JUSTICE JOTTINGS
September 2022
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Immigration Issues and Your Vote -- Virtual Panel
Wednesday, September 28 via Zoom
This panel will focus on helping each of us begin to answer the question: Do the candidates running for congress in your district and state support comprehensive immigration reform? The influx of Afghans currently seeking settlement in the U.S., the crisis of migrants on our southern border, and the death of 53 migrants in a cargo truck might not be in the current news cycle, but with upcoming elections in November, being faithful citizens demands that we identify those candidates who will vote for reforming our immigration system.
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2022 LGBTQ+ Annual Retreat: Being Who You Are Perfectly Well
Our upcoming LGBTQ+ annual retreat is officially in the St. Louis area! The theme this year is Being Who You Are Perfectly Well. Our keynote speaker is award-winning artist, author, and storyteller Bro. Mickey, McGrath, OSFS. Find more information about our 2022 retreat and register at the page below. Both in-person and virtual registrations are available. We can't wait to see you at this year's retreat!
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MSJC REFLECTIONS & RESOURCES |
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INTEGRAL ECOLOGY
New MSJC Webpage and Marianist Encounters Page are Live!
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Check out the new Integral Ecology Team website below and explore the new Marianist Encounters initiative. Sign up and discover how Marianist communities, institutions and ministries are taking action on the Laudato si Action Platform and Global Compact on Education. All are welcome to exchange ideas and share Encounter stories (1-2 paragraphs) support@marianistencounters.org.
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Celebrate the Season of Creation Through Prayer & Action (Sept 1 - Oct 4th)
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LGBTQ+ INITIATIVE
Have You Ever Heard of Virtue Signaling?
We see virtue signaling in our society all the time these days. A short statement or act that "shows" where the speaker has come down on a moral question. The article below gives a good explanation of virtue signaling and tells the reader why it furthers the partisan divide, making it more difficult for people who disagree to cooperate and trust each other.
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DEATH PENALTY ABOLITION AND RESTORATIVE JUSTICE
Our System is Not Always Just and Fair: Stopping Melissa Lucio's Execution
Guest Reflection by Cody Hoffman, Student at St. Mary's University Law School
My start and participation with the Melissa Lucio case was truthfully sprung on me. Coincidentally at a time where I was enrolled in Foundations of Lawyering, a pilot program taught by then-Professor David A. Grenardo, who now serves as the Associate Director of the Holloran Center for Ethical Leadership in the Professions at the University of St. Thomas School of Law. This program was geared towards identifying our calling as law students as we march through the pathway of the profession that is becoming a lawyer.
I remember growing up as a child hearing about the Melissa Lucio case, though I was too young to truly understand what was going on or the harsh reality of what she was up against, which was a system that was ready to set her up for defeat and allow her to take the blame for what was deemed a crime, but was an unfortunate accident. (Read more here...)
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Aligning with the Papal Intention for September
The papal intention for the month of September is: “That the death penalty, which attacks the dignity of the human person, may be legally abolished in every country.” Watch the two-minute video below for the Pope’s message:
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Ending the U.S. federal death penalty is possible. President Joe Biden, a Catholic, is the first-ever sitting U.S. president to have campaigned on an anti-death penalty platform. In January 2021, Congressional lawmakers introduced the Federal Death Penalty Prohibition Act (H.R. 262 / S. 582). More members of Congress need to become cosponsors of the legislation.
Please join your voice to say clearly -- as the Catechism of the Catholic Church does -- that “the death penalty is inadmissible because it is an attack on the inviolability and dignity of the person.” To learn more and to take action, go to:
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WOMEN AND JUSTICE
Anytime during September, we can celebrate the feast day of Marie Thérèse de Lamourous (Sept. 14). We offer this prayer as a way to tell you a little more about her:
Prayer for the Celebration of Marie Thérèse de Lamourous
May we be grounded in Mary, and encouraged by the works of Marie Thérèse, to give back to others all that we have received from our Marianist family.
At a time of spiritual chaos, Marie Thérèse gathered and pastored people into community. We pray that similar cooperative dialogue may continue between ALL people.
- All respond: Bonne Mere, (Good Mother) inspire us to create community where we live and work.
When the Revolution caused untold poverty and need, Marie Thérèse brought comfort to the sick and dying, taught the children and visited prisons. We pray that we may create communities that help us to encourage all of those on the margins to feel that their voices matter and their gifts should not be over looked.
- All: Bonne Mere, help us to know what we can do to make a difference in the lives of those most in need around us.
Overcoming your own reluctance, Marie Thérèse you chose not only to work with, but to live among the prostitutes and call them daughters. We pray that all women will build confidence in their own potential and recognize their giftedness; especially when it comes to passing on our faith.
- All: Bonne Mere, help us to move beyond our pride and judgmental attitudes toward others.
With Chaminade and Adèle, Marie Thérèse helped to establish the early Sodalities. We pray that we may model our founders in knowing how to read the signs of the times and recognize our own capacity to respond to the critical issues of our day.
- All: Bonne Mere, help us to work collaboratively with others for the common good.
Above all you trusted Marie Thérèse's life to God. We pray that we may know your enthusiasm to be of service to all our brothers and sisters now and in the future.
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All: Bonne Mere, help us to learn that trust. Amen.
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BEYOND MSJC OPPORTUNITIES |
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Transform Our Politics Election Workshops -- NETWORK
Are you a multi-issue voter who is ready to build a multi-racial, inclusive democracy? Would you love to know how you can connect faith, Catholic Social Justice issues, and voting? Then NETWORK's virtual election workshop series is for you!
Each week, the same workshop will be offered on Mondays during the day and on Wednesdays in the evening. The workshops will be 90-minutes long and held on Zoom.
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Cultivate Inclusive Community on Monday, September 19, Noon Eastern/9:00 AM Pacific or Wednesday, September 21, 7:00 PM Eastern/4:00 PM Pacific. Learn More.
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Root Our Economy in Solidarity on Monday, September 26, Noon Eastern/9:00 AM Pacific or Wednesday, September 28, 7:00 PM Eastern/4:00 PM Pacific. Learn More.
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Reversing Global Warming Virtual Group Opportunity
Feeling hopeless, and maybe helpless, when thinking about climate change?
Then join us for Reversing Global Warming, a 5-session workshop offered on Zoom, 5 Thursdays, Oct. 6 – Nov. 3, 7-9 pm (EST). The goal is to help you determine where and how you can make an impact on global warming and provide a supportive setting and group to move you to action. The program is free, but you must register.
For more details about the program and to register (send us your name, email and phone #), contact Jim Vogt (jimvogt2@yahoo.com).
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