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JUSTICE JOTTINGS
March 2025
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Join MSJC's LGBTQ+ Initiative for an hour-long reflective and affirming space to journey through Lent together. Through scripture, prayer, and shared reflections, we will embrace Christ’s love, the struggles and joys of authenticity, and the hope of resurrection. All are welcome — bring a candle, an open heart, and join us in this sacred time of renewal.
When: Monday, April 7 at 8pm ET | 7pm CT | 6pm MT | 5pm PT | 2pm HT
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2025 LGBTQ+ Retreat
MSJC's LGBTQ+ Initiative invites YOU to our 2025 weekend retreat for LGBTQ+ persons, their families, and allies. This year’s theme is Be Not Afraid: A Sacred Gathering with Mary of Welcome, Hope, and Belonging. Bro. Jack Ventura, SM, and Gabby Bibeau are the two speakers.
When: June 6-8, Greater Chicago Area
To register and read more about the retreat, follow the link below.
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Save the Date: MSJC's Giving Day is May 1
On May 1, 2025, the Marianist Social Justice Collaborative (MSJC) presents United for Justice: MSJC 2025 Giving Day–a day to expand the reach and impact of our Justice Teams.
Your support will empower our teams to run meaningful programs, including community projects, events, training, and direct service initiatives—bringing our Marianist values and Catholic Social Teaching to life in a world that desperately needs justice right now. Make your plan to give to United for Justice: MSJC 2025 Giving Day and strengthen MSJC’s mission and impact.
| | MSJC REFLECTIONS & RESOURCES | | Did you forget to "give something up" this Lent? You may have heard rumblings of a Catholic women's strike this year. More broadly, MSJC's Women & Justice Team invites you to take action for women during this Holy Season. See the calendar below for some daily inspiration (clicking on the calendar will take you to a larger format option for viewing). | | DEATH PENALTY ABOLITION AND RESTORATIVE JUSTICE | | |
Ursuline Sisters Transform Healing into Commitment to End the Death Penalty
The Death Penalty Abolition and Restorative Justice team (DP-RJ) encourages all of us -- and especially Marianists in Ohio -- to read and consider an article published just this week about Ursuline sisters in Ohio. The article tells a powerful story about forgiveness, and halting executions, and reading the signs of the times.
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Updated Letter for our Immigrant Brothers and Sisters
It's a dangerous time for our immigrant and refugee neighbors. If you find yourself wondering how you can make a difference for these members of our community, check out the Immigrant Justice Team's newly created resource page "What You Can Do", and join them in learning, taking action, and prayer. If your lay community or parish group is interested in hosting a conversation on this timely topic led by members of our Immigrant Justice team please email erin@marianistsjc.net.
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Sr. Dorothy Stang's Legacy
February marked the 20th anniversary of the martyrdom of Sr. Dorothy Stang, a Sister of Notre Dame de Namur from Dayton who spent nearly four decades protecting the Amazonian rainforest, promoting sustainable agriculture and advocating for the poor in Brazil despite repeated death threats. Marianist Sr. Leanne Jablonski, a leader on the MSJC/MEEC Integral Ecology Team, wrote a personal and moving reflection about Stang which you can read below:
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The Sisters of Notre Dame have also shared a list of suggested actions to honor Sr. Dorothy.
CALL TO ACTION:
1) Cultivate gardens of any size, anywhere, and share the harvest with communities that have limited access to fresh produce
2) Plant trees
3) Pray for all migrants seeking asylum and peace
4) Advocate for comprehensive immigration reform
5) Advocate for simple and practical actions to protect the planet
| | March 7 was National Employee Appreciation Day, and we want to take a moment in our March Justice Jottings to re-introduce and recognize the work of our MSJC staff members. We are grateful for their commitment to faith and justice! Take a moment to show Sarah and Erin your appreciation this month. | | |
Sarah Gray (she/her)
Executive Director
Sarah provides overall guidance to MSJC, ensuring that our Justice Teams have the resources and support they need to fulfill their missions. She coordinates organizational strategic planning, oversees financial operations and fundraising efforts, and maintains strong connections and creates collaborative opportunities within the broader Marianist Family. Sarah also leads communication efforts, including this Justice Jottings newsletter, promotional materials, and public reports, helping to share the impact of MSJC’s work. She lives in Cincinnati with her partner, Matt, and their greyhound, Findlay. In her free time, Sarah is an avid reader and a lover of all things Dayton Flyers.
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Erin Anderson-White Face (any pronouns)
Director of Mission
Erin works closely with MSJC’s Justice Teams, helping them define and achieve their goals while supporting programming, events, and resource development. She manages MSJC’s social media presence, ensuring consistent branding and highlighting MSJC's justice initiatives. Erin also plays a key role in volunteer engagement and recruitment, supports fundraising efforts, and facilitates collaboration between Justice Teams and partner organizations. When not working to advance justice, Erin can be found rooting for the Green Bay Packers or spending time with her partner and dog along the shores of Lake Michigan.
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