Social Justice
Contact Person:
Eileen Sleva – 503.747.0050 or email via the form at the bottom of this page
The Social Justice Ministry’s mission is to raise awareness and facilitate activities supporting social justice at the community, local and national levels, both inside and outside the parish. The ministry’s goal is to work with the Beaverton Vicariate (St. Pius X, St. Cecilia, St. Juan Diego, St. John the Fisher, and Holy Trinity) to arrange for speakers and support other community efforts towards peace, justice, and reconciliation.
KEY PRINCIPLES OF CATHOLIC SOCIAL TEACHING
Eileen Sleva – 503.747.0050 or email via the form at the bottom of this page
The Social Justice Ministry’s mission is to raise awareness and facilitate activities supporting social justice at the community, local and national levels, both inside and outside the parish. The ministry’s goal is to work with the Beaverton Vicariate (St. Pius X, St. Cecilia, St. Juan Diego, St. John the Fisher, and Holy Trinity) to arrange for speakers and support other community efforts towards peace, justice, and reconciliation.
KEY PRINCIPLES OF CATHOLIC SOCIAL TEACHING
ADVOCATE
"Among our tasks as witnesses to the love of Christ is that of giving a voice to the cry of the poor." Pope Francis
"The individual who is animated by true charity labors skilfully to discover the causes of misery, to find the means to combat it, to overcome it resolutely." Blessed Paul VI
“We are all equal – all of us – but this truth is not recognized, this equality is not recognized, and for this reason some people are, we can say, happier than others. But this is not a right! We all have the same rights. When we do not see this, society is unjust. It does not follow the rule of justice, and where there is no justice, there cannot be peace. I would like to repeat this with you: where there is no justice, there is no peace!” Pope Francis
You also can view a calendar of Social Action events.
VOTE BY NOVEMBER 6
VOTER'S GUIDE
It is essential that everyone vote in this year's upcoming midterm elections. It is also important that we make informed decisions by understanding the ballot measures.
This voters' guide clearly explains the current ballots which we will be deciding on from a Christian perspective.
http://emoregon.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/EMO_Voters_Guide_Fall2018.pdf
Monthly Column: June 2018
DREAMERS
Act Now! Call 800-826-3688 or Email Your Members of Congress and tell them to SUPPORT the Uniting and Securing America (USA) Act of 2018. TAKE ACTION: Justice for Immigrants
Over the next month the House will likely vote on many immigration proposals. It is important that they hear from you! The USA Act (H.R. 4796) gives Dreamers a path to citizenship and addresses the push factors that force people to migrate from Central America.
CATHOLICS CONFRONT GLOBAL POVERTY
Today, you can help millions of people suffering from hunger and malnutrition with your advocacy.
Right now, your Senators are deliberating about the Farm Bill and the international food security programs that it authorizes to prevent and end hunger around the world.
Urge your Senators to ensure these critical international food security programs are protected!
TAKE ACTION: https://www.confrontglobalpoverty.org/
LOST VALLEY FARM – CAFO
Oregon’s mega-dairies have demonstrated time and time again that they are polluting our air and water, and the state of Oregon has failed to prevent this pollution. The mega-dairy known as Lost Valley farm is facing huge problems that are affecting our water quality and the health of our environment.
TAKE ACTION: http://www.olcv.org/stoplostvalleymegadairy/
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
Always looking for volunteers – you can sign up for a shift here: http://www.habitatwest.org/volunteer-schedule
END PLASTIC POLLUTION CAMPAIGN
Summer is the perfect time to be vigilant about your plastic usage – remember to refuse plastic whenever you can.
Take your own cup for hot or cold drinks at an event
Don’t use a straw – drink directly from the cup
Take reusable bags to the market – NO MORE plastic shopping bags!
Shop Farmer’s markets for bulk fresh food – take your own cloth bags instead of using plastic, carry a reusable shopping bag or basket to transport your purchases
Let’s make a conscious effort to treat our earth and all its’ inhabitants with respect!
UPCOMING EVENTS
Sunday, July 8 1-5:00 Picnic at Peg’s
Invite new parishioners to join our committee by sharing a meal together
Saturday, September 8th – Rise for Climate Justice
After months of organizing and movement-building, the Peoples Climate Movement will bring tens of thousands of people across the country into the streets, town halls, and community forums. Joined by partners around the world, we will demand bold action on climate, jobs, and justice. Those demands will determine the future of our movement - and our world - for years to come. Portland action TBA
GLOBAL CLIMATE ACTION SUMMIT September 12-14, 2018 San Francisco, CA
September 22, 9-4:00 Mission - Nonviolence
A free active Nonviolence workshop with Rivera Sun, Moving our Community to Nonviolence and Peace
In conjunction with Campaign Nonviolence and Spirit of Grace Catholic and Lutheran Community
Rivera Sun is the cofounder of the Love-In-Action Network, a nationwide set of nonviolent study and action groups. She is also a graduate of the James Lawson Institute on Strategic Civil Resistance and has written many essays on the subject of nonviolent action. More info: http://www.riverasun.com/about/
2018-19 GARAVENTA CENTER @ Univ of Portland
Here’s the upcoming events for next season!
