Peace & Justice Committee Mission
is to mobilize the St Mary community to care for the poor & marginalized in the name of Jesus through the lens of our Catholic faith.
is to mobilize the St Mary community to care for the poor & marginalized in the name of Jesus through the lens of our Catholic faith.
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Peace & Justice Projects:
Next Food Bank Work Day - Volunteers Needed!
When? Our next work day will be in Fall 2024. Please check back! What? NE Iowa Food Bank group volunteer opportunity Where? Northeast Iowa Food Bank - Volunteer Entrance 1605 Lafayette Street, Waterloo, IA 50703 Please park in the main parking lot unless directed otherwise. You may either carpool or meet there. Please note: appropriate clothing must be worn when reporting to the food bank. This includes close-toed shoes and comfortable attire Northeast Iowa Food Bank mission: to provide nutritious food and grocery products to nonprofit organizations and individuals in Northeast Iowa, while offering hunger education programs to the area and those in need. This is a great opportunity to learn more about food banks and to help those in need in and around our community. |
Volunteer projects will be determined by the food bank’s needs and our group size. Examples of some likely volunteer projects this time of year include: sorting through food rescue from businesses and putting together food backpacks for schools so children have something to eat over the weekends.
Registration is limited to 30 volunteers. We look forward to seeing you there. Thank you! St. Mary Peace & Justice Committee |
Introduction to Catholic Social Teaching
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The Peace and Justice Committee is on the move!
Peace and justice concerns in our world are the responsibility of all. Horrific injustices exist around the world: wars, drugs, human trafficking, racial discrimination, and an increase of poor and hopeless people. As a parish community, we strive to build bridges between the social ministry of our parish and other parish ministries such as worship, formation, evangelization, pastoral care, and all other ministries offered. The Principles of Catholic Social Teaching are: 1. Life and Dignity of the Human Person 2. Call to Family, Community, and Participation 3. Rights & Responsibilities of the Human Person 4. Option for the Poor & Vulnerable 5. The Dignity of Work & the Rights of Workers 6. Solidarity 7. Care for God’s Creation Parish social ministry requires a strong foundation in Scripture and Catholic Social Teaching. We offer teachings and reflections on these Principles. Watch the bulletin. |
#1 Catholic Social Teaching
Life and Dignity of the Human Person Catholic Social Teaching begins with the foundational principle that human life is sacred. Our creator made us in His image, which brings about an undeniable dignity of the human person. Being created in the likeness of God is something to be excited about and thankful for. Each time we interact with an individual, we should seek to feel the presence of sacred holiness because we know ALL are made in the image and likeness of our loving creator. Take time this week to contemplate how you can add to the fullness of life for everyone you encounter. And pray for those you cannot be with that they receive respect and dignity at each stage of life. As we enter this Thanksgiving week, ask yourself if you can treat ALL people with kindness, patience, and respect. How can you, and possibly your family, carry out this principle? Here are some ways you, as part of the church, can follow this teaching: 1. Treat others with kindness and greet them with a “Hello” and a smile. 2. Reach out a hand and help others. A little action can go a long way. 3. Say “Thank You” and “Please” to support another human being. 4. Be patient with those who often challenge you. 5. Listen to what others are saying. Don’t interrupt. 6. Accept all for who they are as a reflection of God. 7. Pray for respect for life at all stages of life, from conception to death. We believe people are more important than things. Every person is precious. Remember that your actions can enhance the dignity of the human person. Have a blessed week giving thanks to God for the blessings He has bestowed on us. #2 Catholic Social Teaching
Call to Family, Community, & Participation As you recall from last week's article, the life and dignity of the human person are at the forefront of Catholic Social Teachings. This week, we focus on the call to family, community, and participation. After we are born into a family, baptized, and become members of the family of God, we are responsible for being family members. There are many roles we will take on during our lifetime as a member of the family of God, and here are some things we need to consider. One thing we need to think about is work/life balance. If we are not careful, we can get too busy at work, which may prevent our families from sharing quality time. We need to assess our priorities and ensure they align with God's ways and not the ways of the world. Meet as a family and discuss how to add fun activities and adventures to your weekly routine to help keep you focused on your priorities. Talking together is also an excellent time to plan how your family can contribute something to communities beyond the parish's boundaries. St. Mary Church recognizes the family as the basic building block of society and that the overall strength of the family significantly impacts our contribution to society. The church emphasizes family structure and works to protect that structure in many ways. St Mary Church has many ministries which include: Faith Formation that encourages family and multi-generational activities while developing our Catholic faith. Parish Life presents opportunities for community building through social activities where we