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 , guides our efforts. We have issue teams working in the following areas: Anti-Racism, Death Penalty, Ecology and Environment, Sweatshop Labor and War & Peace.
Our “Epiphany Vision Statement,” adopted in 2003, sets the current direction and guiding principles for MSJC. In January 2004, the Steering Committee developed four goals that guide our work program.
Currently we have about 500 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
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.
We affirm the following directions for our future work in collaboration with the other projects and programs of our Marianist Family:
Support the initiatives taken by the Anti-Racism, Death Penalty, Environment/Ecology, Sweatshop Labor and War & Peace Issue Teams.
Expand our communication and improve our networking to reach out to and involve more members
Foster youth initiatives, growing from “Exaltation of Voices” in which over a hundred youth and young adults from Marianist schools, parishes, colleges and other ministries gathered in San Antonio in June, 2002.
Work with the FMI Adele Project, the SM Office for Justice and Peace, MLNNA projects and other initiatives engaged in educating and acting for justice
We invite your involvement of time, talent and treasure in the ongoing development of MSJC. Please contact any member of the Steering Committee.
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.