Resources / Links - Justice, Peace&the Integrity of Creation - Franciscan Friars - Province of St.John the Baptist in Cincinnati, Ohio




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Birth of a Church, by Joseph Nangle, OFM; Orbis Books; 2004; 165 pages.

Book Review
by Donna Graham, OSF

This inspiring book won second place in the Pastoral Ministry division of the 2005 Catholic Press Association’s Book awards. It is the true story of one young priest, his fellow Franciscans, a wealthy parish in Lima, Peru, and their journey together from a comfortable enclave to a prophetic and challenging expression of the Latin American Church. Upon arriving at the parish, Joe Nangle noticed that the servants of the wealthy parishioners had to worship separately from their employers, because of the limited time they could be away from their work and because of the differences in their social standings. He became painfully aware of how the poor were ignored when he waited for hours at the sight where an 8-year-old boy, who had been begging leftover food from the wealthy for his family’s meal, was hit by a car and killed. The police were in no hurry to respond because the child was poor.

As Joe saw the injustices in this area of wealth surrounded by great poverty, he became more committed to helping the parish embrace the Church’s “Option for the Poor.” Influenced by the liberation theology movement in South America, and especially by the Medellin Conference of Latin American Bishops in 1968, the friars began focusing more on social themes in their preaching and the parish agreed to open the grade school to the children of the poor. The friars changed their lifestyle, divesting themselves of practices available only to those with resources, and some parishioners followed. The parish was changing.

Many left the parish, unable to deal with the shift from personal spirituality to social concern, and there was sometimes division among those who remained. But this is often the cost of discipleship. These beginning years of Most Holy Name Parish serve as a model of what Catholic communities can and should be, living the Gospel, embracing the preferential option for the poor and making a difference.

This book can be borrowed from the JPIC Office by calling 513-721-4700 ext. 3207 or e-mailing sjbjpic@franciscan.org.

Resources / Links

		Events
		Resources
		Recycling
		JPIC Related Web Sites


		Events

Jobs With Justice National Conference: Stand in solidarity with activists from around the country and world while connecting to the growing movement for workers’ rights, economic and social justice. Come to the conference for three days of building a movement, sharing lessons learned and having fun. May 2-4, 2008, in Providence, R.I. $225 regular registration plus housing. For more information call 202-393-1044 or go to www.jwj.org/projects/conference.html.

Moral Action in a Complex World: Franciscan Perspectives: Francis of Assisi lived in the goodness of God, and the goodness of God directed the life of Francis. The philosophical and theological implications of divine goodness play out especially in the area of moral action. Timely questions will be addressed, as participants seek to explore the implications of moral action in a complex world through the lens of Franciscan tradition. May 23-25, 2008, Washington Theological Union, Washington, D.C. Cost is $180 plus housing. Registration deadline is May 9. For information and registration contact Alyce Korba at 202-541-5219 or korba@wtu.edu or go to wtu.edu/news/pdfs/Brochure.pdf for a brochure.

Radical Inclusiveness: The Ministry of Jesus and His Followers Today: This retreat for lesbian/gay Catholics, parents, pastoral ministers and other interested persons is sponsored by the Catholic Parents Network of New Ways Ministry. Presenter is Rev. Anthony Gittins, C.S.Sp., a Professor of Catholic Missiology at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. He is the author of 11 books and a former missionary to Sierra Leone who is also involved in ministry to the homeless. May 23-25, 2008, at Racine Dominican Ministries in Racine, Wis. Cost is $165 by May 2. For information and registration call New Ways Ministry at 301-277-5674, e-mail NewWaysM@verizon.net, or go to mysite.verizon.net/~vze43yrc/retreats.html.

The Enneagram and Paradox: Join Fr. Richard Rohr in his Franciscan home of Assisi for an exploration of the specific connections between the Enneagram and spiritual consciousness. May 30–June 1, 2008, at La Cittadella Conference Center in Assisi, Italy. Pre-conference programs are May 29-30; Francis and Clare: Meeting God in Space and Time with Fr. Richard and The Enneagram: Know Your Number with Suzanne Stabile. For additional information call 505-242-9588; e-mail info@cacradicalgrace.org or go to www.cacradicalgrace.org/conferences/enne/.