https://www.up.edu/garaventa/files/garaventa-center-calendar.pdf
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Monthly Column: April 2018
EARTH DAY AND EVERYDAY – END PLASTIC POLLUTION CAMPAIGN
Plastic pollution is one of the most important environmental problems that we face today. It impacts the environment and our health and wellbeing. We have all contributed to this and we must all work to reduce and ultimately end it. China is no longer accepting our “polluted” plastics and very few items are able to be recycled domestically. Unless we begin immediately to recycle in the US, our recycling options will be reduced to nothing. We must begin to rethink how we use plastic daily and how we can reduce our usage.
April 22 marks the 48th anniversary of Earth Day. We can join with the Earth Day campaign to End Plastic Pollution by committing to reduce our personal plastic consumption. From contributing to land and marine pollution to increasing our use of carbon producing fuels, our reliance on single-use plastics has a devastating impact on God’s creation. The good news is that we can solve this problem. We can reduce plastic pollution and minimize our contribution to what Pope Francis calls “a throwaway culture” by working together as a community.
Tip #1 Many plastic products you may frequently use are generally unnecessary – do you really need a straw to drink a glass of water/soda? Go further by asking restaurants you frequent to stop providing straws. Do you need a disposable plastic water bottle? Purchase a reusable one that will last for years.
Tip #2 Plastic bags are one of the biggest sources of plastic pollution. Studies have shown that lightweight plastic bags are blown away easily into waterways, are hard to recycle and are mistaken for food by some wildlife, especially in oceans as they resemble jellyfish. Refusing the plastic shopping bags given away at retailers and grocery stores is easy. Purchase reusable canvas or cloth bags to carry your purchases and use them every time you shop. Invest in mesh bags to carry fresh produce, instead of using plastic.
Tip #3 Take a little extra time while doing your shopping to select products without plastic packaging! Look for produce in bulk or shop at farmers’ markets. Use the bulk bins to purchase items you use frequently without packaging. Purchase meats at the butcher. Avoid or even boycott products that are excessively wrapped in plastic. Purchasing food in larger quantities cuts down on pollutants. Choose paper, glass or cardboard boxes instead of a plastic bag for pasta, detergent, cat food and litter, sauces, peanut butter, etc. Ask your local grocer to stop stocking items in plastic. Consider reusing glass containers for storing food instead of plastic wraps and containers. Go to: http://www.cleanseas.org/take-action for more tips on how to avoid using unnecessary plastic.
Tip #4 Plastics are choking our waterways, marine life, and even our bodies. The latest study shows that since large-scale plastic production began in the 1950s, 8.3 billion metric tons of plastic have been produced. Plastic takes hundreds of years to biodegrade, and only a small percentage of what is produced is recycled. In fact, by 2050 there will be more plastic than fish in the ocean. It is time to push for stronger regulation of plastics production and demand that companies be held accountable for the products they produce, to spur innovation in how products are packaged and delivered. Write to your legislator and ask them to take a stand against plastics.
Click here for more information.
EARTH DAY EVENTS
Saturday, April 21, 2018, 9:00 AM 12:00 PM
SOLVE IT Earth Day Events hosted by Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District.
NE Park - Meet the crew leader at the northeastern intersection of NW Saltzman Road & Laidlaw Road.
Tualatin Hills Nature Park - Tualatin Hills Nature Park is located at 15655 SW Millikan Way, in Beaverton. Volunteers will meet for a brief orientation inside the Nature Center before getting started.
Willow Creek Greenway - Volunteers will meet at the trailhead off of NW Eastmoreland Court to get started. Willow Creek Greenway is located at the end of NW Eastmoreland Court, just off of NW Mission Oaks Drive/Pebble Beach Way in Beaverton.
Please bring a re-usable water bottle. Tools, snacks and a water cooler will be provided. More info and registration from THPRD Natural Areas. Contact Mellisa Marcum, Natural Resources Volunteer Coordinator, at mmarcum@thprd.org or 503.619.3941
SANCTUARY - IMIrJ Washington County
Vigil Monday, April 16th
5:30 pm - Interfaith vigil at Washington County Courthouse (123 E Main St.)
6:00 pm - Procession (as able) to Hillsboro UCC (494 E Main St.)
6:30 pm - Interactive Workshop on NORCOR, incorporating prayer, stories, reflection and action. NORCOR is a four-county public jail in The Dalles, Oregon that rents out beds to ICE - in violation of Oregon's 30-year-old Sanctuary law. Together we'll explore why what's happening in NORCOR matters to our communities in Washington County - and what we can do to get #ICEOutofNORCOR and protect #SanctuaryEverywhere.
