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What Is Social Justice?
Social justice is the reflection and work that leads to the change of a social structure. In the beginning, you might learn about a particular issue, such as poverty, slavery, or the environment. You might join a social justice group that talks about and prays for issues and the people working to change them. Once you learn about an issue, you will want to help out by contributing time or money to fundraisers or other support events. Larger ways of participating are writing a letter to your representative, lobbying, or demonstrating. Any of these methods count as social justice; no issue or method is too insignificant.
Catholic Social Teaching
It wasn't until 1891 that the Church fathers chose to focus on social justice by making it an entire teaching Catholic Social Teaching (CST). Pope Leo XIII's still-popular Rerum Novarum (Of New Things) addressed the issues of the working class, a concern popularized by Karl Marx. Many other encyclicals and Church documents followed that addressed many other problems, the whole of which sums up CST.
There are eight themes that illustrate what CST encompasses. These are: dignity of the human person, the common good, rights & responsibilities, preferential option for the poor, economic justice, promotion of peace & disarmament, solidarity, and stewardship. The basis for social justice lies in the first theme - dignity of the human person (see the site for an explanation of these themes).
The Marianists and Social Justice
The Marianist community strongly believes in doing its duty towards social justice. With a focus on community and family that comes from the example of Mary, the mother of Jesus, involvement in social justice is a natural step to take. One of the Characteristics of a Marianist Education says "To educate for service, justice, and peace." To be a well-rounded person, every member of the St. Mary's community should reflect on social justice in the surrounding area. By focusing on community and the family, Marianists remind us that social justice need not focus on issues half-way around the world. Get involved in your school, church, and neighborhood communities.
Fall 2012
Calendar of EventsSocial Justice Related Activities - Fall 2012
President's Peace Commission
Tuesday, October 30th - Thursday, November 1st, 2012
For questions or additional information contact:
Clare Acosta
University Minister for Social Justice
University Ministry
210-436-3304 or cacostamatos@stmarytx.edu
URBAN PLUNGE RETREAT
February 8-10, 2013
The Urban Plunge Retreat, sponsored by University Ministry, Educating for Justice Initiative, is an opportunity for students to explore poverty and marginalization of persons within the City of San Antonio and to reflect on these experiences in light of their faith. Discussion will focus on the proper Christian response to the social issues the group will encounter. As part of the retreat, students will visit a variety of social service agencies. Individual and group prayer is an integral part of the retreat experience. The retreat incorporates the values of our Marianist University, "that we exist not only for ourselves but also for the sake of those beyond our campus." (Characteristics of Marianist Universities).
Time Frame/Location
The retreat will begin around 4 pm Friday and will end around 2 pm on Sunday. Please gather in University Ministry at 4:00 for departure.
What to Bring
You will be sharing rooms with other retreatants. You should bring:- Everything you need to stay overnight: pijamas, toiletries, comfortable clothes and a set of dress clothes for Sunday church
- A warm sweatshirt or sweater (Dress weather appropriate)
- Water bottle
- Bible
- Pen
Who Should Register
Any St. Mary's students interested in service, faith, and justice is welcome to register. The Urban Plunge Retreat is ideal for any first-year students new to San Antonio or any student wanting to learn more about the city and its neighborhoods.
Registration and Withdrawal Policies
Registration for the Urban Plunge Retreat is on a first come, first served basis. Registration, including a $25 fee, is due by Friday, February 17th. Please submit the registration form that is below. If spaces are filled at the time of registration you can request to be put on the waiting list. There is room for only 15 students so register TODAY! If you need to withdraw your registration you can receive a full refund prior to the retreat registration deadline. However, after the registration deadline NO REFUNDS will be issued. For extenuating circumstances please speak with University Minister for Social Justice, Bro. Brian.
For more information contact
Clare Strockbine at cstrockbine@stmarytx.edu or 210-436-3304
Staff
Ms. Clare Acosta, MA
Minister for Social Justice
(210) 436-3304
cacostamatos@stmarytx.edu
Ideas for Getting Involved
- Read Responses to 101 Questions on Catholic Social Teaching by Kenneth Himes, biographies of Dorothy Day and Caesar Chavez, and summaries of Church documents such as Rerum Novarum, Pacem in Terris, Centesimus Annus, Evangelium Vitae, and Economic Justice for All
- Become socially aware by keeping up on the world news (BBC and Catholic Trends are great sources), finding out the Church's stance on issues through The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, and reading up on corporations you support or from which you buy products
- Learn about and get involved with groups like Catholic Charities, Catholic Worker House, volunteer programs, and St. Vincent de Paul the best way to understand the problem is to see it first hand. A year of volunteer work will change or expand your views on issues tremendously
- Write letters to your government representatives, asking them to introduce bills that deal with your issue(s)
- Sign petitions (but learn about them first!)
- Find out what local groups are doing for social justice causes
- Create or become a member of a social justice discussion group
- Hold discussion panels, bringing in social justice speakers from StMU and the San Antonio community
Links
- Marianist Social Justice Collaborative (MSJC) A collaboration between several Marianist societies that focuses on social teaching and justice.
- Minneapolis/St. Paul Archdiocese Office of Social Justice The best site for CST and social justice, OSJSP has some great resources for teaching and spreading social justice.
- Marianist Lay Network of North America (MLNNA) Not a huge source of CST info, the MLNNA is still helpful in learning about the Marianists and getting involved in the Lay society.
- St. Vincent de Paul Society Another good source for volunteering, they have both a year-long volunteer program and one-time volunteering.
- United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) -- The USCCB is an assembly of the Catholic Church hierarchy who work together to unify, coordinate, promote, and carry on Catholic activities in the United States. There is a tag on bottom left-hand side about social justice issues and link for news.
- Catholic Charities A good group to volunteer for to learn about issues is Catholic Charities. There is a national site and a local one.
- Adele Social Justice Project A weekend retreat that educates for social justice and is the first step to bringing justice to the city. They have no up-to-date webpage right now, but feel free to touch base with U Min to find the local contact.
- US Marianist Blogspot Several of the posts are dedicated to quoting from the Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church. Such posts are: Social Sin, What Is a Just Society, and Dignity of the Human Person.
- The Arc of San Antonio -- Today, the Arc's mission is to enhance the quality of life for people with developmental disabilities.