Next Steps: Developing Catholic Lesbian/Gay Ministry: This weekend of prayer, presentations, dialogue, and planning is designed to assist those seeking ways to include lesbian/gay people and issues in their home parishes, schools or other ministerial settings. Pastoral Ministers, leaders of Catholic institutions and all interested in lesbian/gay ministry are invited to attend this event May 30 – June 1 at Mariandale Spirituality Center in Ossining, N.Y. Cost is $165 before May 1 and $180 after. For information and registration contact New Ways Ministry at 301-277-5674 or NewWaysM@verizon.net.

A Spirituality of Earth Healing Within a Christian Framework: Come and learn about an exciting way of viewing Christian faith through an earth-spirit connection. This timely, informative, mind-expanding, enjoyable colloquium features Maureen Wild, SC, and Jim Profit, SJ. June 9 – 13, 2008, at Star of the North Retreat Centre in St. Albert, Alberta, Canada. Cost is $469. For information and registration. Or contact Linda at the retreat center, 780-459-5511 or programs@starofthenorth.ca.

The Inner Room: Immerse yourself in the daily practice of prayer and meditation under the guidance of Fr. Richard Rohr and Fr. Thomas Keating. This conference was created to demonstrate to those in 12-Step spirituality ways to embrace the invitation of the 11th step to improve conscious contact with God, but will offer a wonderful opportunity for all to deepen one’s contemplative practices and to form communities to support these practices. June 27 – 29, 2008, Albuquerque, N.M. Conference cost: $210 ($240 after May 27). For information call 505-242-9588 or go to www.cacradicalgrace.org/conferences/inner/.


		Resources

Live a Climate-Neutral Lifestyle: “By building clean renewable energy projects, you can reduce the amount of CO2 pollution that goes into the air, and help slow global warming. By reducing CO2 pollution as much as you emit, you can enjoy a Climate Cool ™ lifestyle, certified by the Climate Neutral Network, an independent non-profit certifying organization.

“Your support will help construct Native American-owned and operated wind farms. NativeEnergy is a Native American majority-owned company. You don’t have to switch your utility or make a long term commitment. Just offset an average CO2 footprint or use our online calculator and offset your own. Then be proud that you’re certified Climate Cool. Think of it like planting trees for their CO2 benefits, but better. You’re helping ‘plant’ a new wind farm for a share of its CO2 benefits, and actually reducing our consumption of fossil fuels.”

To read more about how you can make a difference, go to www.nativeenergy.com/coop or call (800) 924-6826.

San Damiano Scholars: Students working toward ordained ministry, religious life, or lay leadership positions in the church are eligible to become San Damiano Scholars at Marian College in Indianapolis, Ind. With generous support from Lilly Endowment, Inc., and others, this Franciscan college provides a unique educational experience to students. San Damiano Scholarships are open to students of any faith tradition.Any student working toward a career in ministry or lay leadership in his or her church may apply. Students of any faith can reap the benefits of learning to live an examined life through the “Rebuild My Church” program at Marian College. To find out more about the program and the remarkable future you can build there, call Marian at 1.800.772.7264 or visit them at www.marian.edu/rmc/.

Through Our Eyes: A Look at Homelessness: Students from Mother of Mercy High School in Cincinnati, Ohio, paired up with homeless and formerly homeless individuals and interviewed them about their experiences. The students then wrote their own reflections on the project and added artwork and photographs. The students have published their work in a book, Through Our Eyes. It can be purchased through the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless. Call 513-421-7803, or send $12 to GCCH c/o Through Our Eyes, 117 E. 12th Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202.