Protecting Sanctuary: Faith Leader Spokespeople Training, April 23, 2018 6pm - 8:30pm
FIRST CONGREGATIONAL UCC, 494 E Main St, Hillsboro, OR 97123
There are anti-immigrant forces seeking to revoke Oregon’s Sanctuary law. As moral voices in our community we will soon look to our faith leaders to speak truth to injustice. This training will provide an overview of the anti-immigrant ballot proposal (IP22), how the news media works, skills sharing and uplift the power of storytelling. RSVP
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
Build a Home, Frame a Future Fundraising Breakfast and Luncheon
Friday, May 11, 2018
Breakfast 7:30-8:30
Lunch 12:00-1:00
Embassy Suites - Washington Square, 9000 SW Washington Square Rd, Tigard
RSVP
FAMILY PROMISE
Training to volunteer at the day center or at a Host site is scheduled for Monday April 16th, 6:30 at the Beaverton Community Center across from the Library.
Perhaps you have an item on the Wish List or would like to purchase something for the day center.
REGISTER here to volunteer.
BREAD FOR THE WORLD
Right now, the biggest threat to people struggling with hunger and poverty continues to be the threat of large budget cuts. What is the 2018 Offering of Letters About?
Every day, millions of people in the United States and around the world feed and support their families in part because of lifesaving programs funded by our government. We are making progress toward the end of hunger, but we live in challenging times. Our gains are increasingly vulnerable due to the actions and inactions of governing officials.
Every year, Congress approves budgets and policies that impact men, women, and children living with hunger and poverty in real and significant ways. Congress passes federal budget resolutions that set yearly spending levels and longer-term priorities such as immigration policy and tax policy. Congress must also pass the annual appropriations bills that fund all government programs, including international assistance as well as child nutrition and job training programs here in the United States. Again this year, Bread for the World’s network of churches and concerned people are asking Congress to protect the funding for key programs that provide hope and opportunity for people living with hunger.
The government programs that help people living with hunger include:
• Nutrition programs, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Women, Infant and Children (WIC) nutrition program, and school meals provide millions of low-income children and families with nutritious food. SNAP alone kept 3.6 million Americans out of poverty in 2016.
• Tax credits for low-income workers, such as the earned income tax credit and child tax credit, do more to reduce hunger and poverty and encourage work than any other government program. In 2016, these tax credits moved 8.2 million people in the United States out of poverty.
• Humanitarian relief programs provide lifesaving assistance following natural and man-made disasters. In South Sudan, for example, these programs have provided food and other assistance that have saved lives and reduced suffering.
• International poverty-focused development assistance improves nutrition, provides access to safe water and sanitation, and helps struggling farm families increase production and income. Today, fewer children around the world are dying and more are thriving than ever before, partly due to our nation’s investments in nutrition and agriculture programs.
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Monthly Column: February 2018
ADVOCATE
“Catholics need to act in support of (Catholic Church) principles and policies in public life. It is the particular vocation of the laity to transform the world. We have to encourage this vocation and do more to bring all believers to this mission.” (USCCB; Catholics in Political Life)
In addressing the plight of those around us, we are truly living out Christ’s message to love and serve all those in need. Our faith calls us to be advocates for justice. As a voice we have power that the voiceless don’t have – we are constituents. We vote. We must speak out on behalf of others. When we advocate for the principles that we, as Catholics, hold dear, persistence is necessary to realize success.
Please call and/or write Find Legislator to each of your legislators in support of passing SB1507 or HB4001 THIS SHORT SESSION. Because the legislation establishes a joint task force on climate in both chambers, the needed changes we have identified can be made in the future. Climate change is not waiting. Act NOW to incentivize change to a fossil fuel free economy.
In solidarity with our allies at the Coalition of Communities of Color, please consider referencing these specific requests for improvements in the bill:
- Decision-making structure that is transparent, equitable, and accountable. Ensure Environmental Justice Task Force (EJTF) and Environment Justice, equity and Sovereign Nation representatives play significant, meaningful role in development, implementation and oversight of the program, including Program Advisory Committee.
- Allowances—No free allowances for utilities and industry. Any higher will significantly impact projected proceeds for climate solutions and impacted communities.
- Offsets—Oregon only offsets with a limit of 2%. Ensure benefit accrues to Oregon communities and does no harm globally
Help us create housing opportunity
Here is what you need to do:
- Find your Legislator by visiting here: Find Legislator Enter your address and your info will appear!
- First, introduce yourself. Let them know you’re a constituent!
