Several members of the Anti-Racism Issue Team met Dec. 13-14 in Ashton, PA. During the meeting the team planned a workshop-retreat for the Marianist Family to continue to raise awareness and inspire change to work against racism.
Pictured from left to right are Jean Gorczyca, Paul Marshall, Ted Gorczyca, Ted Cassidy, Rudy Reyes, Jr. and Jim Vogt.

Catholic Online has a letter from US archbishop stating "Racism is present in church, offering apology, committing to action." You can access it by clicking here

Impending January Executions

• January 9: Corey Hamilton, OK – ACT NOW!
• January 10: Carlos Granados, TX – ACT NOW!
• January 17: Johnathan Moore, TX – ACT NOW!
• January 24: Larry Swearingen, TX – ACT NOW!
• January 25: Ronald Chambers, TX – ACT NOW!
• January 26: Marcus Reymond Robinson, NC – ACT NOW!

NCADP’s blog, Abolish the Death Penalty, launched a two-week, ten-part series focusing on “Creating More Victims: How Executions Hurt the Families Left Behind.” Check out the series by clicking here

Executions on Hold in Ten States -- List Includes Four Targeted by MSJC
According to the Death Penalty Information Center, 2006 ended with executions in ten states on hold as aspects of their capital punishment laws are examined. Four of the five states targeted by the Issue Team are on the list California, Maryland, Missouri and Ohio. (The fifth state is Texas.) To learn more visit the Issue Team's Web site or click here

Will New Jersey be First State to Abolish the Death Penalty?
A New Jersey legislative commission is recommending that New Jersey abolish the death penalty. Read more about the prospects for abolition on the Issue Team's Web site, where you can find the Commission's Report under Death Penalty Files.

The Adele Social Justice Project Core Team met Dec. 17 in Cincinnati. The team discussed the Oct. Washington, DC immersion and did some visioning for the future of the project.
Pictured kneeling are Laura Libertore, Beth Jamieson, Andrea and Clare Stiles. Standing are Jim Vogt, Leanne Jablonski, Bob Donovan, and Alison Radelet.

Our annual Steering Committee meeting is Jan. 11-14 in Rockaway Park, NY. NY/NJ area people – you’re invited to join us on Sat, Jan. 13, 6 PM for an evening of socializing, sharing about social justice concerns and prayer at the Rockaway Park Marianist Community. To view the invitation click here. Email us – apsjustice@hotmail.com– if you’re coming.

Topics of discussion for the annual meeting will include future directions for the War and Peace team and a possible new issue team focusing on homosexuality. Dave Robinson from Pax Christi will also be with us to talk about peace and nonviolence.

Oppose the Plan to Build New Nuclear Weapons.
At a time when the United States is trying to convince Iran and North Korea to abandon their nuclear weapons program, we should not be expanding our own. Sign a petition and read more by clicking here

Celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day! Make it a day on not a day off and serve! Find an opportunity in your community by clicking here.

"Continuing the Heritage Service Days" - Jan. 27, 12-4 PM. A day of partnering with agencies around San Antonio to provide services. For more information contact raydominguezsm@hotmail.com

The Center for Global Education announces international travel seminars for 2007. Opportunities to visit Guatemala, Mexico, Namibia, and Nicaragua focusing on such issues as coffee, border crossings, and decolonization. To find out more information click here.

Catholic Charities USA launches Campaign to Reduce Poverty in America. Resources and action ideas are available by clicking here.

The Marianist NGO at the UN has new information posted on their website - click here.

ISG (Iraq Study Group): Cut and Hedge - article by MSJC member Chip Pitts focusing on the continuing conflict in Iraq - click here

The ultimate measure of man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.

Martin Luther King, Jr.