Social Justice

Shannon Fleming Bray (206) 524-8800 ext. 110

The Social Justice Committee
We will meet on the third Sunday of each month.

The committee:

  • Studies scripture and Catholic Social Teaching and how it calls us out to work for justice and peace.
  • Promotes socially conscious consumerism and environmental stewardship.
  • We focus on purchasing sweat free and fairly traded/justly produced products. We educate about the benefits of recycling and composting as elements of care for creation.
  • Discerns as a group and then brings relevant issues to the parish through education, speakers, and parish commitment activities.
  • Deepens our church members’ understanding of their individual commitment and communal calling to help others.

Thank you for your help in our ‘NO to the Freedom of Choice Act Campaign (F.O.C.A.)’!!!!
Thank you to all of you who participated in the F.O.C.A. postcard campaign we held a few weeks ago.   Our parish alone sent out almost 1,000 postcard to our lawmakers.   The success of this campaign is because of YOU. Thank you for raising your voice to protect life and dignity in our world.

Catholic Advocacy Day:
This Tuesday, February, 24 thousands of Catholic parish members, staff, and Catholic service and justice organizations will gather to help to ensure that the Gospel message to care for our brothers and sisters is heard loud and clear.  We at St. Catherine would like to send a group as well.  We will meet at 8:15 am to drive to Olympia.and return at 4pm.     Please contact Shannon if you are intereested.

Volunteer Network Group:  Gems of Social Justice at St Catherine’s
Thanks to all those who have shared with us their volunteer opportunities in the community.  Please continue to use this list as a resource for finding good service opportunities both in our parish and out in our local community.   We have replaced the bulletin board in the vestibule with a computer list and you can contact us to have a list sent to you.  Add your name and what you do for social justice to our list in the vestibule of the church. The list will be updated on a regular basis.

Action Alert Email:
Are you interested in receiving monthly emails containing actions that you can take to engage in the political process and have your voice heard.   Writing a letter or making a quick call takes less then 5 minutes and yet it makes a big impact.   This alert will allow you to educate yourself, chose what to take action on, and to do it quickly.  If you would like to receive these monthly emails please sign up on the Social Justice Bulletin board or email ShannonFleming@stcatherineparish.net

Helpful Links to Social Justice Sites

Catholic Relief Services -  CRS is the offical international humanitarian agency of the U.S. Catholic community.  They provide assistance to people in need in more then 100 counties as well as being committed to advocacy and education.

Justice for Immigrants – educational site devoted to raising awareness about the issue of immigration in light of the Catholic Faith.

Intercommunity Peace and Justice Center – The Intercommunity Peace & Justice Center promotes just structures in the church and in the world. IPJC is sponsored by sixteen religious communities and collaborates with Catholic, ecumenical, interfaith and other organizations in carrying out this mission.

Catholic Campaign for Human Development -  The Catholic Campaign for Human Development is the domestic anti-poverty, social justice program of the U.S. Catholic bishops.

Local Service Opportunities… just to name a few

Noel House – Homeless Women’s shelter supported by Catholic Community Services.

Food Helpline -  Food Bank on Lake City Way

Blessed Sacrament Food Bank -  Soup Kitchen and Food Bank, Open Sunday

Cedar River Watershed -  restoring natural habitat and protecting our watersupply.

Compass Center – The Compass Center serves homeless and low-income men and women over 18 years of age, a vulnerable and underserved population in Seattle and King County.

Providence Hospitality House -  helping mothers with children in crisis

Jubilee Women’s Center – transistional housing for women