About
Our Mission
We listen and articulate the social justice concerns of the “dear neighbor” to energize and empower people to be agents of change through advocacy, consciousness raising, prayer, action, and direct services.
Our Vision
We aspire to empower a collaborative, transforming presence of unity and reconciliation in the local community and the world through the congregation’s works of justice.
Core Values
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Inclusive Love
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Justice and Mercy
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Zeal and Generosity
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Humility
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Presence and Hospitality
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Prayer and Reflection
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Joy and Hope
Impact Model
The St. Joseph Justice Center focuses on serving the following needs of the stakeholders engaged in its mission and work:
1. Knowledge and understanding of the issues that brings about a conscious awareness of what is happening.
2. Access to resources that will empower stakeholder’s actions and advocacy.
3. Connecting with other like-minded people committed to justice.
4. A transforming connection to the issues and people impact by it, which elicits empathy and
compassion.
5. Institutional credentialing and back up from the Congregation and its collaborative partners.
The St. Joseph Justice Center achieves its impact through the following menu of programs and services:
Awareness
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Hosting symposiums
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Planning and participating in workshops and webinars
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Drafting resources for distribution
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Coordinating the speakers series
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Drafting congregational statements and campaigns as a response to timely justice issues
Prayer
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Hosting prayer services
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Drafting and sharing prayers
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Hosting special masses
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Convening and facilitating collective prayer campaigns
Advocacy
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Hosting legislative meetings
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Coordinating advocacy campaigns (letter, phone calls, emails)
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Planning and participating in legislative forums
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Coordinating voter education trainings
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Facilitating specific advocacy agendas (i.e. Laudato Si)
Action
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Cohosting the Interfaith memorial for the unhoused
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Coordinating public witness sessions
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Coordinating a day of service with nonprofits
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Coordinating service/mission trips
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Collaborating with Federation on actions
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Facilitating stewardship of resources for social justice campaigns
Social Justice Committee
This committee holds two-hour monthly meetings; it addresses general social justice issues. It hosts conversations and discussions and often brings in speakers on issues of concern. Currently, the issues addressed include systemic racism, homelessness, affordable housing, human trafficking, and immigration. They are involved through prayer, advocacy, awareness, and action.
Sr. Sue Dunning, CSJ
Sr. Marie Gaillac, CSJ
Sr. Rosaleen Hanlon, CSJ
Sr. Kathleen McCuistion, CSJ
Sr. Louise Micek, CSJ
Rosemary Egkan
Marianne Loewe
Maria Elena Perales
Alice Soto
Sarah White
Lucy Dominguez
Members:
Ecological Justice Team
This committee meets monthly to address various ecological justice issues. Currently, the issues addressed include protecting creation, environmental justice, addressing water issues, promoting awareness about our current climate crisis, and hosting events. This group is engaged through action, advocacy, and prayer. It works with our operations to put into practice our Laudato Si’Action plan.
It hosts discussions and often brings in speakers on issues of concern.
Members:
Sr. Marie Jeanne Gaillac, CSJ
Sr. Rosaleen Hanlon, CSJ
Sr. Kathleen McCuistion, CSJ
Sr. Louise Micek, CSJ
Sr. Sara Tarango, CSJ
Theresa Beard
Doreen Chesebro
Julie Malvey
Margaret Mapes
Maria Elena Perales
Casey Silva
Sarah White
Lucy Dominguez
Laudato Si' Action Plan Animators
This group, derived from the Eco-Justice Team, often meets for two hours at a time and is very engaged and committed to planning, developing, and implementing the Laudato Si’ Action Plan for the Congregation. They work closely with Leadership and recently presented in the December Assembly a process by which Sisters had an opportunity to share their thoughts and suggestions through awareness, prayer, and discussion.
Members:
Doreen Chesebro
Maria Elena Perales
Sarah White
Lucy Dominguez
Sr. Monique Gautier, CSJ
Sr. Louise Micek, CSJ
Sr. Sara Tarango, CSJ
Bret Allen
Immigration Working Group
This is an active and engaged working group that meets monthly and tries to stay updated on current immigration laws, policies, politics, updates, and the overall impact of unjust immigration policies on the immigrant community. This group is actively engaged through collaboration, advocacy, awareness, and action geared events.
Members:
Sr. Diane Hejna, CSJ
Sr. Louise Micek, CSJ
Sr. Mary Rogers, CSJ
Sr. Sue Dunning, CSJ
Janet Brown
Lisa Ramirez
Maria Elena Perales
Mariane Loewe
Sarah White
Lucy Dominguez
Homeless Advocacy Team
This group meets monthly and tries to engage with other organizations and community groups addressing affordable housing and homelessness issues. They collaborate with the Kennedy Commission, United to End Homelessness, and local groups advocating for affordable housing in their cities.
Members:
Maria Elena Perales
Grace Womack
Deacon Richard Doubledee
Sarah White
Lucy Dominguez
Sr. Sue Dunning, CSJ
Sr. Kathleen McCuistion, CSJ
Sr. Louise Micek, CSJ
Sr. Diane Hejna, CSJ
Mariane Loewe
