SOCIAL JUSTICE MINISTRY

The Social Justice Ministry is made up of parishioners representing the parishes
of St. Joseph and Holy Spirit. The purpose of this ministry is to provide experiences that enable our parishioners to learn about issues of injustice and to engage their faith. Inspired by Scripture and Tradition, all members of the Catholic Church are called to be a people of faith and action, people who strive to be the light of Christ
in the world as advocates for peace and justice. Catholic Social Teaching,
including Pope Francis’ encyclical, Laudato Si, emphasizing care and respect
for our common home, is a central element of our faith. It is Jesus who calls us
to this mission, not any political or ideological agenda.​
​The Social Justice Ministry has undertaken and is currently pursuing the following activities:
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Sending letters to and visiting government officials concerning important issues such as climate change and common-sense gun legislation
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Providing education for parishioners by hosting speakers on safe gardening practices, immigration and human trafficking
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Sponsoring electronics recycling drives and fair-trade shows
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Being further educated on human trafficking and currently delivering posters of missing children to local hotels
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Sponsoring church collections for local refugees, the incarcerated and those less fortunate
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We meet on the second Thursday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at St. Joseph Parish
in the Parish Office conference room.
If you have questions, contact Donna Dugan at 440-785-8051 or ddcorita@aol.com.
St. Joseph "Seekers of Hope" Book Club
New!
We are called to be salt and light. In this Jubilee Year of Hope, “you are the salt of the earth but if the salt becomes tasteless, how can it be made salty again? You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand and it gives light to all who are in the house.” Matthew 5:13-15.
As we journey together in hope for a safer, compassionate and just world, let’s learn where we can be salt and light to those around us. Come and learn about Catholic social justice issues by reading a book about them and participating in a group discussion. Social Justice Ministry will be hosting The Seekers of Hope Book Club throughout the year with both an in-person and virtual option at a time convenient to the participants. Books will be chosen by the participants and there is no commitment! Join us when and how you are able.
Copies of the selected book are available in the Parish Library (shelf marked in the hallway by the Adoration Chapel). They may also be available through the Libby app which can be installed on your iPad/Android or iPad. Hard copies of the books may also be available at your local library or, you can buy your own copy (link below).
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If you are reading a copy borrowed from the Parish Library, please return as quickly as possibly to the Social Justice Ministry bookshelf where you found it so others can read it also.
Book #1: American Dirt ~ April 8, 2025

WHEN: Tuesday, April 8th @ 7:00 p.m.
BOOK: American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins
WHERE: St. Joseph Parish Office Conference Room (virtual option available)
RSVP: No later than Friday, April 4th
QUESTIONS: Mary Ann 216-513-2208 (call or text) or maryanndzurec@yahoo.com
2025 Lenten Almsgiving
The Social Justice Ministry would like your help in assisting those in need, especially those who have been forced to flee their homes in war-torn countries. This Lent, help us support the Catholic Charities Migration and Refugee Services as they continue to help these individuals and families adapt to life in America.

Currently there is a great need for the items listed below:
FULL-SIZED TOILETRIES
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SHAMPOO
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LIQUID BODY SOAP
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BAR SOAP
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BODY LOTION
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DEODORANT (men and women)
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RAZORS (men and women)
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FEMININE HYGIENE PADS (no tampons)
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TOILET PAPER
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BABY DIAPERS (all sizes)
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BABY WIPES​
CLEANING SUPPLIES
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LIQUID LAUNDRY DETERGENT​
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DISH DETERGENT
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CLEANING SPRAY
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HAND SOAP
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SPONGES
HOUSEHOLD GOODS
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STOCK POTS (8, 12 or 16 qt.)
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POTS & PANS
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WARM BLANKETS
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CLOTHING IRONS
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CLOTHING DRYING RACKS
GIFT CARDS (ANY DENOMINATION)
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ALDI
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WALMART
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TARGET
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GIANT EAGLE
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DAVE'S MARKETS
Please place your donated items by the Helping Hands Giving Tree in the Gathering Area. The collection will start on Saturday, March 8, and ends Sunday, March 23.
Diocesan Social Action Office
The Diocesan Social Action Office seeks to shape a more caring and peaceful world through justice education, advocacy, community development and organizing. Click below to be taken to their website for up-to-date news and actions that can be taken.
Below are resources for individuals, families and parishes to use in order to support the growth and knowledge of the principles of Catholic Social Teaching.

Week 1: Dignity of the Human Person
This teaching on the dignity of each person is the starting point and the foundation of all Catholic Social Teaching. It means that every person is precious, that people are more important than things, and that we are to make every effort to respect that dignity and help each person to flourish (Challenge and Spirituality of CST, Mich)

Week 2: Preferential Option for the Poor
A basic moral test is how our most vulnerable members are faring. In a society marred by deepening divisions between rich and poor, our tradition recalls the story of the Last Judgment (Mt 25:31-46) and instructs us to put the needs of the poor and vulnerable first. (USCCB)

Week 3: Solidarity
Solidarity highlights the intrinsic social nature of the human person, the equality of all in dignity and rights and the common path of individuals and peoples toward an ever more committed unity. Never before has there been a widespread awareness of the bond between individuals and peoples, which is found at every level. (CSDC)

Week 4: Call to Family, Community & Participation
The person is not only sacred but also social. How we organize our society -- in economics and politics, in law and policy -- directly affects human dignity and the capacity of individuals to grow in the community. (USCCB)