What is Fair Trade? Global Exchange’s Fair Trade Program provides a sustainable model of international trade based on economic justice. We offer people the opportunity to purchase beautiful, high-quality gifts, crafts, jewelry, coffees, and chocolates from producers who were paid a fair price for their work. As an alternative to sweatshop production, our Fair Trade Stores generate income for thousands of artisans and their families in more than 40 countries. Visit our Fair Trade Stores where you will find hundreds of Fair Trade gifts: Crafts; Gift Baskets; Coffee & Chocolate; Books; Video & Audio Cassettes. Visit Online at www.globalexchange.org/store; contact storemaster@globalexchange.org, or call 1-800-497-1994 Ext. 237. You can place orders online, by phone or mail! The Berkeley store is located at 2840 College Ave., 510-548-0370; the San Francisco store is at 4018 24th St., 415-648-8068.

The Education For Justice Web Site: An Exciting New Resource to Promote Catholic Social Teaching: Thousands have used the Center of Concern’s critically acclaimed workbooks, Catholic Social Teaching and Human Rights and Celebrate Jubilee and Justice! The Center’s Education for Justice Web Site continues the tradition of these quality resources, now in an online publication format that ensures timely materials that are updated regularly and always current. Members will have access to weekly postings, hundreds of pages of resources and interactive materials to promote justice and peace, and online dialogue, readings and reflections—the equivalent of several workbooks plus much more. Become a member by going to www.educationforjustice.org.

Responsible Shopper Initiative: There is a web site, www.ResponsibleShopper.org, where consumers can find out where some of the largest consumer product companies stand on labor, environmental, civil and human rights issues. It also allows visitors to send e-mail letters to these companies, letting them know how their practices cause us to patronize or avoid them. The web site is the centerpiece of a much large consumer action campaign, the Responsible Shopper Initiative.


		Recycling

Recycle, Reuse, Renew Hope for Nicaraguan Kids! Join the Quest for Peace’s 18th Clean Your Desk Campaign (CYDC). We collect used, but still usable and new school supplies, sports equipment, musical instruments and backpacks for Nicaraguan students who have none. A family earning $250 a year can’t afford supplies for several children. Parents must come up with additional salary, desks, materials, school repairs, water and electric bills and cleaning materials for their “public” schools.

Visit the Quest web page at www.quixote.org/quest for more information

Computer Cartridge Recycling Program: You can support Marian College in Indianapolis, Ind., a liberal arts college sponsored by the Sisters of St. Francis of Oldenburg, Ind., and help the environment by recycling your empty laser and inkjet cartridges found in computer printers, fax machines, and desktop copiers. Funding Factory is the recycler and Marian College receives points for your donations that they can use for educational technology purposes.

There is no cost to you. Funding Factory provides free collection kits and prepaid return shipping via UPS. The program also allows participants to recycle old cell phones, which can be placed in the toner recycling boxes as well. For information contact Janet Van Lone Trieschman at 317-955-6328 or janet@marian.edu or go to www.fundingfactory.com. To register call 888-883-8237.

Recycle Old Cell Phones: Last year Americans set aside 40 million cellular phones. Mobile phones contain lead, mercury and other toxic chemicals that can contaminate ground water and soil. Collective Good of Atlanta, Ga., is a company that refurbishes mobile phones and sells them to people in developing countries for 33-50% less than they would cost in the U.S. People can also choose to have them donated to a charity. Contact Collective Good at 770-856-9021 or www.collectivegood.com.

Recycling Computers: If computers aren’t recycled, the harmful chemicals they contain – notably lead and mercury - usually end up in landfills along with the plastic and metal. Through the IBM Recycling service, PC’s, including system units, monitors, printers and optional attachments can be shipped to IBM for refurbishing or recycling. Refurbished units will be donated to Gifts in Kind International (GIKI), and the donor will receive a receipt for a potential federal tax deduction. Donors pay a fee of $29.99 for the recycling which includes shipping. To learn more go to www.ibm.com/ibm/environment/products/pcrservice.shtml or call 1-888-SHOP-IBM (746-7426).

Web Site Links Donors with Non-Profits: This web site, www.ExcessAccess.com, brings together people with unwanted items and non-profit organizations that need those items. Donors pay a $5 annual fee for the right to post as many classified ads as they want. Once a non-profit group claims the item on the web site, they have access to the donor's contact information so they can arrange a pick-up. It's a win-win situation for all involved.