Justice Jottings                          November 2007 

Think Globally, Act Locally - How to do it Better
 
The Marianist State Community and other members of the Marianist Family gathered in Dayton, OH on Sat, Oct. 27 for this workshop put on by MSJC.  35 participants were involved throughout the day in activities to look at the big picture of globalization.  To learn more about this workshop click here.

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New On Our Website

Our Children's  Place is an alternative correctional facility for women prisoners with young children.  2 lay Marianists have taken significant leadership in this innovative project.  To learn more click here.

  

Be Inspired by Mother Teresa A presentation of Mother Teresa's life through pictures and quotes shared by MSJC member Bro. John Samaha SM -click here.
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In This Issue
Everyday Justice
Alternatives to Violence
Anti-Racism
Death Penalty
Ecology & Environment
Adele Social Justice Project
MSJC Steering Committee
Act Now! Be an Advocate for Justice
Events
Resources
A Thought to Ponder
Everyday Justice
 
November's reflection comes from the Adele Social Justice Project's Resource Binder.  Using Adele as their model, members of the Marianist Family contributed letters on social justice topics.  We feature Marilyn Schwieterman's letter from the Building Community section.
 

"As Marianists we build community. We gather in lay and religious communities that are a center point for nourishing our own passion for Marianist life. In these communities we support and encourage each person's individual growth and call to mission in life. The communities in turn also develop a life that takes on a sense of mission."

 
To read the entire reflection click here.

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A People's Peace Initiative
We invite you and your community to participate in the People's Peace Initiative.  Consider using this small group discussion resource during Advent. It is a good way to focus on peace in preparation for Christmas.  Get involved today!  For more information click here.
Anti-Racism
 

Teachable Moments - Jena 6

The Anti-Racism Issue Team is working on highlighting issues of racism in the news.  The Jena 6 refers to six black students from Jena High School in Jena, Louisiana, who were arrested on Dec. 4, 2006 for allegedly assaulting a white student at school. The fight was a result of several racial incidents occurring at this school.  Education for Justice offers a resource to examine Jena 6 and racism - click here.
 
Is there a de facto moratorium?

On Oct. 30 the US Supreme Court granted a stay of execution to a Mississippi inmate 19 minutes before he was scheduled to die by lethal injection.  Does this decision signal a de facto moratorium on executions as many have suggested?  Learn how people are interpreting the Court's action, and read more about this question by clicking here.

 
No Impending Executions!
As stated in the article above, the US Supreme Court granted a stay of execution in one case.  Where does that leave executions for the US?

 
ABA seeks execution moratorium

After studying the death penalty systems in eight states over the last three years, the American Bar Association (ABA) "found so many inequities and shortfalls that the group is calling for a nationwide moratorium on executions" wrote the Chicago Tribune on Oct. 30.  Learn more about the ABA report by clicking here.

 
Death Penalty Awareness Week at Purcell Marian High School
The objectives of the week were: to raise awareness of the issues surrounding the death penalty; promote discussion and dialogue within the student body around the death penalty; promote a culture of life; to present the teachings of the Church with regard to the death penalty.  To learn more about what Purcell Marian did click here.
Ecology & Environment
 
Climate Change
Consumer Consequences is a website challenge that allows you to check your consumption and its impact on Earth.  Take the challenge today sponsored by American Public Media - click here.
 
Parish Resources for Thanksgiving
Worship resources focused on the theme faithful harvest is available from the National Council of Churches of Christ and their Eco-Justice Programs - click here.
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ASJP Baltimore/Washington, DC Young Adult Community The DC/Baltimore ASJP community recently celebrated Mass with the Caldwell Community of Catholic University to commemorate their one year anniversary.  They also went to a local restaurant for brunch.  The group plans to make this a monthly activity.  They were also fortunate to have Brian Reavey, LIFE Coordinator, attend their meeting to help them vision and plan as a community.  For more information contact Beth Jamieson, shown in the photo whipping up some snacks at the Washington DC ASJP weekend last year.
 

Campaign to Reduce Poverty in America

The ONE Campaign is challenging parishes and individuals to learn more about extreme poverty especially during the weekend on Nov. 23-25.  What can you do?  To learn more about the ONE Sabbath Campaign click here.

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Hurricane Katrina
The Gulf Coast Housing Recovery Act of 2007 (S.1668) would re-open desperately needed housing and make sure there is no loss of affordable public housing in New Orleans.  Can you add your voice to those calling on the Senate to pass S.1668?  Click here to email your Senators.
 
Food and Farm Bill The Senate begins debate on the food and farm bill this week. This may be our last chance to fix it. Your senators need to hear from you -- this bill affects everyone who eats, pays taxes, wants to protect our environment, and/or wants our government policies to be fair. To contact your senator click here.

The Marianist Office of Peace and Justice is sponsoring 4 kinds of immersion trips. If you are interested in participating in any of the immersions, please contact Myles McCabe or Ruth Hinde or at 314-533-1207.  For more information please click here.
 
Day of Action Against Big Box Stores - Nov. 17
The idea is for all of the organizations, networks and movements who sign up to take action in their own national and regional campaigns against big box stores.  To learn more click here.
ResourcesKnow any good ones? Share them with us. 
 
Franz Jagerstatter Resources
Catholic Peace Fellowship offers prayer cards, beautification information, articles and lesson plans on Franz Jagerstatter, a conscientious objector to Hitler's regime and World War II - click here.
 
Burma Update
Education for Justice offers a resource about the Buddhists monks and their involvement in nonviolent marches for human rights in Burma - click here.
 
Archbishop Beltran Leads Resistance To Oklahoma Immigration Law
A new state immigration bill took effect Nov. 1 in response, Archbishop Beltran and several priests in the Catholic Archdiocese of Oklahoma City sent a pledge of resistance to Oklahoma Governor Henry. The pledge reads in part:  "Because this law is overly punitive and makes a felony of the act of providing humanitarian assistance to an undocumented person in need; we the undersigned clergy, religious leaders, and lay people of conscience will not and can not obey this law."  To view the full pledge click here.  To read MSJC's Statement on Immigration click here.
A Thought to Ponder 
 

Amount of money spent per year worldwide on bottled water = $100 billion

 

Amount per year needed to meet the United Nations' goal of giving everyone access to drinkable water by 2015 = $11.3 billion

 
From "The Page That Counts" Yes! Magazine Spring 2007