Justice in Action

Mission Statement

The Cathedral of Saint Paul’s Justice in Action engages parishioners in making the connection between the social dimension of the Gospel and daily life.  In order to promote the social teachings of the Church, the committee educates; advocates; networks with parish, faith-based, and community organizations; and provides programs of direct assistance. 

Activities

The Cathedral of Saint Paul’s Justice in Action fulfills its mission through the works of charity, justice, and education below.

Charity

  • Organizes Christmas gift, food, school supply, clothing, and money collections at the Cathedral to benefit the poor, the sick, the elderly, and the vulnerable.
  • Hosts Project Home to provide shelter for homeless when other shelters are full.
  • Participates in Habitat for Humanity with area churches to construct new homes in the area.
  • Coordinates volunteers for the Dorothy Day Center to provide support for the homeless.
  • Collaborates with other parish groups to provide assistance to those in need.

Justice and Education

  • Develops and implements goals for broadening the understanding and participation of the parish in the social mission of the Church.
  • Holds focused conversations, book studies, and reflections on Catholic Social Teaching issues.
  • Acts as a liaison between the Cathedral and the Sowers of Justice, a program of Catholic Charities of
  • Saint Paul and Minneapolis that seeks to change hearts and social structures on behalf of justice. 
  • Organizes a kiosk containing information related to other parish activities and social justice matters for use at Cathedral activities and after mass.
  • Communicates and encourages parishioners to contact legislators regarding legislative matters affecting low income families and children.
  • Collaborates with Cathedral organizations and area churches on social justice issues.
  • Sells fair trade coffee to highlight the issue of making socially responsible consumer decisions.

Meetings

The full group meets about 12 times per year on the second Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. Small groups of committee members meet periodically as needed.

Contact

If you are interested in joining the group, learning more about it, or receiving updates on activities, please contact Co-Chairs, Brandon Fitzsimmons or Steve Russell with your email and home address and phone number.

“And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy. . . .“  (Micah 6:8)
 

Catholic Social Teaching: Major Themes

Life and the Dignity of the Human Person Our belief in the sanctity of human life is the foundation of Catholic Social Teaching. We believe that every person is precious and that life must be protected and supported from conception to natural death. We assert that the measure of every institution is whether it threatens or enhances the life and dignity of the human person.

Call to Family, Community, Participation

Our tradition proclaims that the person is not only sacred but also social. How we organize our society - in economics, politics and law - directly affects human dignity and the capacity of individuals to grow in community. We believe that the family is the central social institution and it should be supported and strengthened. We believe that people have a right and duty to participate in society to build the common good and seek the well being of all.

Rights and Responsibilities

The Catholic tradition teaches that human dignity can be protected and a healthy community can be achieved only if human rights are protected and responsibilities are met. We believe that every person has a fundamental right to life and to access to the necessities of life. Corresponding to these rights are duties and responsibilities - to one another, to our families and to the larger society.

Option for the Poor and Vulnerable

Catholic teaching proclaims that a basic moral test of society is how its most vulnerable members are faring. We are called to put the needs of the poor and vulnerable first. We believe political institutions should craft just and fair policies, providing access to basic necessities.

The Dignity and Rights of Workers

We believe that the economy must serve people, not the other way around and that work is a form of continuing participation in God's creation. To uphold the dignity of work, the rights of workers must be upheld. The rights to productive work, to fair and livable wages, to organize and join unions and to economic initiative all contribute to full human development.

Solidarity

We are one human family, whatever our national, racial, ethnic, economic or ideological differences. We are our brothers' and sisters' keepers, wherever they live. The principle of solidarity calls us to seek a just social order where goods are distributed fairly, opportunity is promoted equally and the dignity of all is respected.

Care for God's Creation

The Catholic tradition insists that we show respect for the Creator by our stewardship of creation. We are called to protect people and our planet, living our faith in harmony with all of God's creation. Our commitment to the common good and our concern for neighbors and for generations yet unborn require responsible stewardship of our natural resources.

This information has been adapted from Catholic Social Teaching:  Major Themes, Minnesota Catholic Conference.

For more information on Catholic Social Teaching and related opportunities in Minnesota, we recommend contacting the following organizations:

Minnesota Catholic Conference
475 University Avenue W
Saint Paul, MN 55103-1959
651.227.8777
www.mncc.org

Archdiocesan Office for Social Justice
328 West Kellogg Blvd
Saint Paul, MN 55102
651-291-4477
www.osjspm.org