interact, laugh, and have fun together. The Peace and Justice Committee assists parishioners in reaching out to others through collections such as The Giving Tree and Christmas in July. They also organize support for Habitat for Humanity, Mary's Meals, and parish tithing allocation to organizations that help those in need. Liturgy ensures our Eucharistic celebrations instill a renewed commitment to the Gospel values of peace and justice. How does your family participate in these and other parish activities? In what ways does your participation flow over into community involvement and support? You could start a routine family prayer time to observe the call to family, community, and participation. This could be as simple as offering an extra prayer at meal times. Pray to God for all your family members and ask for the strength to care for each other, reach out and serve those who need help. Ask family members to take a turn to lead your prayer time. Listen to how God wants you to support each other, your parish family, and the community beyond. #3 Catholic Social Teaching
Rights & Responsibilities December is Human Rights Month, and we are to protect the human rights of all. According to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, the Church states that everyone has a fundamental right to life and to have basic needs met to maintain a lifetime of dignity. These rights include being born, having enough to eat, clothing, adequate housing, sufficient healthcare, education, faith and family life, employment, and death with dignity. Upholding individual rights is the only way to achieve a healthy community. As the family of God, we are responsible for helping to meet the needs of everyone with love and respect. Advent is a time for preparing our hearts for the coming of Jesus Christ. As we reflect and prepare this Christmas season, let our eyes and hearts be open to the needs and rights of others. Think about how we can carry on the work of the Lord as we share our unique God-given talents and gifts with God's family. Do we take time to be genuinely present by listening to our neighbor, co-worker, or someone carrying a burden? Can we make a monthly sacrifice and deny ourselves material goods so we can donate to someone with an actual need for daily living? Are we knowledgeable about how our local and national governments allocate money for programs to assist those who need their fundamental rights met? How are we teaching our children and others to be responsible with their time, talents, and treasures to care for others? Pray for all those who suffer from a lack of food, clothing, medical care, and housing. #4 Catholic Social Teachings
Option for the Poor and Vulnerable A basic moral test for society is to determine how the most vulnerable members are doing. We must ensure that the human dignity of each person is uplifted in society and NOT violated by people or social structures taking advantage of or suppressing them. Pope Francis says, "Love for the poor is at the center of the Gospel." Why did Jesus give preferential treatment to the poor and the vulnerable? Because Jesus knew they most needed His help. We must follow this example to "listen and hear the cry of the poor." St. Mary Church sets aside funds for this cause, and the Peace and Justice Committee allocates quarterly for local, national, and international needs. The Committee verifies that each organization has goals that align with Catholic Social teaching. St Mary church also provides for individual and family immediate needs when appropriate. During this Christmas season of giving, consider the following:
#5 Catholic Social Teachings
Solidarity Catholic Social Teachings challenge us to recognize others as brothers and sisters and to actively work for the common good – the good of everyone. Pope John Paul II reminds us not to live in selfish isolation. Instead, we are to reach out and build relationships of love and justice. We must try to understand the conditions and circumstances of people of all nationalities, races, ethnicities, economic restraints, and ideologies so that instead of judgment, we can work together for the kingdom of God. Justice and peace are at the core of solidarity. We recognize each person as part of ONE human family who shares in the benefits and obligations we live with. God invites us equally to the banquet of life. (Gn. 2 18-20). We are to accept our differences with others, to support the marginalized and the vulnerable, and to seek justice for all. As Pope Paul VI taught us, "If you want peace, work for justice." · Our blessed Mother Mary has asked us to pray the Rosary daily for world peace. · Consider joining the Tuesday afternoon Rosary group live or by Zoom at St. Mary Church, or find a time to share this prayer with your family or friends. · Exercise your right to vote for officials who will work with other leaders on issues that will bring peace and safety to the world. · Find a prayer or action you can take to support those lives disrupted by hate, prejudice, and violence. January is Catholic Poverty Awareness Month. Pope Francis calls us to live in solidarity with those experiencing poverty. #6 Catholic Social Teachings
