Ministries and Organizations

Peace & Justice

• Mission – To carry out the Catholic social justice mission of the Church by identifying, investigating and providing awareness of and supporting actions in areas of social injustice.

• Goals
• Strengthen the social justice ministry at Holy Family Cathedral by integrating social justice into parish life.
• Advocate for justice and peace.
• Educate ourselves and the community about social justice, the programs of the Diocese and of the broader community.
• Work towards shaping policies, and develop programs and structures to effect change in society.

Seven Basic Themes of Catholic Social Teaching

· The Life and dignity of the human person – Human life is sacred.

· The call to family and community – Human beings grow and achieve fulfillment in community.

· Human rights and responsibilities – Every person has a fundamental right to life and a right to those things required for human decency.

· The option for and with the poor – The Gospel instructs us to put the needs of the poor first.

· The dignity of work and the rights of workers - Work is more than a way to make a living. It is a form of continuing participation in God’s creation.

· Solidarity – God calls us to practice this virtue which acknowledges that we are responsible for each other

· Care for God’s Creation – We show our respect for the Creator by our stewardship of creation. We are called to protect people and the planet, living our faith in relationship with all of God’s creation.

• Meetings – We meet on the third Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in Room 3 (trailer). Please join us to learn more about the social justice teachings of the Church and how you can participate.

• Current Projects

• Immigration Reform – Our common faith in Jesus Christ moves us to search for ways that favor a spirit of solidarity. It is a faith that transcends borders and bids us to overcome all forms of discrimination and violence so that we may build relationships that are just and loving. Holy Family Peace & Justice Group is responding by providing information and discussion forums to explore the complex issue of Immigration.

§ Death Penalty - Our faith and Catholic teaching offer a moral framework for choices about the use of the death penalty. A principled Catholic response to crime and punishment is rooted in our convictions about good and evil, sin and redemption, justice and mercy. It is also shaped by our commitment to the life and dignity of every human person, and the common good.

• Healthcare - We also bring to the debate over health care policy our tradition of moral teaching. Reforming our nation’s health care policies to ensure that everyone has access to affordable health care. As we address the moral imperative of ensuring health care for all, the starting point in our religious tradition is the dignity of every human person. Among the rights indispensable to the protection of human life and dignity is the right to receive the health care necessary to live and realize one’s full potential.

• Faithful Citizenship – responds to Jesus’ example to change those systems that promote unjust laws:

§ Information Meetings – Opportunity to receive information and dialogue regarding pending legislation.

§ Voter Registration – Opportunity to register to vote, apply for one-time or permanent absentee ballots; voting machine demonstrations.

§ Signature Campaigns – Opportunity to sign ballot initiative petitions on social issues.

• Parish Contact: Georgeann Lovett (714) 639-2900 x212 glovett@hfcathedral.org