Holy Creation

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

To learn more about the White Violet Center for Eco-Justice, visit their website.

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

LCWR Justice and Peace Alert: May 17 ACTION

Greetings great people  of justice: 

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 "rights of immigrants who continue to suffer from Congress and President Obama's lack of Action."

LCWR Justice and Peace Alert

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. The United We Dream 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. Please contact President Obama and  Speaker Boehner and tell them to honor the dreams of immigrant youth! President Barack Obama John Boehner, Speaker of House Phone 2020-465-1111 Phone: 202-225-0600 Email: http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/submit-questions-and-comments  Email:  www.speaker.gov/contact  Letter/post card: President Barack Obama 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW Washington DC 20500 Letter/post card: Office of the Speaker H-232 The Capital Washington DC 20515 Possible comments for President Obama and Speaker Boehner:                                 Support the DREAM Act                Our Immigrant youth have the right to live without fear. Our Immigrant youth have the right to live with their families. Our Immigrant youth have the right to move freely. Our Immigrant youth have the right to be educated. Our Immigrant youth have the right to give back to the community. Our Immigrant youth have the right to build a strong sustainable economy. Our Immigrant youth have the right to build their dreams. An Immigrant's Prayer O holy God, Heart of heaven and earth, praised be your holy name. Your daughters and sons, from all peoples of the world, regardless of boarders, praise you. We praise you and give you thanks because you have placed in our hands the immigrant pilgrims who make the earth flourish and produce, to bring food to the table of the rich and poor alike. We praise you and give you thanks because you walk always with those who cross borders in search of wellbeing, doing their part in building the world you entrusted to us. On our way, we are mindful of your Presence in the promise to Abraham and in the liberation of your people, Israel. We praise you and give you thanks for your blessings on all immigrants, on those who cross all the borders in the United States. And you, O lady of Guadalupe, empress of the Americas, be always our protector and intercessor for reconciliation and the building of equality and peace. Amen.  Ann Scholz, SSND, PhD Associate Director for Social Mission Leadership Conference of Women Religious 8808 Cameron St. Silver Spring MD, 20910 301-588-4955 (W) 443-570-2606 (M) ascholz@lcwr.org  facebook.com/lcwr.org  www.lcwr.org

Food Justice at St. Catherine University

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.

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.

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.

If you are interested in learning more about the Food Justice Coalition at St. Catherine University, please contact Liesl Wolf at lwolf@stkate.edu or me at emfairbairn@gmail.com.

-Elizabeth Fairbairn, St. Joseph Worker & Justice Office Program Assistant

Immigration is Abuzz in the Headlines

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:

· requiring officials to check the immigration status of anyone arrested and allowing police to stop anyone suspected of bein an undocumented immigrant

· making it a state crime to reside in Arizona without legal documentation

· banning all undocumented immigrants from working in the state or applying for a job

· 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

See this BBC article for further details on the Supreme Court case.

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.

NETWORK, a National Catholic Social Justice Lobby, along with approximately 50 other civil rights, faith and community organizations filed an amicus brief 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 click here.

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 click here.

Great examples of putting feet to the Gospel message and a glimpse of the Kindom.

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

Women's History Month Reflection

As we move into the first week of April, I am called to reflect on March – Women’s History Month.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

The Nobel Peace Prize Forum 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.

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.

I greatly appreciated all the presentations I attended throughout the day, but the final keynote speaker was astonishing. Saki Macozoma 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.

May peacemaking prevail on earth, and may all of us play a role,
Elizabeth Fairbairn, St. Joseph Worker & Justice Office Intern

For a schedule of the Business Day click here.
Please click here for the video archive of the 2012 Nobel Peace Prize Forum.

Call to Action Conference

The Marriage Amendment: Can Faithful Catholics Vote "No"?

Saturday, April 21, 2012

Registration 9:00; Conference 9:30 (lunch and snacks provided)

Gloria Dei Lutheran Church
700 Snelling Avenue, Saint Paul, MN 55116
Sponsored by Call to Action

"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"?

"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."
(CTA event brochure)

Conference Music: Donna Pena, composer and performer resding in Inver Grove Heights

Conference Presenters
Lucian "Mickey" Martinez, attorney who drafted a bried on behalf of a national civil rights organization in Log Cabin Republicans v. United States of America on the matter of the U. S. Military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" Policy. His topic: "A Holy, Civil Matter"

Patricia Beattie Jung, editor of the discussion text, God, Sex, Science and Gender and Professor of Christian Ethics and Health and Welfare Ministries at Saint Paul School of Theology, Kansas City, Missouri. Her topic: "Marriage Equality and Catholicism"

Project 515 Players, 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.

REGISTRATION

Before March 31: $35 per person

After March 31: $45 per person

Young Adults (under 30) $10 per person

Adults traveling two hours or more $20 per person

PLEASE REGISTER EARLY to help with food count

Please make checks payable to CTA-MN, P. O. Box 19406, Minneapolis, MN 55419

Conference Contact Person

Art Stoeberl 651.278.6630 artstoeberl@yahoo.com

March is Minnesota FoodShare Month

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.