Care for God’s Creation God gave us a magnificent earth to live on! Care for the earth is a requirement of our Catholic faith. "Laudato Si," the 2015 document by Pope Francis, advocates that we are responsible for caring for creation and the environment. This issue is not new, as we have been called to "cultivate and care" for creation for centuries (Genesis 1:1-3). St Mary Church participates in caring for the earth. The Knights of Columbus pick up roadside trash along Highway 63, we tithe to The Sisters Water Project, where dollars are invested in local teams to provide clean water in African villages by sustainable methods, we conserve utilities and recycle, and much of the Church grounds are covered in natural prairie to support wildlife. When we disrespect God's creation, the poor and vulnerable suffer the most. They have minimal resources to fight pollution and combat food and water insecurities. Very few have a voice to challenge, either economically or politically, decreases in natural resources that worsen their living conditions. Jesus entrusts this earth to our care, and here are some actions we can take: · Research with and talk to your children about environmental issues. · Develop habits of recycling, reusing, composting, and carpooling. · Conserve water by using it sparingly and fixing dripping faucets and leaky pipes. · Conserve electricity and other utilities by turning off unnecessary lights, lowering the thermostat one or two degrees, and insulating leaky windows and doors. · Discuss ways to use the earth's resources responsibly with your family. Take one step today to modify your lifestyle in a way that makes a difference for the earth and environment. #7 Catholic Social Teachings
The Dignity of Work and the Rights of Workers The first pages of the Bible make it clear that work is an essential part of human dignity. Work gives us purpose and provides us with personal fulfillment. The goal for everyone who can work is to have access to steady employment with just wages that provide their family with economic stability. We participate in God's creation when we are free to use our time, talent, and treasures to bring our unique abilities into the world through work. Human dignity is lost in the workplace if someone is discriminated against, taken advantage of, or forced to work for another's benefit. The economy must serve people, not the other way around, according to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB.org). We can be responsible for the message of Jesus with our vote and commitment to others to end unfair work practices. We can also encourage and help others seek educational opportunities that develop the skills needed to provide a meaningful job.
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St. Mary Tithe Recipients:
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Birthright : Provides support and resources for pregnant women.
www.birthright.org Bread for the World: A collective Christian voice that educates opinion leaders, policy makers, and the public about hunger in the US and abroad. www.bread.org Butler County Food Pantry: Provide financial assistant for the pantry for purchase of food from the food bank. Butler County Visions of Well Being Christmas Outreach: Assembly of care packages for Butler County households in need. Camp Courageous: Provides year-round recreational and respite activities for individuals with disabilities as well as their families. https://campcourageous.org Caritas: A confederation of 162 Catholic relief, development, and social service organizations working to build a better world for the poor and oppressed. https://www.caritas.org Catholic Charities: Help people who are struggling with poverty and other complex issues. https://www.catholiccharitiesusa.org |
Catholic Legal Immigration Network: Provides legal expertise to a dedicated network of Catholic and community immigration programs.
https://cliniclegal.org Catholic Medical Mission Board: An international faith-based non-profit organization providing long-term medical and development aid to communities affected by poverty and healthcare issues. https://cmmb.org Catholic Relief Services: Work with local, national, and international Catholic institutions and other organizations, to assist people on the basis of need. https://www.crs.org Cedar Valley Friends of the Family: Works to provide safe shelter, confidential services, and housing assistance to individuals in crisis due to homelessness, domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. https://www.fofia.org Clara White Mission: Works to prevent and reduce homelessness through advocacy, housing, job training, and employment, working in partnership with businesses in the community. https://www.clarawhitemission.org Guiding Star: Provides natural, holistic, pro-woman, and pro-family healthcare. https://guidingstartcedarvalley.org Iowa Heartland Habitat for Humanity: Provides affordable homeownership and critical home repair in the Black Hawk, Butler, Bremer, and Buchanan area. https://www.webuildhabitat.org Mary’s Meals USA: Provide a nutritious daily meal to every child in places of education. https://www.marysmealsusa.org |
NAMI: Organization of families, friends, and individuals advocating to improve the life of individuals who have mental illness.
https://namiiowa.org Northeast Iowa Foodbank: Provide nutritious food and grocery products to nonprofit organizations and individuals in northeast Iowa. https://www.northeastiowafoodbank.org Retrieving Freedom: Train and place service dogs for disabled veterans and children with autism. https://www.retrievingfreedom.org Self Help International: Works to alleviate world hunger and poverty by assisting the rural poor, small scale farmers, and related enterprises in developing countries. https://www.selfhelpinternational.org Sister Water Project: Work to bring safe water to villages in Tanzania and Honduras. https://www.osfdbq.org/sister-water-project-main/sister-water-project Special Olympics of Iowa: Provides year-round sports training and competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. https://www.soiowa.org Waverly Shell Rock United Way: Improves lives and strengthens the education, income, and health of our communities by securing funds and promoting service for those in need. https://www.wsrunitedway.org |
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Our committee meets the 2nd Monday of each month at 7pm at the church.
Peace & Justice Committee Members:
Wayne Green Val King Jan Kriener Lindsey Kuhlmann Mollie Muntefering Phil Paladino Teresa Moerer |