- Tell your Legislator why housing opportunity is important to you. Some suggestions:
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1. Hardworking people should be able to afford housing and still have enough money for groceries and other basic necessities
2. Children deserve an opportunity to succeed in school and life, which is tied to having a stable home 3. Housing gives people an opportunity to build better lives. To succeed you need a place to call home 4. In every community in our state, there are residents who struggle to make ends meet. They are often forced to choose between paying rent and putting food on the table. We need to help make sure that everyone has a safe, stable, affordable place to call home. 5. We can live in a state where everyone has access to opportunity and a decent, stable, affordable place to call home. By investing in housing opportunities, we can create an Oregon with a better future for all of us. |
- Share why it’s important to you that everyone in your community have a safe place to call home. Do you have personal experience with housing instability, or has someone close to you experienced housing instability? Have you volunteered at a shelter or at your church to help people experiencing homelessness?
- Ask your Legislator to support HB 4007, which will increase the document recording fee. The document recording fee is a fee charged when you record the documents on a home purchase or change to the title, or other real estate documents. Currently the fee is $20, and it goes to three purposes:
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- Thank your Legislator for their time.
- More information HERE
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Monthly Column: January 2018
NATIONAL MIGRATION WEEK January 7-13, 2018
For nearly a half century, the Catholic Church in the United States has celebrated National Migration Week, which is an opportunity for the Church to reflect on the circumstances confronting migrants, including immigrants, refugees, children, and victims and survivors of human trafficking. The theme for National Migration Week 2018, “Many Journeys, One Family,” draws attention to the fact that each of our families have a migration story, some recent and others in the distant past. Regardless of where we are and where we came from, we remain part of the human family and are called to live in solidarity with one another.
Unfortunately, in our contemporary culture we often fail to encounter migrants as persons, and instead look at them as unknown others, if we even notice them at all. We do not take the time to engage migrants in a meaningful way, as fellow children of God, but remain aloof to their presence and suspicious or fearful of them. During this National Migration Week, let us all take the opportunity to engage migrants as community members, neighbors, and friends.
What Can I Do?
- Become informed. https://justiceforimmigrants.org/take-action/national-migration-week/
- Send a postcard or letter to your legislator. (see below)
- More on Migration
- Post on Facebook.
- Pray for immigrants and refugees.
Dear Senator/Representative:
As a Catholic, I believe in the human dignity of all immigrants and refugees. With more than 65 million people displaced from their homes and over 22 million displaced outside their countries as refugees, we are currently witnessing the worst forced displacement crisis since World War II.
I ask that you, as an elected official:
• take this opportunity to meet an immigrant or refugee family in your community;
• initiate and support legislation that affirms the dignity of all migrants; and
• recognize the contributions of immigrants and refugees in your community.
Thank you for your concern for our brothers and sisters.
Sincerely,
(name)
(address)
SPECIAL ELECTION MEASURE 101 January 23, 2018
This January, voters in Oregon will receive a ballot with a single, densely worded measure on it. Measure 101 could impact insurance coverage and premiums for hundreds of thousands of Oregon residents. It is very important to become informed about the impact of this measure. Supporting funding for Medicaid is critical to ensuring the health care for the one in four Oregonians on the Oregon Health Plan (OHP). Measure 101 will cover almost 50% of Oregon’s children, as well as seniors and people with disabilities. It will also save middle-class families buying their own health insurance an average of $300 a month in premiums. What does Measure 101 do? A yes vote supports the legislature’s decision to fund Medicaid through an assessment on health care organizations. When hospitals and health plans pay a local assessment (as they do in 49 states), the federal government adds billions in matching funds to the Oregon Health Plan. Those funds are the foundation for OHP. As Catholics, we are called to support our brothers and sisters who may not have the resources that we have. We need to consider how a “no” vote on this measure will hurt many Oregonians, even though it may be a small saving for those of us who have more. You have the opportunity to speak with your vote through this measure. Call to mind the words of Jesus in Mt 25: “Then the king will say to those at his right hand, ‘Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.’” Read the voters' pamphlet.
More information at: KGW, BALLOTPEDIA and OPB
CLEAN ENERGY JOBS bill
Renew Oregon is supporting a bill in the legislature this spring, that will cap climate pollution; price greenhouse gas emission pollution and invest the proceeds in renewable energy solutions and jobs. For more information see: RenewOregon and ClimateSolutions. Once the bill is introduced formally, we will advocate by contacting our legislators.
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Monthly Column: October 2017
As Catholics, we are called to advocate for justice. Addressing the issues that affect our moral visions, in light of Catholic teaching, is our cherished responsibility. You can make your voice heard by writing or emailing your legislators about issues that uphold injustices, favoring those who have instead of those who are most in need. Below are two current issues that need immediate attention.
1. S.1615, H.R.3440 - Dream Act of 2017
This bill directs the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to cancel removal and grant lawful permanent resident status on a conditional basis to an alien who is inadmissible or deportable or is in temporary protected status who: (1) has been continuously physically present in the United States for four years preceding this bill's enactment; (2) was younger than 18 years of age on the initial date of U.S. entry; (3) is not inadmissible on criminal, security, terrorism, or other grounds; (4) has not participated in persecution; (5) has not been convicted of specified federal or state offenses; and (6) has fulfilled specified educational requirements.
