The Marianist Social Justice Collaborative (MSJC) began in 1998 as a vehicle to promote education and action for social justice within the Marianist Family. It is supported by the Marianist Brothers and Priests, the Marianist Lay Network of North America (MLNNA), and the Marianist Sisters .
It works under the direction of the Marianist Family Council of North America.
A Steering Committee , chaired by Fr. Ted Cassidy SM, and Director, Mr. Jim Vogt , guide our efforts. We have issue teams working in the following areas: Anti-Racism, Death Penalty, Ecology and Environment, Sweatshop Labor and Alternatives to Violence. We also have two project teams: the Marianist Mosaic and the Adele Social Justice Project.
The Steering Committee held its Annual Meeting Jan 17-20, 2008. A report of that meeting is available. Click here
Our “ Epiphany Vision Statement ,” adopted in 2003, set the current direction and guiding principles for MSJC. In 2008, the Steering Committee developed four goals that guide our work program.
Currently we have about 600 people on our mailing list. They receive regular updates on MSJC activities through our e-newsletter, Justice Jottings , or by regular mail. If you want to be added to our mailing list, click here .
MSJC Epiphany Vision Statement
Adopted Jan. 5, 2003
At this critical time of challenge in our Marianist, Catholic, North American and global lives, in solidarity with Mary, we are impelled by the risk-taking vision of our founders. We are convinced of the gift of collaboration in our Marianist response to the Gospel call to strive for justice as individuals, communities, institutions and ministries.
We affirm the mission of the Marianist Social Justice Collaborative - to strengthen the combined efforts of lay and religious members of the Marianist family (SM, FMI, MLNNA) in the USA in educating and acting for social justice by:
Coordinating, supporting and enhancing current and new social justice interests and involvement;
Being a national and continental voice of the Marianist Family on social justice issues.
May our lives echo Mary’s Magnificat, as we join in thanksgiving to our God of justice, who is re-born and lifts up the lowly through our actions in our world today.
Goals (Adopted April 2008)
Goal 1
Communicate the gospel message of social justice throughout the Marianist Family with an emphasis on education for action, personal stories of social justice, and the integrated use of media and other communication tools.
Goal 2
Create opportunities for action and dialogue among communities and individuals within and among the branches of the Marianist Family that deepen our soliarity with the poor, the marginalized, and the oppressed as we work for a world of peace, justice, and integrity of creation.
Goal 3
Provide resources to and collaborate with Marianist institutions, ministries, networks, and organizations to advance our mission of justice.
Goal 4
Establish a realistic funding stream for MSJC in collaboration with MLNNA, FMI, and the SM.