JUSTICE JOTTINGS

April 2011   

Adèle Social Justice Project

Young Adults and Social Justice in Dayton and Cincinnati

The Adele Social Justice Project is currently exploring our next experience in the Dayton and/or Cincinnati area. Get involved now and create the experience you want to see! Contact Amy Pendergast for more information and to let us know what you are looking for: One day experience? A weekend? Weekly formation? Global or local issues?

Marianist Women's Summit - We Were There

Adele Social Justice Project (ASJP) leaders attended the recent Marianist Women's Summit. The opening prayer was created by ASJP members and reflections and hopes were collected to create this amazing

"word cloud" on Marianist women. You can find out more about the topics and discussions from the summit on Adele's Facebook profile. Scroll down to March 25th and read from the beginning and add your own comments to join the conversation.

Global Economic Justice

Global Economic Justice Team Meets

The Global Economic Justice Team held its annual meeting across 5,000 miles with members meeting by videoconference in Dayton, Ohio and Honolulu, Hawaii. 

One program already set in motion will connect students at Virgin Mary School in the Congo with Marianist schools here in the USA. The team hopes the students will develop a relationship of equals, in spite of the differences in socio-economic status, as they build relationships and learn about each others' culture.

Since French is the primary language of the Congo, this program will provide a unique opportunity for US French classes to use French as they communicate with students in the Congo.

The team is also working to educate the Marianist Family on corporate responsibility and its effects on our global economy. To get involved contact Julie Nagasako. 

Environment & Ecology

Plug in electronics and computers to power strips and save energy by turning off computers at the power strip when not in use. Shutting down just one computer and monitor system can save up to $100 annually.

Death Penalty

Starvin' for Justice 2011

The Anti-Death Penalty Team is a co-sponsor of Starvin' for Justice. This 18th annual Fast & Vigil will take place on the steps of the U.S. Supreme Court from June 28-July 2, 2011. Team member, Lauren Olson, will join dozens of other death penalty abolition activists from across the U.S. and Canada for public education and outreach. Read more about the Vigil on the Team's Web page.  

Cardinal Bernardin's Lasting Influence

On Ash Wednesday, after weeks of thought and prayer, Governor Pat Quinn signed the bill that abolished Illinois' death penalty. When he signed the bill, as reported in the New York Times, he cited one influence by name - (the late) Cardinal Joseph Bernardin. Bernardin's advocacy of a consistent ethic of life, sometimes referred to as a "seamless garment," had a profound influence on the Governor. Read more on the Team's Web page.

Ending the Death Penalty in Texas - Progress in San Antonio

Sr. Grace Walle and Bro. Brian Halderman recently hosted a strategy meeting at St. Mary's University for reducing death sentences in Bexar County (San Antonio). ...(read more) 

Justice Happenings in the Marianist Family

Nassau Community Expands Urban Farming Program

The Nassau Street Lay Marianist Community of Dayton, Ohio began an urban farming project last year with the goal of transforming vacant city lots into a vibrant network of gardens. Because the Nassau Community is located in a low-income area in which residents do not typically have access ... (read more)

One of the exciting new additions to the farm is their new greenhouse built with friends and neighbors. View this time lapse video of the construction: 

Marianist LIFE Group Studies Human Trafficking

Alejandro Trujillo, a member of the Marianist LIFE group at St. Susanna's Parish in Mason, Ohio, shares his reflections on the groups involvement in the issue of human trafficking.

It wouldn't be honest of me to say that when our L.I.F.E. group started planning a retreat on education and awareness of human trafficking, I followed with passion. At the start, I didn't see it as that big of a world problem-truthfully I even voted against it at a planning meeting. The impact of what we were researching and teaching to our youth group didn't hit me until about a month after we started... (read more)  

Justice Reflection

You Have to Listen by Amy Pendergast

For two years, I lived at Nazareth Farm, a nonprofit in rural West Virginia that provides home repair for people in the area. I did all sorts of work while there: replacing windows, repairing roofs, insulating homes. All of this was good, necessary work, but I do not believe it was the most important work that I was a part of. I believe the most meaningful work happened... (read more)  

A Thought to Ponder

Mother's Day began as a protest against the carnage of the Civil War by mothers who had lost sons to the violence of war. It might be helpful, for Mother's Day next month, to reflect on these words from the original Mother's Day Proclamation by Julia Ward Howe in 1870.　 

Arise, then, women of this day! Arise, all women who have hearts, whether our baptism be of water or of tears!

Say firmly: "We will not have great questions decided by irrelevant agencies. Our husbands will not come to us, reeking with carnage, for caresses and applause. Our sons shall not be taken from us to unlearn all that we have been able to teach them of charity, mercy, and patience."

We, the women of one country, will be too tender of those of another country to allow our sons to be trained to injure theirs. From the bosom of the devastated Earth a voice goes up with our own. It says: "Disarm! Disarm! The sword of murder is not the balance of justice." Read the full proclamation