Mission Statement:

Recognizing that baptism calls each of us to work for social justice and following the guide of Catholic Social Teaching, our mission is twofold: to empower our fellow parishioners through education and to engage them in works of advocacy, with the goal of changing policies, structures, and institutions so that ultimately they work on behalf of the common good.

The Social Justice Committee meets monthly to identify and implement projects reflecting this mission statement. On-going activities include Catholic Social Teaching bulletin articles, and fair trade coffee sales and education. Ideas for future projects that are consistent with our mission are welcome. Parishioners who are interested in education and advocacy related to social justice are encouraged to consider this opportunity.

For more information, contact Mike or Sally Burns (507-287-0133, smburns@charter.net)

The Seven Principles of Catholic Social Teaching

Catholic Social Teaching is a rich treasure of wisdom about building a just society and living lives of holiness amidst the challenges of modern society.

• Life and Dignity of the Human Person
• Call to Family, Community, and Participation
• Rights and Responsibilities
• Option for the Poor and Vulnerable
• The Dignity of Work and the Rights of Workers
• Solidarity
• Care for God’s Creation

From Sharing Catholic Social Teaching: Challenges and Directions, more information is available at the United States Council of Catholic Bishops' website (USCCB).

Information on Catholic Social Teaching

    * USCCB (United States Council of Catholic Bishops - http://www.usccb.org)
      
 

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   * Catholic Charities of St. Paul and Minneapolis (https://www.cctwincities.org/education-           advocacy/catholic-social-teaching/)

Faith and Political Responsibility

Become Involved! The following are a few of many web sites that discuss legislative action related to social justice issues

    * JRLC (Joint Religious Legislative Coalition - http://www.jrlc.org/  )

    * Network (A National Social Justice Lobby - https://networklobby.org/) 

    * Bread for the World (http://www.bread.org/ )

    * Faithful Citizenship (USCCB - http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/faithful-citizenship/)

     * Careers for Poverty Aid: Lifting Up the Poor Through Jobs & Community Service
https://www.learnhowtobecome.org/make-a-difference-careers/poverty/

Peace and Nonviolence

The following web sites are focused on peace and nonviolence issues

    * Pax Christi USA (http://paxchristiusa.org/ )