Events
Celebration of Earth Day 2024
Care for God’s Creation
Milwaukee Riverkeeper Spring Clean-up
Saturday, April 20
Jackson Park 3500 West Forest Home Avenue
9:00 am–11:00 am (gloves & trash bags provided)
Lunch provided at 11:30 am in the Parish Hall
Pope Francis has said, “As stewards of God’s creation, we are called to make this earth a beautiful garden for the human family.”
We sometimes feel overwhelmed by the worldwide destruction of our environment. We wonder why government officials are not taking more steps toward saving our planet from pollution. We question whether actions such as recycling, conserving electricity and water, avoiding plastic, etc. are having any positive effect; however, not seeing results is no excuse for giving up these positive actions. It takes only one snowflake to build a storm. What better way to carry out Pope Francis’s directive than to continue to keep informed about government actions, to conserve energy in our homes, and to beautify our neighborhoods.
Please mark your calendars and watch for registration information in the coming weeks. Let’s make this a meaningful family activity!
Sponsored by the Social Justice Committee.
Registration
Catholic Social Teaching
We embrace Catholic Social Teaching, an essential element of our faith.
The teachings are rich in wisdom, helping us to live out the Gospel
and work toward a just society.
The Seven Principles of Catholic Social Teaching
Each theme below is linked to a video from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).
Life and Dignity of the Human Person
All people are sacred, made in the image and likeness of God. People do not lose dignity because of disability, poverty, age, lack of success, or race. This emphasizes people over things, being over having.
Call to Family, Community, and Participation
The human person is both sacred and social. We realize our dignity and rights in relationship with others, in community. “We are one body; when one suffers, we all suffer.” We are called to respect all of God’s gifts of creation, to be good stewards of the earth and each other.
Rights and Responsibilities
People have a fundamental right to life, food, shelter, health care, education and employment. All people have a right to participate in decisions that affect their lives. Corresponding to these rights are duties and responsibilities to respect the rights of others in the wider society and to work for the common good.
Options for the Poor and Vulnerable
The moral test of a society is how it treats its most vulnerable members. The poor have the most urgent moral claim on the conscience of the nation. We are called to look at public policy decisions in terms of how they affect the poor.
The Dignity of Work and the Rights of Workers
People have a right to decent and productive work, fair wages, private property and economic initiative. The economy exits to serve people, not the other way around.
Solidarity
We are one human family. Our responsibilities to each other cross national, racial, economic and ideological differences. We are called to work globally for justice.
Care for God’s Creation
The goods of the earth are gifts from God. We have a responsibility to care for these goods as stewards and trustees, not as mere consumers and users.
Racism/Diversity
“Racism is an intolerable sin against God.
The church, the pastors, and lay people
must continue fighting to eradicate it
and for a more just world.”
Pope Francis 11/2022
America’s Black Holocaust Museum MKE Wisconsin Black Historical Society/Museum National Catholic Reporter (www.ncronline.org) Milwaukee Archdiocese Anti-Racism Resources (www.archmil.org) America Magazine (www.americamagazine.org) Georgetown University (https://catholicsocialthought.georgetown.edu/) Good Neighbor Signs Available “No Matter where you are from, we’re glad you’re our neighbor.” The message is written in Spanish, English, and Arabic. Contact Pat McKay, (414) 321-3698. Lord of All Love, Where my eyes have passed before and then turned away And then let me love them I look up now, Lord. Amen.
Learning about racism can be a difficult journey. It needs to be guided by faith and listening to one’s conscience. The list below provides resources that may make the journey easier.Learn About Black History
This museum was founded in 1987 by Dr. James Cameron who was the only known survivor of a lynching. The economic downturn in 2008 forced it to close. It currently provides virtual tours and is in the final stage of opening a new Milwaukee site at 401 W. North Ave.
This museum, founded in 1987 by Clayborn Benson III, is open to the public. It documents historical, social, and economic events that affected African Americans in Wisconsin over the years. It is located on 27th and Center in Milwaukee.Resources/Information About Racism
This is an “independent voice in Catholic journalism” since 1964.
“Promotes dialogue on Catholic social thought and national and global issues.”Prayer to End Racism
As I step out the door, show me my neighbor.
As I read the news, show me my neighbor.
As I pray, show me my neighbor.
On my left, on my right now
Show me my neighbor.
Show me my neighbor.
Where my ears have heard cries that I have ignored
Show me my neighbor.
As they share a story that is different from my story
Help me to listen as if it is my own.
Show me my neighbor.
In their joy and in their distress
That their delight be mine
And their pain be mine too.
Let me love them
As completely and mercifully as you love me.
In true solidarity
Singing our songs together until a new song emerges,
Let me love them.
Show me my neighbor.
Environment
“Care of the earth, then,
is a moral obligation for all
men and women
as children of God.”
Pope Francis, Earth Day 2023.
Non-Violence
“One is called
to live non-violently,
even if the change one works for
seems impossible.”
Fr. Daniel Berrigan.
Migrants and Refugees
“Creating a world where
immigrants, refugees and
other people on the move
are treated with dignity, respect and welcome.”
Justice For Immigrants
How can I help?
Social Justice Committee
The Social Justice Committee (SJC) is committed to improving the lives of the less fortunate. SJC partners with other Southeastern Wisconsin parishes in addressing issues that affect society. We educate parishioners and promote actions on fair trade, healthcare, housing, hunger, human trafficking, immigration, diversity, and environmental concerns. Social teachings of the Church guide our choices and actions. Together we explore links between faith and life, and theology and ethics.
The SJC meets the 2nd Thursday of each month (no meetings in July or August). Dates or locations may change so always check the calendar.
Most recent meeting minutes can be found below. Past meeting minutes can be found on the Pastoral Council page.
Social Justice Committee April 2024
Archdiocese of Milwaukee Social Justice Ministry
The Office of Social Justice Ministry / Dignity of the Human Person strives to build the capacity of the diocesan Church to act effectively in defense of human dignity, human rights and the pursuit of justice and peace.
Catholics for Peace and Justice
Catholics for Peace and Justice “strives to nurture faith in action for peace and justice for all people through prayer, education and social action. Our belief and actions are grounded in Sacred Scripture and the tradition of Catholic Social Teaching.”
PAX Christi USA
PAX Christi USA is “Grounded in the Gospel and Catholic Social Teaching, PAX Christi USA is a membership organization that rejects war, preparation for war, every form of violence and domination, and personal and systemic racism.”