Commission for Life and Justice
Purpose
History
Listening & learning from what's going on
We'd like to connect with your group
Regional Recognition Events June 2010
Up-to-date, accurate information on various life and justice issues
Opportunities to Learn
Specific Ministry Ideas
Key Papal Documents
Members
What are life & justice issues?
The Commission's purpose is to promote wider involvement in life and justice ministries throughout the diocese. We see our role in general as a motivating and encouraging group, an advocate and leaven for the work of serving life and justice.
History:
The Commission was created in 2001 by Bishop Joseph and reports directly to him. Over the years we have sponsored workshops, speakers and retreats in various parts of the diocese with the aim of educating about the Church's rich teachings on life and justice.
Listening & learning from what's going on:
Because many good works are already happening in the diocese, we realized that the Commission could benefit from an on-going relationship to those of you actively engaged in life and justice ministry.
To that end we identified parishes, groups, and pastors whose works in life and justice issues are well-known and invited ourselves into a conversation with you in 2009. Our intent was simple:
- to build a relationship between yourselves and us so that we might serve as resources for one another
- to perform an informal needs assessment
~What might you need from us?
~Where are the gaps in our diocesan efforts?
~How do we support one another? - to identify best practices among us and pieces of good news we can share with other parishes/diocesan organizations,
- to initiate a yearly conversation with you.
We clarified that pastors and groups are not accountable to the Commission.
We reviewed closely the summary of these interviews and listened attentively to the recounting of experiences by the various members who conducted the interviews. We tried to see clearly the common threads-the issues, the areas being touched, the challenges and questions that emerged. It was noted that the experience of these interviewers- in person or on the phone- was that of being on holy ground.
Your honest and insightful reflections inspired us and helped us more clearly discern ways the Commission can assist you and the entire diocese in this important and essential ministry. As a result of our reflections on our conversations with you, we decided to hold "Recognition Events" in June 2010 as a way to showcase and celebrate the ministry happening in the diocese, to promote networking, and educate others as to ministry opportunities they might begin in their parishes.
We'd like to connect with your group:
Our attempt to get to know those involved in life and justice ministry was limited. If your group would like to connect with us, please contact the Commission. Our desire is to build wider our relationships in all areas of the diocese.
Regional Recognition Events June 2010
Fun, festive gatherings! General public invited.
For all in the diocese involved in life and justice ministry
* to recognize and celebrate the work already being done
* to promote networking
* to offer the general public a chance to learn about these ministries
- Sunday afternoon, June 6
St. Mary's Scout Camp, (near Pine Croft exit of 220), Altoona - Sunday afternoon, June 13
Resurrection Parish Picnic Grove, 926 Cooper Ave. (Tanneryville), Johnstown - Sunday afternoon, June 27
Homes Foster Park, (across from Our Lady of Victory Church), 901 Westerly Parkway, State College
Watch for more details in the future.
Up-to-date, accurate information on various life and justice issues:
U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) website http://www.usccb.org/
PA Catholic Conference (PPC) website http://www.pacatholic.org/
Opportunities to Learn:
JustFaith Groups http://www.justfaith.org/
(Small group study; mainly issues surrounding poverty)
JustFaith Ministries provides programs that transform people and expand their commitment to social ministry. Through these life-changing opportunities, members of a church or parish can study, explore and experience Christ's call to care for the poor and vulnerable in a lively, challenging, multifaceted process in the context of a small faith community. JustFaith is partnered with Catholic Charities, Catholic Relief Services, and Campaign for Human Development.
To talk to persons in our diocese who have taken part in a JustFaith group, contact the Commission.
Specific Ministry Ideas:
"Pastoral Plan for Pro-Life Activities-A Campaign in Support of Life"
A 47 page pamphlet with rationale and specific pro-life project ideas from the U.S. Bishops' Conference - order from usccbpublishing.org or borrow a copy from the Family Life Office, 814-886-5551; familylife@dioceseaj.org.
"Communities of Salt & Light: Reflections on the Social Mission of the Parish"
A 27 page booklet written by U.S. Catholic Bishops; lots of practical examples of what various parishes are doing; not available online; order from usccbpublishing.org or Family Life Office, 814-886-5551; familylife@dioceseaj.org.
Key Papal Documents:
"Gospel of Life" (Evangelium vitae)
http://www.vatican.va/edocs/ENG0141/_INDEX.HTM
"On Hope" (Spe salvi)
http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/encyclicals/documents/hf_ben-xvi_enc_20071130_spe-salvi_en.html
"Charity in Truth" (Caritas in veritate)
http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/encyclicals/documents/hf_ben-xvi_enc_20090629_caritas-in-veritate_en.html
"God is Love" (Deus caritas est)
http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/encyclicals/documents/hf_ben-xvi_enc_20051225_deus-caritas-est_en.html
Members:
Rev. David J. Arseneault Jean Johnstone
Jess Ballenger L. Sr. Laura Lee
Sr. Helen Marie Burns, RSM Mary Lynch
Fr. Sean Code Sr. Patti Rossi, CSJ
Anthony Consiglio Rev. Daniel Sinisi, TOR
Francine Swope
Susan Stith, Acting Chair (sstith@dioceseaj.org - 814-886-5551)
What are life & justice issues?
~Abuse ~Health care
~Arms control ~Human trafficking
~Assisted Suicide ~Immigration
~Capital punishment ~Labor issues
~Cloning ~Poverty
~Embryonic stem cell research ~Racism and other forms of prejudice
~End of life issues
