Social Justice

Sacredness of human life underlies Catholic social teaching

Wed, 15 May 2013 22:46:42 +0000

By Archbishop Robert J. Carlson

You'll recall that last fall, as part of our observance of the Year of Faith, I wrote a series of articles based on the Apostles' Creed. In Lent, I reflected on the sacraments. During the next two months, I'd like to offer practical reflections on what has come to be known as Catholic social teaching.

Following an outline recommended by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, I'll organize my articles based on the following themes:

Women religious uniting in nationwide effort to end human trafficking

Wed, 15 May 2013 22:34:49 +0000

By Dennis Sadowski | Catholic News Service

WASHINGTON -- Human trafficking is so widespread that congregations of women religious are uniting in a nationwide effort to limit its reach.

The effort will focus on broader education about sex and labor trafficking, legislative advocacy for stricter laws and penalties for traffickers and wider support for victims through much-needed social services and employment.

Children's book teaches concepts of microfinancing

Wed, 15 May 2013 22:34:23 +0000

A Sister of the Most Precious Blood of O'Fallon has written a children's book that she hopes will help people understand the complex topic of microfinancing.

Sister Antoinette "Toni" Temporiti has published "One Potato Two," the story of Mumbi, a young African girl whose mother is able to feed the family thanks to a potato-selling business that was begun through a microfinancing loan.

In 2006, Sister Toni founded Microfinancing Partners in Africa, a St. Louis-based nonprofit organization that provides assistance to strengthen and expand microfinancing programs in Africa.

Medicaid reform bill gets support

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 22:10:31 +0000

By Joseph Kenny | jkenny@archstl.org

A bill before the Missouri legislature represents the best hope for any movement on Medicaid reform this year, according to the Missouri Catholic Conference (MCC).

The MCC is asking people to contact their representatives to seek support for House Bill 700, sponsored by Rep. Jim Barnes, R-Jefferson City. According to the MCC, public policy agency of the state's Catholic bishops, the bill:

• Includes pro-life protections and prohibits funding of abortions;

• Establishes the Show-Me Healthy Babies Program, enabling women to have access to prenatal care;

Daughter of Charity embraces role of helping men to become stronger dads

Thu, 21 Mar 2013 14:53:59 +0000

By Jennifer Brinker | jbrinker@archstl.org

Sister Carol Schumer believes in giving people a hand up, not a hand out. But she also knows that one does not have to go it alone when facing the struggles of life.

For 15 years, the Daughter of Charity has served as a parenting skills specialist with the Fathers' Support Center in north St. Louis. The center's core program is The Family Formation -- a six-week "boot camp" -- that gives fathers a chance to develop their personal and parenting skills. The program also helps them to develop spiritually and emotionally to become stronger fathers.

Through her witness in civil rights history, Sister Antona Ebo serves as example of faith lived out for the better of others

jenniferbrinker — Wed, 20 Feb 2013 20:04:31 +0000

Jennifer Brinker | jbrinker@archstl.org

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For many years, Sister Antona Ebo has been hailed for her contributions to the civil rights movement of the 1960s. The Franciscan Sister of Mary, who was among those who went to Selma, Ala., in March of 1965 to march for voting rights for African Americans, still shares her story today. But her story is not just a recounting of the historical events from Selma almost 50 years ago — it's also about how faith has shaped the person she is.

Models of Justice honorees recognized

Thu, 24 Jan 2013 02:23:06 +0000

By Barbara Watkins | bwatkins@archstl.org

Twenty-six Catholic high school students and seven parish representatives are the 2013 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Model of Justice award recipients.

Archbishop Robert J. Carlson presented the awards after celebrating the Jan. 20 Mass for the Preservation of Peace and Justice at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis, celebrated on the holiday weekend commemorating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The award ceremony was held in nearby Boland Hall.

Editorial | Dr. King and the struggle for justice

Wed, 16 Jan 2013 23:20:54 +0000

Cynthia Marquez worked as a waitress at a restaurant in Memphis, paid only customer tips and some days making just $60 after working 11 hours.

Her case is publicized by the Workers Interfaith Network of Memphis in an effort to prevent what it calls "wage theft."

Family's quest to revitalize N.J. town after Hurricane Sandy prompts others to join in

Wed, 12 Dec 2012 21:08:42 +0000

By CHRISTINA LESLIECatholic News Service

MANASQUAN, N.J. -- A Manasquan family's desire to bring new life to their hurricane-stricken shore town has prompted scores of like-minded individuals to join them in their mission of compassion.

Melissa and Chip Dayton, along with seven of their eight children, have volunteered tirelessly with the SquanStrong movement since Sandy's landfall Oct. 29 to revitalize the town and share their faith-filled surplus of compassion in time of need.

Anti-poverty effort invests in programs here

Wed, 14 Nov 2012 22:32:59 +0000

By Joseph Kenny | jkenny@archstl.org

The Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) is investing almost $200,000 in community and economic development programs in the Archdiocese of St. Louis.

The U.S. bishops' anti-poverty program helps poor and marginalized people seek solutions to local problems and improve their lives and neighborhoods. Funding for the grants to six groups here comes from last year's collection in parishes across the nation. This year's collection was to be held in churches Nov. 17 and 18.

Faithful Citizenship | Voting with an informed conscience

Wed, 17 Oct 2012 22:41:00 +0000

Barbara Watkins | bwatkins@archstl.org

** You may download a PDF of our print edition here **

As the Nov. 6 election approaches, Americans are weighing their choices and considering their options in preparation for casting their ballots.

But for Catholic Americans, it requires more than just a quick study of economic issues or party affiliations. As Catholics, we have an obligation to form our consciences in accordance with the teachings of the Church and vote accordingly.

How do we do that?

File Attachment:

Faithful Citizenship Living Our Faith

Mrs. Missouri raises awareness of human trafficking

Thu, 04 Oct 2012 03:08:44 +0000

Joseph Kenny | jkenny@archstl.org

Wearing the sash and crown of Mrs. Missouri International is a way to raise awareness of human trafficking and encourage others to take action, according to Adelaida Peterson, a member of Incarnate Word Parish in Chesterfield.

She will have the title for a year, she said, and will do what she can to promote the cause at events and in the media. An avid runner, she recently took part in a run/walk for International Crisis Aid. She also has met with Dedee Lhamon, founder of The Covering House in St. Louis, and with members of the St. Louis Rescue and Restore Coalition.

Spotlight is where St. Joseph's Academy senior likes to be

Fri, 10 Aug 2012 15:19:10 +0000

Joseph Kenny | jkenny@archstl.org

For Stephanie Patton, nothing beats the spotlight of the stage. But she also treasures shining the light on helping those who, like herself, have juvenile diabetes.

Stephanie is a senior at St. Joseph's Academy, where she has performed in numerous roles, including as Helen Keller in "The Miracle Worker," as Eve in "Children of Eden" and Louisa in "The Fantastics."

Peter and Paul Community Services to open safe haven in Benton Park

Wed, 08 Aug 2012 23:16:10 +0000

By Jennifer Brinker | jbrinker@archstl.org

Work is expected to begin next month on Peter and Paul Community Services' new safe haven for homeless individuals.

The ecumenical agency -- which has roots in the local Church -- serves over 1,500 people each year who are affected by homelessness. This year marks the agency's 30th anniversary.

Editorial | Poverty: Awareness leads to action

Wed, 01 Aug 2012 23:18:20 +0000

Last week community leaders and social service providers in St. Charles County attending a forum on childhood hunger had a clear message -- poverty is real and it hurts, even though it may be invisible to many of us.