Write to Suzanne Bonamici thanking her for co-sponsoring and asking her to continue working to pass the legislation. Write to Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden encouraging co-sponsorship and continued efforts to pass the legislation. Bring your letters to the Information desk at Holy Trinity and we will deliver them to our legislators.
2. House Budget Update
The 2018 House Republican budget plan would severely and disproportionately affect low- and moderate-income families and individuals. If the framework it sets out were to become law, programs serving low- and moderate-income people would be cut by approximately $2.9 trillion from 2018-2027. About half of the low-income cuts would reflect the plan’s incorporation of the House-passed American Health Care Act, which the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates would cause 23 million people to lose health coverage by 2026. Other cuts would significantly undermine the modest levels of basic food aid now provided to poor and near-poor households, such as SNAP, WIC and school lunch programs. It would also make it far more difficult for students from low- and moderate-income families to attend college, by reducing federal college aid. At the same time, the budget paves the way for the enactment of tax cuts that likely would largely benefit the wealthy; for example, the tax cuts in the House GOP’s Better Way proposal from last year would provide tax cuts to millionaires totaling $2.6 trillion over a decade. The budget also creates a fast-track approach in which cuts to low-income programs could be used to offset such tax cuts.
Write to Senator Jeff Merkley, Senator Ron Wyden and Representative Suzanne Bonamici, expressing your concerns and asking them to work for a more just use of our tax dollars.
Bring your letters to the Information desk and we will hand deliver them to our legislators.
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Monthly Column: July 2017
IMMIGRATION
Interfaith Movement for Immigrant Justice's Faith Leader Summer Luncheon
Community Church of Christ
5170 NW Five Oaks Drive
Hillsboro, Oregon
Tuesday July 18; 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
1ST WORLD DAY OF THE POOR
On June 13, the Feast Day of Saint Anthony of Padua, Patron Saint of the Poor, Pope Francis issued a papal message for the 1st World Day of the Poor: “Let us love, not with words but with deeds.”
The World Day of the Poor will be observed on the 33rd Sunday of Ordinary Time (in 2017, this will be November 19). Pope Francis wrote that "Whenever we set out to love as Jesus loved, we have to take the Lord as our example; especially when it comes to loving the poor “He chided those who "may think of the poor simply as the beneficiaries of our occasional volunteer work, or of impromptu acts of generosity that appease our conscience." He encouraged us to view poverty broadly: the "faces marked by suffering, marginalization, oppression, violence, torture and imprisonment, war, deprivation of freedom and dignity, ignorance and illiteracy, medical emergencies and shortage of work, trafficking and slavery, exile, extreme poverty and forced migration….[those] exploited by base interests, crushed by the machinations of power and money. … [and] poverty born of social injustice, moral degeneration, the greed of a chosen few, and generalized indifference!"
2017 COLLINS LECTURE (EARTH CARE INSTITUTE)
"WOUNDED EARTH, WOUNDED HUMANITY: GOD'S CALL TO CLIMATE JUSTICE AS A CIVIL RIGHT."
To be held at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, 147 NW 19th Ave, Portland on November 2, 7pm. We will explore how climate change disproportionately affects the world's most vulnerable people, triggering the loss of livelihoods, insecurity, forced migration and poor health. Polluted air and water, weather disasters and drought bring devastation to all, particularly those living in poverty. Guest lecturers will be The Rev. Canon Sally Bingham, president and founder of Interfaith Power & Light (IPL) and canon for the environment in the Episcopal Diocese of California, and The Rev. Dr. Gerald Durley, civil rights leader, climate change activist and retired pastor of the historic Providence Missionary Baptist Church of Atlanta.
TOWN HALL ADVOCACY
Concerned about the environment and our lack of participation in the Paris Climate Agreement – attend a town hall this summer and let your local legislator know how you feel. Use the attached guide to prepare for your advocacy.
UPCOMING TOWN HALLS
Ron Wyden/ Suzanne Bonamici
Washington County town hall
Jul 6 2017 2:00PM
Conestoga Recreation & Aquatic Center
9985 SW 125th Ave
Beaverton, OR
ADVOCACY: A PARISH OPPORTUNITY
Pope Francis: "Among our tasks as witnesses to the love of Christ is that of giving a voice to the cry of the poor, so that they are not abandoned to the laws of an economy that seems at times to treat people as mere consumers."
Give a voice and advocate. Involve your ministries and your parish to speak up on issues important to the Church. Read more
POPE FRANCIS CENTER FOR JUSTICE AND CHARITY
In his 1979 address to the 34th General Assembly of the United Nations, Saint John Paul II enumerated some of the most important human rights that are universally recognized. His long list included:
• the right to food, clothing, housing, sufficient health care, rest and leisure
• the right to property and work, to adequate working conditions and a just wage
• the right to freedom of movement, to internal and external migration
As the poor and the homeless, the immigrant and the refugee, those suffering from mental and physical disabilities struggle to have these basic human rights, the local Church realized that now is the appropriate time to amplify its voice for the voiceless: the Pope Francis Center for Justice and Charity.