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. Hunger Facts

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.
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. http://www.mnfoodshare.gmcc.org/

The Catholic Spirit
100 percent to food shelves
“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.” The Catholic Spirit

Nelson-Pallmeyer hopes Minnesotans will strongly support the March Minnnesota FoodShare Month 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.

March is a good time to make a commitment and become involved as an individual, parish, congregation or organization. Visit Minnesota FoodShare Become involved.

We can make a difference and we can do it now.

Imagining a Just Economy

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

Star Tribune articles regarding just economic strategies:

"Company Prospers, and so do Workers"

"Serving those with Smaller Nest Eggs"

Interested in continued work on creating a just economy and world? Check out the current events from the Justice Office of the Sisters of St. Joseph

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

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Breakfast

BUIDING PEACE & UNITY WITHIN

THE GLOBAL COMMUNITY

The 22nd Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Breakfast 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.

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.

Naomi Tutu, 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.

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."

Community Breakfast: Mt. Olivet Baptist Church, Saint Paul
Cheryl Steeves, Consociate Candidate, Director, Sarah's...an Oasis for Women (pictured above) introduced Sarah's to those present at Mt. Olivet. In celebration more than $600 was collected to be donated to Sarah's.

Andria Canty, Consociate Candidate served on the planning committee and Mari Ann Graham, Consociate, participated in the program inviting all present to carefully consider how each will carry this celebration in our lives and communities.

Posted by Ginger K. Hedstrom, Justice Associate

Bread & Roses

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The below poem was later connected to the 1912 protest, giving it the title "Bread & Roses"

As we come marching, marching, in the beauty of the day,

A million darkened kitchens, a thousand mill-lofts gray

Are touched with all the radiance that a sudden sun discloses,

For the people hear us singing, "Bread and Roses, Bread and Roses"

As we come marching, marching, we battle, too, for men--

For they are women's children and we mother them again.

Our lives shall not be sweated from birth until life closes--

Hearts starve as well as bodies: Give us Bread, but give us Roses!

As we come marching, marching, unnumbered women dead

Go crying through our singing their ancient song of Bread;

Small art and love and beauty their drudging spirits knew--

Yes, bread we fight for--but we fight for Roses, too.

As we come marching, marching, we bring the Greater Days--

The rising of the women means the rising of the race--

No more the drudge and idler--ten that toil where one reposes--

But sharing of life's glories: Bread and Roses, Bread and Roses!

-James Oppenheim, 1911 American Magazine

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

Justice for Immigrants Conference -Salt Lake City, Utah

Immigration - A 50 State Issue: a Focus on State and Local Immigration Initiatives: January 11-13, 2012

The conference opens later today with the Most Reverene John C. Webster, Bishop of Salt Lake City providing the keynote address Catholic Public Policy and State Compacts."

Marjorie Cortex, reporter for the Deseret News, in her article Catholic Bishops, advocates to meet in Salt Lake to discuss immigration reform writes, 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."

The conference agenda includes: 1. Immigration Laws and Their Impact on the Church: Harboring and Transporting Laws; Marriage Barriers for Undcocumented Immigrants; Separation of Children and Families and Impact on Clergy and Seminarians 2. Federal /State Enforcement Partnerships 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) 3. State Immigration Enforcement Laws - An Overview: Arizona and Alabama Laws and Copycats; E-Verify Legislation; Education and Public Benefits 4. Communicating the Message~ 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 5. Lessons Learned from Different States with speakers representing Nebraska, Phoenix, Georgia and Boston 6. Proacctive Strategies 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.

223 are registered! This afternoon I met a wonderful woman from Hawaii who works on immigration with Roselani Enomoto, CSJ!

Posted by Ginger K. Hedstrom, Justice Associate

Second Chance Coalition - DAY ON THE HILL

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. Click here to learn more about the upcoming Second Chance Day on the Hill, January 31, 2012.

The Minnesota Second Chance Coalition is a partnership (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.

Posted by Ginger K. Hedstrom, Justice Associate

Historic Precedent Set for Trafficking Victims

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Homeless Memorial March

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

December Peace Prayer: Advent Vespers & Our Lady of Guadalupe

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

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

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

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

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

Native American Awareness

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Posted by Ginger K. Hedstrom, Justice Associate

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

World AIDS Day, December 1, 2011

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

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

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

International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women

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

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

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

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

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

Veterans for Peace Bus Leaves for Fort Benning, Georgia

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

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

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

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

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

Who is fit to hold power

and worthy to act in God's place?

Those with a passion for truth,

who are horrified by injustice,

who act with mercy to the poor

and take up the cause of the helpless,

who have let go of selfish concerns

and see the whole earth is sacred,

refusing to exploit her creatures

or to foul her waters and lands.

Their strength is in their compassion;

God's light shines through their hearts.

Their children's children will bless them,

and the work of their hands will endure.

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

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

Posted by: Ginger K. Hedstrom, Justice Associate