The Faith and Social Justice Committee exists to serve the parish as its primary resource and catalyst for the work of social justice.
We base our activities on the Catholic Social Teachings of the last century by pursuing issues which address the dignity and rights of people who are socially, politically or economically disadvantaged.
These activities include:
Working with the Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace to organize and promote their annual campaign each Fall. Recent themes have focussed on Water as a Human Right, Life Before Profit in the extraction of earth's scarce resources, and Corporate Social Responsibility by Canadian mining companies.
Promoting and selling Fair Trade coffee, tea and chocolate at monthly St. Joseph's Parish Coffee Sundays.
Working with local groups to promote the theme of Life Before Profit. Past examples include our work with Water Watch to regain public control of our municipal water supply, and work with the Catholic School Board on developing a sweat-shop free uniform policy
Holding a Fall and Spring Fair Trade Festival, selling a wide variety of products from fair trade co-operatives around the globe.
Actively working on the annual Share Lent Campaign to raise funds for the global justice work of Development and Peace. Activities include distributing parish literature, participating in the Social Justice Stations of the Cross, helping to plan the liturgy for Solidarity Sunday, and speaking to the parish about justice issues.
We are involved with educating committee members about the Church's Social Teachings through mini-sessions at meetings, and sharing information about diocesan events and local activities in the community. Here at St. Joseph's we Educate the parish about unjust situations, both in the Global South and in our own community, through special events such as film nights and speakers. Please
watch the bulletin for more information about upcoming events.
We are always looking for new members to join our committee so if you are looking to get involved in what we are doing please contact the parish office.