The Pope Francis Center for Justice and Charity is not a physical structure. It is a collaboration between Catholic Charities of Oregon, the Archdiocese of Portland, and El Programa Hispano with the goal to collaborate with local non-Catholic partners and Catholic organizations throughout the State, and parishes throughout the Archdiocese.
The Center will live its Baptismal Call by staying true to compassion, mercy and justice.
LOOKING TO LIVE THE WORKS OF MERCY
July 4 St. Elizabeth of Portugal: Patroness of Peace
• Bear patiently with those who do us ill
July 11 St. Benedict: Patron Saint of Community
• Bear patiently with those who do us ill
July 14 St. Kateri Tekakwitha: Patroness of Environment
• Forgive Offenses
July 29 St. Martha: Patroness of Cooks
• Feed the Hungry
July 30 UN World Day against Trafficking in Persons
• Comfort the Afflicted
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August 7 St. Cajetan: Patron Saint of Workers and the Unemployed
• Counsel the Doubtful
August 8 St. Lawrence: Patron Saint of the Poor
• Feed the Hungry
August 14 St. Maximilian Kolbe: Patron Saint of Political Prisoners
• Visit the Imprisoned
Town Hall 101
1. Research your Member of Congress. How have they voted in the past on legislation? Are they a person of faith? Who funds your Members? Do these organizations share your values? Being informed will allow you to question a poor voting record, or to reach them in a focused and effective way.
2. Be informed on the issues. What bills are before the legislators now?
3. Prepare your questions in advance.
• Don’t: Ask a yes or no question.
• Do: Speak from your experience and let them know you are a person of faith.
• Do: Ask a question about a specific piece of legislation. If you ask about a piece of legislation be prepared to quickly explain what it is;
• Do: Ask a question about a political action. Asking about an action, for example: “What have you done and what will you do to strengthen environmental regulations?” can help you get a specific and unscripted answer from your legislator.
4. Invite others to attend the meeting with you! Large groups make a statement.
HEALTH CARE ADVOCACY RALLY
What: “It’s Not Over” health care Rally
When: Thursday, July 6th, 2017 from 10:30AM-11:30AM
Where: Eastside federal complex- 911 NE 11th Ave., Portland OR 97232
Who: Senator Wyden, Senator Merkley, and Congresswoman Bonamici, and Portland social justice groups
Why: We want to send a strong message to Senators in DC, they are trying to make massive changes to the ACA by passing a bill that would take health care away from millions of people all to give the very wealthy a tax break. Many people affected are the most vulnerable in our country: elders, children, pregnant women, and people with disabilities.
Meet at Beaverton Creek MAX station at 9:30 to join the HT Social Justice group
100 BY '50 (100% renewable energy by 2050) Introduced in the Senate by Jeff Merkley
America is home to innovative entrepreneurs and industries that have tackled many challenges in our nation’s history. We have already seen American businesses rise to the challenge of climate change, from innovators of electric cars to state-of-the-art solar manufacturing. We are seeing proven technologies in the market that can transition our country to 100 percent clean and renewable energy by 2050 while creating millions of jobs in the process. Now all we need is the political will to get there.
The 100 by '50 Act lays out a set of policies that will not only make a transition to 100 percent clean and renewable energy possible, but ensure a just transition for workers, and low-income and disadvantaged communities.
The 100 by '50 Act is landmark legislation to combat climate change and prevent some of its most serious consequences. Click here to download a short summary of the bill.
METRO HAZARDOUS MATERIALS RECYCLING - SUMMER SCHEDULE
Saturday, July 8
Intel, Aloha campus
3585 SW 198th Ave.
Beaverton, OR 97078
Saturday, July 15
Hillsboro High School
3285 SE Rood Bridge Road
Hillsboro, OR 97123
Saturday, August 5
Southwest Bible Church
14605 SW Weir Road
Beaverton, OR 97007
Saturday, August 19
Deer Creek Elementary School
16155 SW 131st Ave.
Tigard, OR 97224
Saturday, September 9
Century High School
2000 SE Century Blvd.
Hillsboro, OR 97123
Saturday, September 23
Southwest Church of Christ
9725 SW Durham Road
Tigard, OR 97224
Saturday, September 30
Forest Grove High School
1401 Nichols Lane
Forest Grove, OR 97116
Saturday, October 14
Intel, Ronler Acres campus
2501 NW 229th Ave.
Hillsboro, OR 97124
Saturday, November 11
Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue
3608 SW 209th Ave.
Aloha, OR 97078
What to bring:
paints and stains
pesticides and poisons
cleaners and disinfectants
thinners and solvents
sharps (medical syringes)
batteries
aerosols
automotive products
thermometers
pool and spa chemicals
hobby chemicals
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Monthly Column: May 2017
READY FOR SPRING CLEAN-UP - HERE'S HELP:
METRO HAZARDOUS MATERIALS RECYCLING
Saturday, April 29
Epson
3950 NW Aloclek Place
Hillsboro, OR 97124
Saturday, May 6
Forest Grove Transfer Station
1525 B St.
Forest Grove, OR 97116
Saturday, May 20
Glencoe High School
2700 NW Glencoe Road
Hillsboro, OR 97124
Saturday, June 17
Sunset Presbyterian Church
14986 NW Cornell Road
Portland, OR 97229
OREGON E-CYCLES
GOODWILL - BEAVERTON 4700 SW GRIFFITH DR BEAVERTON OR 97005-8712
GOODWILL - CEDAR HILLS 12975 SW WESTGATE DR BEAVERTON OR 97005
Far West Fibers 6440 SE Alexander Street Hillsboro, OR 97123
STYROFOAM-packaging and trays; packing peanuts
Agilyx Corporation
7904 SW Hunziker St., Tigard, OR 97223
24 hour residential dropoff box
PLASTICS Mixed Plastics #1-7, Bulky Rigid Plastic
Far West Fibers
6440 SE Alexander Street Hillsboro, OR 97123
MEDICATION and SYRINGES
Beaverton Police Department — 4755 SW Griffith Dr, Beaverton, 97005
PEOPLE'S CLIMATE MOVEMENT
On April 29th, we mobilize! OPAL and our partners in the Oregon Just Transition Alliance are calling on Oregon’s Environmental Justice communities and anyone who stands with people of color and low income people to join the movements for racial, social, and economic justice as pathways to climate action.
All individuals are invited to join to show solidarity. RSVP and share the announcement on Facebook here
Climate Inaction is Racial and Economic Injustice! People of color face the worst impacts of climate change, in the US and around the world. The solutions to the climate crisis require a transition in every sector: transportation, energy, housing, jobs and more. This march will center the experiences of people of color, low-income people, and others who are on the front lines of climate injustice.
Join us in Portland on April 29th, 12-5 pm at Dawson Park (N Stanton St & Williams Ave)
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Monthly Column: February 2017
ADVOCACY
"Among our tasks as witnesses to the love of Christ is that of giving a voice to the cry of the poor." Pope Francis
Give a voice for those who can't speak for themselves: Put your faith into action through advocacy.We can ease human suffering and help millions of people through advocacy that changes unjust policies or systems.
WHAT IS ADVOCACY?
Advocacy is taking action to support a cause or proposal.
Advocacy encompasses educating and mobilizing citizens.
Advocacy involves citizens in developing and promoting policies they care about.
The Office of Life, Justice & Peace webpage makes it easy to keep track of opportunities for advocacy. Follow this link for the latest information.
OUR BAPTISMAL CALL
Speaking up and speaking out is central to our identity as a people of faith. By our Baptism,
Catholics are committed to following Jesus Christ and being "salt for the earth, light for the nations."
By speaking out as a concerned constituent, you have a louder voice in Congress and you can use it to ensure that important issues are better received and addressed.
We must raise our voices to defend the rights of others! We must sing loudly. The great choir of justice sings for those whose voices are silenced.
"It is necessary that all participate ... in promoting the common good. This obligation is inherent in the dignity of the human person. ... As far as possible citizens should take an active part in public life" (Catechism of the Catholic Church, nos. 1913-1915).
"The individual who is animated by true charity labors skillfully to discover the causes of misery, to find the means to combat it, to overcome it resolutely." Blessed Paul VI
Watch the bulletin for announcements of Advocacy events.
SOLIDARITY
Catholic Relief Services Rice Bowl
CRS Rice Bowl is Catholic Relief Services' Lenten program for families and faith communities in the United States who want to put their faith into action and devote their Lenten prayers, fasting and alms to change the lives of those who suffer in poverty.
Through the CRS Rice Bowl Small Grants Program, 25% of all money given is made available for projects within the Archdiocese of Portland that address hunger and poverty.
Why You Want to Participate: "The word "solidarity" is a little worn and at times poorly understood, but it refers to something more than a few sporadic acts of generosity. It presumes the creation of a new mindset which thinks in terms of community and the priority of the life of all over the appropriation of goods by a few." Pope Francis
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Monthly Column: December 2016
FAIR TRADE COFFEE
Coffee makes a great Christmas gift and I have lots on hand. Email or call Eileen and I will bring your order to the Information booth at church for easy pickup. Cost is $7-8.00 depending on what you would like. eileen.sleva@gmail.com 503.713.7939
CHRISTMAS GIFT GIVING GUIDE
Many organizations in the Archdiocese of Portland are deserving your time, talent, treasure and prayers. Here are a few suggestions. Browse the Catalogue Consider donating to a local organization engaged in the corporal works of mercy instead of purchasing more “stuff”.
