The Justice and Charity Commission is involved in the work of fulfilling the social mission of the church. This work is focused on helping our parish respond to human needs in our community and in our society.  We place special preference on securing economic justice for people in poverty and working for the common good. 

Check out what's new right now in Justice and Charity  by clicking here.

“We are called to be the ‘salt of the earth’ and the ‘light of the world’ in the words of the Scriptures.  (Mt. 5: 13-16)

This task belongs to every believer and every parish. It cannot be  assigned to a few or simply designated to diocesan or national structures.

The pursuit of justice and peace is an essential part of what makes a parish Catholic.”

U.S. Catholic Bishops Communities of Salt and Light  1993

Since 1891, and approximately every ten years there after, papal encyclicals have identified and directed the Church in the area of social justice action. Major themes have developed from Catholic Social teaching and include:
 

Human dignity	Community
Rights	Option for the poor
Participation	Dignity of work and the rights of workers
Stewardship of Creation	Solidarity
Role of Government	Promotion of Peace

As a part of St. Joseph's Justice and Charity Commission you will have the opportunity to be educated, challenged and supported  by biblical reference, the teachings of Vatican II, the U.S. Bishops,  the Archdiocesan Office of Social Justice and other faith based organizations such as Isaiah.   Charity responds to the immediate individual needs by providing direct services such as food, shelter and clothing.  Charity requires repeated actions and is directed at the effects of injustice.  Some examples are: food shelves, homeless shelters, soup kitchens, donations, etc.

Social Justice asks the difficult question “why,” and challenges institutions to be more responsive to human needs and the common good of all humanity.  Social justice is about transforming the world we live in to bring about the kingdom of God.  Social Justice is not a committee it is an action to be developed in all aspects of Church.  Some examples are: legislative advocacy, changing corporate policy, congregational based community organizations, etc.

The Justice and Charity Commission  encompasses all interested persons and or committees that want and need direction on social justice actions to be incorporated into their own areas of interest. For more information please call the Justice and Charity Coordinator at 651-784-3015. Watch for bulletin announcements and calls for Action.

"Service and action, charity and justice are complementary components of parish social ministry.  Neither alone is sufficient; both are essential signs of the gospel at work."

For more online information contact: http://www.osjspm.org/cst

The agencies included in the Charity and Social Justice Commission are:

Fair for All  Fare For All at St. Joe’s. Using volume-purchasing power, Fare For All is able to offer a variety of food packages at a great cost savings.  This allows individuals and families to affordably supplement their monthly grocery needs. Pick-ups are on the third Saturday of the month. Call Lee Berg at 763-784-6912 for more information.

Centennial Community Food Shelf
Maggie Carney

Meals on Wheels

Fund for the Poor

Paint-A-Thon

Loaves and Fishes
Carrie Beane

Sowers of Justice

 

Catholic Charities of St. Paul and Minneapolis – Hurricane Relief and Household Kits - Help Survivors

Catholic Relief Services
209 West Fayette Street Baltimore, MD 21201 (410) 625-2220.  Catholic Relief Services assists the poor and disadvantaged outside of this country.

Give Fair Trade Coffee as a gift.  Coffee is available for purchase in the parish office. Grown by CRS-supported farmers in Nicaragua. Visit Peace Coffee to learn more.

Migration and Refugee Services (MRS)
United States Catholic Conference 3211 Fourth Street, NE Washington, DC 20017-1194 (202) 541-3220 MRS offers opportunities for parishes and individuals to assist newcomers.

Common Hope – Sponsor a child in Guatemala - $60 per month for a Lead Sponsorship and $30 per month for a Guiding Sponsorship. These monies and your relationship will help this child with education, health and dental care, housing and family and community development. Go to: Common Hope.

National Council of Catholic Women (NCCW)
1275 K Street, NW, Suite 975 Washington, DC 20005 (202) 682-0338.  The Nccw co-sponsors with Catholic Relief Services programs which allow parishes and individuals to sponsor poor children around the world and support clean water projects.