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Purpose of the Social Justice Committee
The Social Justice Committee is the organ of the Pastoral Council through
which the parish participates in the servant ministry of Jesus Christ.
Jesus not only preached the nearness of God's reign, but also enacted the
works of God by which people could experience that loving presence of
God's reign. We continue His mission, His work and His service towards
others, living out the Gospel imperative. The Social Justice Committee
exists to bridge the gap between that Gospel reality and the lived world
of our society. It is the purpose of this committee to promote and
coordinate programs that will guarantee justice and charity in full
measure to all God's children in the worldwide community. This committee
has the responsibility for enabling members of the parish to respond to
the social problems of today, giving special care to the poor, the lonely,
the aged, the oppressed, and minority groups.
Functions of the Social Justice Committee
Mandate of the Social Justice Committee
"The King will say to those on his right: 'Come. You have my Father's
blessing. Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the beginning of the
world.
- For I was hungry...and you gave me food.
- I was thirsty...and you gave me drink.
- I was a stranger...and you welcomed me,
- Naked...and you clothed me.
- I was ill...and you comforted me,
- In prison...and you came to visit me.'
Then the just will ask him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you
or see you thirsty and give you drink?'...
The king will answer them, 'I assure you, as often as you did it for
one of my least, you did it for me.'"
Matthew 25: 34-40
Opportunities for Social Action and Service
Sponsored by the Blessed Sacrament Social Justice Committee
Advent and Lenten Appeals
During the seasons of Advent and Lent the Social Justice Committee
sponsors a parish-wide drive to support those who are less fortunate than
ourselves. For example, during Advent donations to the "Giving Tree" help
families served by Cedar AIDS Support System (CASS). During Lent
donations to "Operation Rice Bowl" help third-world communities served by
Catholic Relief Services.
You can help by volunteering to help organize these projects, plan
publicity, and be present at weekend Masses for the collection.
Contact Carol Taylor at 319-266-2448 or
Karen Halsor at 319-266-5383.
Catholic Worker House and Habitat for Humanity
The Catholic Worker House provides emergency shelter for women, men and
families. Habitat for Humanity works with poor families to construct
low-cost housing. Members of Blessed Sacrament Community can volunteer to
help either organization by providing physical labor, construction,
remodelling, repair, painting and clean-up.
A wide variety of practical skills are needed at various times throughout
the year.
- You can help by volunteering to serve on a work team regularly or occasionally throughout the year. Most teams are scheduled for work on Saturdays.
- Contact Mike Schreck at 319-268-1125 or Allen Malaise at 319-234-8866.
- You can also help by volunteering as a family, organization or group to prepare and serve a meal at the Catholic Worker House.
- Contact Karen Halsor at 319-266-5383.
Community Meals
Members of Blessed Sacrament Commu-nity volunteer to prepare and serve a
free community meal at Queen of Peace Catholic Church in downtown Waterloo
on the fourth Tuesday of even months. The meal is served from 4:30 to
6:00pm.
. You can help by volunteering to help set up and serve the meal, or by
contributing money to help buy the food. Contact Bob and Betty Gauger at 232-0156.
Education for Social Justice
The Social Justice Committee works with other parish committees and with
other parishes or groups in the city to sponsor speakers, organize
programs and distribute literature which explain and promote the Catholic
Church's teaching on social justice.
You can help by volunteering to serve on an education and formation
subcommittee, or helping coordinate specific programs or projects.
Contact: Karen Halsor at 319-266-5383 or Dave Cushing at 319-233-6179.
Helping Hands Fund and Parish Food Pantry
The Social Justice Committee coordinates parish services to those in
need. These include the Food Pantry, which provides packaged food and
staple products to local families, and the Helping Hands Fund, which
provides financial assistance to those with emergency needs.
You can help by contributing to the Helping Hands Fund at any time and
by donating to the Food Pantry collection on the fourth Sunday of every month.
You can also help by volunteering to organize the Food Pantry
collection or supervise storage and distribution items.
Contact Dave Cushing at 319-233-6179.
Legislative Issues and Public Policy
The Social Justice Committee monitors legislative developments at the
state and federal level. The Committee publicizes important public policy decisions
and encourages Catholics to take an active and informed role in the
development of public policy. The Committee coordinates the U.S. bishops'
election year "Faithful Citizens" campaign.
You can help by volunteering to serve on a legislative issues
subcommittee, to serve as a liason to a local agency or group, to help
organize public information and education efforts.
Contact Russ Rolinger at 319-233-0695.
Meals on Wheels
Members of Blessed Sacrament Commu-nity volunteer to help deliver a noon
meal to shut-ins throughout the city. Most volun-teers work in teams,
consisting of a driver and an assistant. Meals are picked up at the
Senior Center and delivered between the hours of 11:00am. and 12:30pm.
You can help by volunteering to be a regular or substitute driver or an
assistant. Contact Betty Gauger at 319-232-0156.
Right to Life Committee
The Right to Life Committee works to raise the community's awareness of
the Catholic Church's teaching on the inalienable right to life for all
human beings, from conception to death. The Committee distributes
literature to the parish during October, which is "Right to Life Month."
You can help by joining the Committee and/or helping organize and
publicize its projects. Contact Else Bonthuis at 319-233-4837.
St. Vincent de Paul Society
The St. Vincent de Paul Society collects and distributes food, clothing,
household items and money to those in need. Local members in each parish
meet regularly to develop a spirituality of service, and to coordinate
activities in the parish. Members visit the needy to assess immediate
needs and help provide emergency assistance.
You can help by joining the St. Vincent de Paul Society and by
contributing to the St. Vincent de Paul collection on the second Sunday
of every month.Contact Ed Corkery at 319-234-1872.
You can help ...
Become a 'Parish Advocate' for those in need!
Here's a new opportunity for individuals or couples who want to use their
time and talent to help those who are in need.
Blessed Sacrament Social Justice Committee is sponsoring a program to
train "Parish Advocates" who can assist individuals when they need help
dealing with the maze of public and social agencies which provide services
to those in need.
"Parish Advocates" will be trained so that they know what services are
available, who qualifies for services, who to contact for services, and
how to protect the rights of clients who qualify for assistance.
Many poor and elderly people qualify for various services and programs,
but are easily confused and frustrated by the persistence and paperwork
required to apply and qualify.
Our "Parish Advocates" will be expertly trained with the assistance of
professionals from Catholic Charities, St. Vincent de Paul, and other
social agencies.
Applicants for "Parish Advocates" should have a strong desire to help
people in need, a willingness to be persistent in seeking assistance, good
people skills, and a certain amount of flexible time.
Contact Bob Stirm at 319-233-8594 or Dave Cushing at 319-233-6179.
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