Catholic Relief Services - Our mission is to assist impoverished and disadvantaged people overseas, working in the spirit of Catholic social teaching to promote the sacredness of human life and the dignity of the human person. Although our mission is rooted in the Catholic faith, our operations serve people based solely on need, regardless of their race, religion or ethnicity. Within the United States, CRS engages Catholics to live their faith in solidarity with the poor and suffering people of the world.
Catholic Campaign for Human Development - The Catholic Campaign for Human Development is the domestic anti-poverty program of the U.S. Catholic Bishops, working to carry out the mission of Jesus Christ "... to bring good news to the poor ... release to captives ... sight to the blind, and let the oppressed go free." (Luke 4:18)
25% of donations remain in our diocese to benefit local organizations.
Archbishop’s Catholic Appeal - deserves consideration for some of your Christmas spending too. Perhaps you can challenge yourself to give just a bit more this year instead of another new tie! Appeal funds are used to help fund Archdiocesan offices and agencies that assist the parishes and their people. In addition, part of the funds are used to assist retired archdiocesan priests and seminarian education.
WORLD DAY OF PEACE, 2017
The theme for Pope Francis' annual World Day of Peace message is: Non-Violence: a Style of Politics for Peace.
In his 2017 Message for the World Day of Peace that is celebrated on January 1, Pope Francis urges us to practice active nonviolence and work to prevent conflict by addressing its causes, building relationships, and facilitating healing and restoration.
Check out this 2-page resource from Catholics Confront Global Poverty for more information
MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY CELEBRATION
What Happened to the Dream? Sunday, Jan. 15, 4:00 PM
Southminster Presbyterian Church, 12250 SW Denney Road, Beaverton
2017 INTERFAITH ADVOCACY DAY
Raising Diverse Voices of Faith to Strengthen Oregon Communities
St. Mark Lutheran Church in Salem
Tuesday, February 7, 2017
9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
The 2017 Interfaith Advocacy Day will bring together hundreds of people from many religious traditions from throughout Oregon for a day of worship, dialogue and advocacy. Activities will include an interfaith panel, training in advocacy skills, issue briefings, meetings with our legislators, and a keynote address by a guest speaker. FLYER
Carpool available with Social Justice Group. Contact Eileen if you are interested in joining us.
YEAR OF MERCY
The Year of Mercy has ended, but Archbishop Sample exhorts us “Don’t let Mercy end with the closing of the Jubilee Year of Mercy.” Check the bulletin board in the vestibule for ideas on how to continue participating in the Works of Mercy.
December 1 World Aids Day Visit the sick
December 3 International Day of People with Disabilities Comfort the Afflicted
December 9 St.Juan Diego: Patron Saint of Humility Bear patiently with those who do us ill
December 12 Our Lady of Guadalupe: Symbol of Catholic Mexicans Welcome the Stranger
December 18 International Migrants Day Welcome the Stranger
December 26 St.Stephen: Patron Saint of the Common Good Welcome the Stranger
December 28 Feast of the Holy Innocents Pray for the Living and the Dead
December 29 Feast of the Holy Family Do a work of mercy as a family
January is Poverty Awareness Month Feed the Hungry
January 1 Solemnity of Mary and World Day of Peace Forgive Offenses
January 2 St. Basil the Great: Patron Saint of Hospital Administrators Visit the sick
January 6 St. Andre Bessette Clothe the Naked
January 8-14 Annual National Migration Week Welcome the Stranger
January 11 Annual National Human Trafficking Awareness Day Comfort the Afflicted
January 17 St. Anthony of Egypt: Patron Saint of Gravediggers Bury the dead
January 15 World Day of Migrants and Refugees Welcome the Stranger
January 21-29 Novena for Life Pray for the Living and the Dead
January 23 St. Marianne Cope: Patroness of Those with Aids/HIV Visit the sick
January 25 Conversion of St. Paul: Patron Saint of Evangelization Instruct the Ignorant
January 28 St. Thomas Aquinas: Patron Saint of Universities and Students Instruct the Ignorant
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Important notes from earlier Monthly Columns:
Caring for Our Common Home -
LAUDATO SI’ ENCYCLICAL LETTER OF POPE FRANCIS ON CARE FOR OUR COMMON HOME
The Vatican has placed the new encyclical on the web. Read it here.
FAIR TRADE
1. Consider holding a fair trade community order sale with your friends, co-workers or social group in October or November. Fair trade promotes dignity by ensuring fair wages and long-term trade partnerships, so when you organize a sale, you are standing in solidarity with our most vulnerable brothers and sisters in a fun and tangible way. Make your Christmas dollars work twice!
It is simple to hold a catalog sale in your home or work space. Shipping is free and customers receive 20% off craft items when an order is $300! Call Eileen at 503.713.7939 or email me for details.
2. Purchase Fair Trade coffee, tea or chocolates for Halloween or Christmas.
For more information or to place an order, contact eileen.sleva@gmail.com
Check the calendar for upcoming events and activities.
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