em><span style="color:#330033;"><strong>who are horrified by injustice,</strong></span></em> </div><br /><div align="center"><em><span style="color:#330033;"><strong>who act with mercy to the poor</strong></span></em> </div><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#330033;"><strong><em>and take up the cause of the helpless,</em> </strong></span><br /></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#330033;"><strong>who have let go of selfish concerns</strong></span> </div><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#330033;"><strong>and see the whole earth is sacred,</strong></span> </div><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#330033;"><strong>refusing to exploit her creatures</strong></span> </div><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#330033;"><strong>or to foul her waters and lands.</strong></span> </div><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#330033;"><strong>Their strength is in their compassion;</strong></span> </div><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#330033;"><strong>God's light shines through their hearts.</strong></span> </div><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#330033;"><strong>Their children's children will bless them,</strong></span> </div><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#330033;"><strong>and the work of their hands will endure.</strong></span> </div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">Based on Psalm 24 (version by Stephen Mitchell) from Prayers for the Earth Benetvision </span></div><br /><span style="color:#330033;">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. <strong>CLOSE THE SOA!</strong></span><br /><span style="color:#330033;"></span><br /><span style="color:#330033;"><span style="font-size:78%;">Posted by: Ginger K. Hedstrom, Justice Associate</span> </span>Justice Mattershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15188900894855939350noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-874600029866697958.post-72193912107243036192011-11-16T10:49:00.000-08:002011-11-18T14:36:54.535-08:00National Hunger and Homelessness Week: November 13-18<p align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf36oPRnUZogjNM4KtieRZpFn0KfzQTscaEnDnsUHXa2uoPaYBHWJ1V9FQuvIQmmJqXDFoPSWA5GMkmDkTgpxBegFjlfU472cunGaIRRWIvJNlmNgCp_LhpgH5cQ-nc0oPP8SseWkHa6E/s1600/zamya-theater-project.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 96px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675672948212846754" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf36oPRnUZogjNM4KtieRZpFn0KfzQTscaEnDnsUHXa2uoPaYBHWJ1V9FQuvIQmmJqXDFoPSWA5GMkmDkTgpxBegFjlfU472cunGaIRRWIvJNlmNgCp_LhpgH5cQ-nc0oPP8SseWkHa6E/s200/zamya-theater-project.jpg" /></a>St. Stephen's Human Services <em>ending homelessness, </em>zAmya Theater is presenting <em>The Reality Roadshow: Who Wants to be a Homeless Millionaire</em> this week at various locations in Minneapolis. The play bill describes this play as, <em>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.</em><br /><br />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:<br /><br />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.<br /><br />Some quotes from the play:<br /><br /><em>1/3 of homeless are under age 12</em><br /><br /><em>My daughter is seven and she has never had her own bed much less a bedroom</em><br /><br /><em>Lack of jobs and lack of transportation and lack of health care = homelessness</em><br /><br /><em>Marginalized, institutionalized, streetified, victimized</em></p><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><em>How can I be homeless if I never had a home to lose?</em><br /><br /><em>Hey, are you really faking being homeless?</em><br /><br />The voice of addiction states <em>it is only ME keeping YOU from being ALL alone </em><br /><br /><em>I'm not homeless. I am residentially displaced.</em><br /><br /><em>Winter is the hardest. People really freeze to death.</em><br /><br /><em>The system is everything about profits!</em><br /><br /><em>My mom passed through foster homes. She put me in foster homes. I got no mom</em><br /><br /><em>The American dream is just slippin' away, everyone is afraid of being homeless</em><br /><br />Closing theme: <em>We need to change the rules, we need to unify, realize, mobilize... ... ...</em><br /><br />For more information <a href="http://www.ststephensmpls.org/">http://www.ststephensmpls.org/</a> and click on <span style="color:#009900;"><strong>2011 zAmya Reality Road Show</strong></span> 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.</div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div></div>Justice Mattershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15188900894855939350noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-874600029866697958.post-38962184280521430882011-11-13T14:14:00.001-08:002011-11-13T14:19:22.873-08:00Erika Hiller's 11/11 May Peace Prevail on Earth Canvases at Carondelet Center<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNi8LJcsjwP08kNpwAGFufPvJb0WqZUi9JkpOaErULgYbrljj1Uhk6SkvpVnmdaHYYIgRK2zaTX17ojRm6dLe1BTcBs_B6HTh5efBc12oMdqxksv9Oh1P9tUg9Ob3_J2oK7JO_eHK8Yzw/s1600/ErikaHillerARTresized+004.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5674607402811479426" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNi8LJcsjwP08kNpwAGFufPvJb0WqZUi9JkpOaErULgYbrljj1Uhk6SkvpVnmdaHYYIgRK2zaTX17ojRm6dLe1BTcBs_B6HTh5efBc12oMdqxksv9Oh1P9tUg9Ob3_J2oK7JO_eHK8Yzw/s200/ErikaHillerARTresized+004.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div>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. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>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.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div>Justice Mattershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15188900894855939350noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-874600029866697958.post-63541902457684666932011-11-09T14:15:00.000-08:002011-11-10T06:57:18.032-08:00November 11 Prayer for Peace<p align="center"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhyqSC29YZ9WfoFU8ZO5F2_ghZSDapP3tH8TZ0BVj3f7qfoQdVUNSEpy0axOCQ6vzAkUObVMPGJEOgEYw3pZeoeoCO39O0pC6b3Lx8HQJKTef6fIl25WotgzX8my6LwV9TJ-DlAY2c2wg/s1600/Peace+Earth+Sign.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 27px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 3px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673129469073923618" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhyqSC29YZ9WfoFU8ZO5F2_ghZSDapP3tH8TZ0BVj3f7qfoQdVUNSEpy0axOCQ6vzAkUObVMPGJEOgEYw3pZeoeoCO39O0pC6b3Lx8HQJKTef6fIl25WotgzX8my6LwV9TJ-DlAY2c2wg/s200/Peace+Earth+Sign.jpg" /></a> </p><br /><p align="center"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673376907343082866" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBZwvEDj_cBCTJVZ8GpbX7-vPIVTVQZdq1X93G2GvnOky4QVAFueqlTbo2WOR33VGZZnSQa8EKpeAgtOekM10pvdfWV6mh3mHNVnHBQJmdyccC_XJ2acDdrRDYP-K5jMi6Touh9DjSdLQ/s200/ErikaHillerARTSIZED+002.JPG" /><span style="font-size:78%;">"Acknowledge" by Erika Hiller</span></p>11th Day Prayer for Peace: Armistice Day 11/11/11 May Peace Prevail on Earth<br />Presentation of our Lady Chapel, 1890 Randolph Ave, St. Paul<br />Friday, November 11 at 6:30pm<br /><br />Ringing of the Bells by Veterans for Peace Chapter 27<br />Reflection: Erika Hiller, US Army, Desert Storm<br /><br />Premiere Showing of 11/11/11 Canvases of Erika Hiller<br /><em>Arrive early to experience her canvases</em><br /><br />Prepared by Veterans for Peace Chapter 27 and the Justice Commission of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet and ConsociatesJustice Mattershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15188900894855939350noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-874600029866697958.post-82907483992388488832011-11-08T13:50:00.000-08:002011-11-10T06:34:28.971-08:00Food Week's a Success...Now what?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixZ0_gJelJofdkBJ9igJ-X2YE4IQs3I_7Bx5-kGOCEtsA4kyqrTKXLJk8KgmfPzFZhETk6Ci2ZzytiJo-FL8nmnxM80DEwB2DPDDFPiAd9uylrXNUwtMJuPKFDqUrzuB8-mSGRCH9xYEk/s1600/Food+Week.png"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672745919862309522" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixZ0_gJelJofdkBJ9igJ-X2YE4IQs3I_7Bx5-kGOCEtsA4kyqrTKXLJk8KgmfPzFZhETk6Ci2ZzytiJo-FL8nmnxM80DEwB2DPDDFPiAd9uylrXNUwtMJuPKFDqUrzuB8-mSGRCH9xYEk/s200/Food+Week.png" /></a>Well Food Week was quite the success at St. Catherine's University. <br /><div>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!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>The week culminated in a pot luck celebration on Friday where a "<a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1TdrurZBD1C4g3usCpYyjBmn3P1nlA-s33mx5mFdwFqE/edit">Food Justice Recipe</a>" 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. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>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 "<a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1TdrurZBD1C4g3usCpYyjBmn3P1nlA-s33mx5mFdwFqE/edit">Food Justice Recipe</a>" 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).</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>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.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>-Elizabeth Fairbairn, St. Joseph Worker & Justice Office Intern</div>Justice Mattershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15188900894855939350noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-874600029866697958.post-9260798492421103532011-10-26T11:35:00.000-07:002011-10-27T07:25:02.051-07:00Go Beyond Your Plate<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWsg-_oF24G5jto85rJ6HeiLjo0Gjwb-4DD_qeEKsTrn7J_oF0aoQ_dXnrgCyg9lGDOJFhGPNsxqQvzORERPVTbdVwSpZWCUvc5AgRTcj0AUmCOMEZWFKryVBxTkg-zgsVWsMWgg8GWNo/s1600/Food+Week.png"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 204px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 158px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667872923078278034" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWsg-_oF24G5jto85rJ6HeiLjo0Gjwb-4DD_qeEKsTrn7J_oF0aoQ_dXnrgCyg9lGDOJFhGPNsxqQvzORERPVTbdVwSpZWCUvc5AgRTcj0AUmCOMEZWFKryVBxTkg-zgsVWsMWgg8GWNo/s200/Food+Week.png" /></a>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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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. <a href="http://i55.tinypic.com/30xbdbn.jpg">Click here for the full schedule</a>.<br /><br />Another option is being provided through <a href="http://www.blogger.com/networklobby.org">NETWORK</a>. They have posted a Food Stamp Challenge from <a href="http://fightingpovertywithfaith.com/f2/about/what-is-fighting-poverty-with-faith/">Fighting Poverty with Faith</a>--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. <a href="http://fightingpovertywithfaith.com/f2/">Check out this link </a>to register and find more information.<br /><br />Food is in a web of many different social justice issues and the saying goes, "You Are What You Eat"<br />-Elizabeth Fairbairn, St. Joseph Worker and Justice Office InternJustice Mattershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15188900894855939350noreply@blogger.com