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 teachingCatholic 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 problemsthe 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 themedignity 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. Marys 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.

Upcoming Events - Fall Semester 2009

AUGUST

22 August - 8 am - 12 pm Continuing the Heritage, Service Day - Click here for more info and to register

28 August - 3:30 - 5 pm - Student Leader's Meeting - Catholic Relief Services - Catholic College and University Collaboration
If you are interested in attending contact Bro. Brian

SEPTEMBER

11 September - Memorial Service - 8:30 am - 12 noon - Barrett Memorial Bell Tower

16 September - Java Justice: Faculty Coffee - "What is Catholic Social Teaching and Why is it Important?" 3:30 pm - 5 pm - Location: TBD
Faculty from all schools are encouraged to attend this  basic overview of Catholic Social Teaching (CST). We will discuss why CST is important for our Catholic and Marianist identity.
Practical ways to integrate CST into your courses will be discussed and course outlines shared.

21 September - International Day of Peace

22 September - Father William Ferree Film Series: They Killed Sister Dorothy - 7:30 PM - Location: TBD
On February 12th, 2005, Sister Dorothy Stang, a 73 year-old Catholic nun from Dayton, Ohio, was shot six times and left to die on a muddy Amazon road.
Her murder shocked the world and exposed a sordid battle in the Brazilian rainforest. Who was this woman? What are the complex factors that led to her brutal murder?
And what will be done about it? The answers may hold the key to the future of the rainforest. The film, They Killed Sister Dorothy follows the powerful drama that unfolds at the trials
of her killers and explores the conflicts that led to that fateful day. Join us for this compelling film of a modern day martyrdom.

OCTOBER

8 October - Service Program Fair: Answering the Call to a Life of Service - 10 am - 2 pm - University Center Atrium
Come explore various service programs that allow you to dedicate a year or more of your life in service to others.
Most programs provide living stipends, housing costs, health insurance and an educational benefit. Check back for a full listing of programs that will participate.
This event is a collaboration with the Career Services Center.

9-11 October - Urban Plunge Retreat - A weekend retreat to explore the urban realities of poverty and oppression in San Antonio
Our fall semester Urban Plunge will focus on the immediate neighborhood surrounding the University.
We will learn more about the neighborhood revitalization efforts and how students can be engaged in supporting our neighbors.
Registration is first come-first served and opens on August 31
Cost is $25 per student - covers lodging and meals for the weekend
Weekend will begin around 4 pm on Friday and conclude mid afternoon on Sunday

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO and REGISTRATION FORM

9 - 10 October - 3rd Annual Immigration Symposium at the Mexican American Catholic College: "Global Solidarity"
Keynote Speaker: Cardinal Oscar Andres Rodriquez Maradiaga, S.D.B., Archbishop of Tegucigalpa, Honduras and President of Caritas Internationalis
St. Mary's will sponsor a group of students to attend the symposium. For more information click here.

16 October - World Food Day - Teleconference

17 October - International Day for the Eradication of Poverty

21 October - Father William Ferree Film Series: One Water - 7:30 PM - Location: TBD

URBAN PLUNGE RETREAT

October 9 - 11, 2009 & February 26-28, 2010

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).These retreats will be offered in collaboration with the Service Learning Center.

Time Frame/Location

The retreat will begin around 4 pm Friday and will end around 4 pm on Sunday. Please gather in University Ministry at 4:00 for departure. The fall semester retreat will focus on the surrounding neighborhood of the university.We will visit various social service sites in the immediate area and learn about some of the social issues impacting our neighbors. Students will learn how they might become more engaged in the Neighborhood Revitalization effort.

What to 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 is due by Friday, October 2nd. If spaces are filled at the time of registration you can request to be put on the waiting list. 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
Bro. Brian Halderman, S.M. at bhalderman@stmarytx.edu or 210-431-2237

Staff

Bro. Brian Halderman, SM
Minister for Social Justice
(210) 431-2237
bhalderman [@] stmarytx.edu

Ideas for Getting Involved

1. 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
2. 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
3. Learn about and get involved with groups like Catholic Charities, Catholic Worker House, volunteer programs, and St. Vincent de Paulthe 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
4. Write letters to your government representatives, asking them to introduce bills that deal with your issue(s)
5. Sign petitions (but learn about them first!)
6. Find out what local groups are doing for social justice causes
7. Create or become a member of a social justice discussion group
8. 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.
• Marianist Volunteer Program (MVP) A great way to learn about justice is to join a volunteer service.
• 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.