GLBT Initiative

Beth Garascia, chair of the GLBT Initiative Team, shares some reflections about what faces gay teens and their families when the teen is faced with "coming out."  She writes, "So despite what some describe as a widespread acceptance of gay persons in our society...many young people still experience a great deal of inner turmoil in the process of discovering that they are gay. In the midst of their pain and anguish, some fear feeling further isolated by a possible lack of acceptance by their families." Read more...

Ohio Marianists & Friends - MSJC Statement about Ohio Ballot Issue 2

After being approached by Catholics Against Issue 2, and after consideration of both the political and moral questions involved with this issue, the MSJC Steering Committee decided to write a statement opposing the passage of this ballot issue. Issue 2 is a response to Ohio Senate Bill 5, and would severely limit collective bargaining by public employee unions, eliminate binding arbitration and prohibit strikes. You can get a nonpartisan overview of Issue 2 from the Ohio League of Women Voters.

Racial & Immigrant Justice

Marianist Call to Action -

Just & Humane Immigration Reform

Death Penalty

A Catholic Call to Abolish the Death Penalty  

On September 21, 2011 there were two high profile executions in the United Sates, those of Troy Davis in Georgia and Lawrence Brewer in Texas. This prompted almost 375 Catholic theologians, scholars, and social justice advocates to issue a public call for the abolition of the death penalty in the US. Read more about the document on the Issue Team's Web page.  

San Antonio Residents - Dialogue on the Death Penalty - Oct. 24 

MSJC is co-sponsoring a Dialogue of Religious Leaders on the Death Penalty, featuring a panel of San Antonio-area religious leaders, on Oct. 24 at 7:00 at the Laurie Auditorium on the Trinity University campus. Click here for details.

Justice Scalia and Catholic Teaching on the Death Penalty

Recently Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia spoke at Duquesne University Law School. "If I thought that Catholic doctrine held the death penalty to be immoral," said Scalia, "I would resign. I could not be a part of a system that imposes it." Read more about the debate that his comments have sparked on the Issue Team's Web page.

in Huntsville TX  

Environment & Ecology

Tip for Reducing Your Carbon Footprint -  

Wash Clothes in Cold Water  

The Social Protection Floor Initiative envisions that no one should live below a certain income level and everyone should be able to access at least basic health services, primary education, housing, water, sanitation and other essential services. The Initiative is a joint UN effort coordinated by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the World Health Organization (WHO). Click here to sign a petition adding your support to this effort.

Fighting Poverty with Faith -  

Take the Food Stamp Challenge: Oct. 27-Nov. 6  

Click here to learn more about the challenges of hunger by taking the Food Stamp Challenge and living for one week on the average food stamp allotment.    

A Thought to Ponder

"Remembering that I'll be dead soon is the most important tool I've ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life. Because almost everything -- all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure - these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important. Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart. ... Stay hungry. Stay foolish."    --Steve Jobs