Social Justice

Who is my State Representative?
Click on the link above, enter your address; then click on senate or house to determine your legislators’ contact information.
 
President Biden
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20500
Phone: 202-456-1111
               
Representative Suzanne Bonamici — District 1
12725 Southwest Millikan Way
Suite 220
Beaverton, OR 97005
Phone: (503) 469-6010
 
Representative Earl Blumenauer — District 3
911 N.E. 11th Ave
Suite 200
Portland, OR 97232
Phone: 503-231-2300
 
Senator Jeff Merkley
121 SW Salmon Street
Suite 1400
Portland, OR 97204
Phone: (503) 326-3386
 
Senator Ron Wyden
911 NE 11th Ave.
Suite 630
Portland, OR, 97232
Phone: (503) 326-7525

"Among our tasks as witnesses to the love of Christ is that of giving a voice to the cry of the poor."

Pope Francis

"The individual who is animated by true charity labors skilfully to discover the causes of misery, to find the means to combat it, to overcome it resolutely."

Blessed Paul VI 

“We are all equal – all of us – but this truth is not recognized, this equality is not recognized, and for this reason some people are, we can say, happier than others. But this is not a right! We all have the same rights. When we do not see this, society is unjust. It does not follow the rule of justice, and where there is no justice, there cannot be peace. I would like to repeat this with you: where there is no justice, there is no peace!”

Pope Francis

Catholic Climate Covenant has revised their Earth Day celebration in light of the virus, providing one that can be celebrated at home. This year we celebrate 50 years since the first Earth Day and now it is more important than ever to make people aware of how our climate is changing. Take a look at this and other activities below that you and your family can do at home!

• Interfaith Power and Light is inviting congregations across the US to view a new documentary by environmental photographer James Balog which captures the lives of everyday Americans on the front lines of climate change. With rare compassion and heart, The Human Element relays captivating stories from coast-to-coast, inspiring us to reevaluate our relationship with the natural world. Because of our quarantine status, you can sign up here to receive a link to watch the movie for FREE at home from April 17-26. 

• Here’s some actions you can take at home during this pandemic

• Use the Earth Challenge 2020 app to gather critical environmental data near you

• In a democracy, every voice matters — and things only change when you make yourself heard. Will you pledge to vote for environmental progress in your next election?

• Take part in the Earth Day Global Teach-In

• Check out these activities for family use during the quarantine

• Here’s a short history of Earth Day for kids to watch

• Read some stories of inspiring young environmentalists

• Take a look through these 47 tips for how you can make a difference 

• An Earth Day Challenge through the power of art

LAUDATO SI’    ENCYCLICAL LETTER OF POPE FRANCIS ON CARE FOR OUR COMMON HOME
The Vatican has placed the new encyclical on the web. Read it here.

The following is a partial list of Catholic websites to learn about and practice advocacy, while at home. Take a few moments to investigate and perhaps involve yourself in the very important mission of advocacy. As we hear from Pope Francis, "Among our tasks as witnesses to the love of Christ is that of giving a voice to the cry of the poor."  
 
USCCB – Americans share many blessings and strengths, including a tradition of religious freedom and political participation. However, as a people, we face serious challenges that are clearly political and also profoundly moral in nature. As Catholics, we are part of a community with a rich heritage that helps us consider the challenges in public life and contribute to greater justice and peace for all people.
 
Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns – We inform advocacy and action for social, economic and environmental justice, domestic and international.
 
Catholic Climate Covenant – We lift a united Catholic voice to support sensible, faith-informed climate public policies.
 
Global Catholic Climate Movement – GCCM works within the Catholic Church to better care for our common home.  Our founding document is Pope Francis’ encyclical on climate change and ecology, Laudato Si’.

Catholic Relief Services (CRS) – CRS complements the humanitarian and development work overseas with policy analysis and advocacy at home. The focus this year is the Global Thrive Act.
 
NETWORK – Founded by Catholic Sisters in the progressive spirit of Vatican II, NETWORK works to create a society that promotes justice and the dignity of all in the shared abundance of God’s creation.
 
Salt and Light – To find out more about the social justice mission of the Catholic Church, visit this website from the USCCB.

The Social Justice Ministry’s mission is to raise awareness and facilitate activities supporting social justice at the community, local and national levels, both inside and outside the parish. The ministry’s goal is to work with the Beaverton Vicariate (St. Pius X, St. Cecilia, St. Juan Diego, St. John the Fisher, and Holy Trinity) to arrange for speakers and support other community efforts towards peace, justice, and reconciliation.

Over the next eight weeks, we will explore together the wisdom and challenges of Pope Francis' latest encyclical, Fratelli Tutti: On Fraternity and Social Friendship.