JUSTICE JOTTINGS
February 2022
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The Circle Process - A Restorative Practices Experience -- Saturday, February 19 at 6:30 PM ET - Dayton, OH
- Our DP/RJ Issue Team is hosting an in-person gathering this Saturday during their annual meeting. If you are in the Dayton or Cincinnati area, please come join us for a circle process experience! During this two hour gathering, participants will learn about restorative practices and the circle process, as well as be lead through a circle discussion by MSJC's four trained circle keepers.
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Another Name for Every Thing Podcast Group -- Thursdays (February 24 - April 14) - Virtual
This Lent join MSJC's Adele Social Justice Project in discussing Richard Rohr's Podcast 'Another Name for Every Thing'. This 8-week series will explore the connections between action and contemplation and build relationships between participants. Here is a flyer with more information.
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Kickin' It With ASJP Drop In Gatherings -- Second Sundays of the month at 4 PM PT | 6 PM CT | 7 PM ET - Virtual
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First Gathering: Sunday, March 13th
- Focus Question in March: Is social media hurting or harming the fight for social justice?
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Kickin' It is a drop-in monthly virtual gathering hosted by our Adele Social Justice Project (ASJP). It is a recurring program on the second Sunday of each month where participants will reflect on and discuss social justice questions with curiosity and openness. This program is designed to be a dialogue-focused space for people to learn more about and share their thoughts and experiences on a wide range of social justice issues. Breakout rooms will be utilized and the experience will open in prayer each month. Join us any month you are free and interested! The Zoom information is on the flyer below.
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CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH |
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WOMEN & JUSTICE
Chloe Becker was upset when she realized she could not name a single African or African-American saint. A junior at Magnificat High School in Rocky River, Ohio, Chloe was inspired to learn more about racial justice after attending a school-sponsored conference on racism. It led to the creation of a semester-long project: a mural depicting African-American saints and holy people in contemporary clothing (image above), holding up the Sacred Heart of Jesus. If you want to learn more about this wonderful young artist from Magnificat High School in Rocky River, Ohio please listen to her interview on the podcast below.
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ADELE SOCIAL JUSTICE PROJECT
During the team's February meeting, the following poem, by Tracy K. Smith, a Black woman & Poet Laureate, was read and questions were posed for reflection. Black History Month is a time to celebrate Black culture, people, advancements, and joy. But it also is, and should be, a time to lean into the challenging history and present impacts of race in this nation. We challenge you to lean into the latter practice today as you read the following poem and respond to the reflection questions:
The United States Welcomes You
Why and by whose power were you sent?
What do you see that you may wish to steal?
Why this dancing? Why do your dark bodies
Drink up all the light? What are you demanding
That we feel? Have you stolen something? Then
What is that leaping in your chest? What is
The nature of your mission? Do you seek
To offer a confession? Have you anything to do
With others brought by us to harm? Then
Why are you afraid? And why do you invade
Our night, hands raised, eyes wide, mute
As ghosts? Is there something you wish to confess?
Is this some enigmatic type of test? What if we
Fail? How and to whom do we address our appeal?
Reflection questions: What have you noticed in the daily rhythm of your local community that
1) troubles you;
2) intrigues you;
3) brings you joy?
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MSJC REFLECTIONS & RESOURCES |
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DEATH PENALTY ABOLITION & RESTORATIVE JUSTICE
Recently I listened to the inaugural episode of a new podcast from the Catholic Mobilizing Network. Called Encounters with Dignity, it is described as “stories, learnings, and actionable wisdom from people who are doing and living restorative justice.” The first episode featured Fr. David Kelly, C.PP.S., Executive Director of Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation (PBMR) in Chicago. While discussing the peacemaking circles that PBMR runs for incarcerated youth, Fr. David made the point that trauma is widespread and its effects are long-lasting.
He explained that, while the incident that led to a young person’s arrest may have been fleeting, such things as racism and the inequities in the neighborhood produce a lasting trauma that is most impactful. He recounted two specific examples from the many he has worked with. (Read more here...)
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WOMEN & JUSTICE
Twenty participants joined the Women & Justice team in January for a celebration of the life of Adele and talked about her legacy being lived out in both the religious sisters (FMIs) and the lay communities around the world.
Very much like the spirit of Adele and young Lay Marianists of her time, the Sisters (even in our modern culture) emphasized the importance of involvement with Marianist Lay Communities. Anne Petratis talked about how she experienced her interactions with the sisters. They were always very approachable and they could make you believe that you counted to the world. When you spent time with them you feel that you can make a difference.
This cooperation is considered a given dimension of living Marianist life. Linda Zappacosta wrote a lovely reflection, which we have linked below, as one piece of the story telling event. If you would like more information about Adele or a copy of the recording of the event, please send an email to msjc.women@gmail.com.
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SUPPORTING OUR COLLABORATORS IN THIS WORK
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- Saturday, March 5th from 10 AM - 4:30 PM ET
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In this introductory experience, participants will develop a shared understanding of restorative justice principles and practices, while considering the call to end the death penalty in Ohio. Through experienced facilitation and spirit-filled reflection, participants will learn about circle applications, witness transformational stories, more deeply understand and experience restorative practices. MSJC's DP/RJ Issue Team is a co-sponsor of this event and team member Dr. Martha Hurley is a facilitator!
- This workshop is ideal for Catholic ministers who wish to build a deeper understanding of restorative justice practices in their dioceses, networks, ministries, and communities.
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- Friday, March 11th from at 8 AM PT | 10 AM CT | 11 AM ET
- iNaturalist is a community of nature enthusiasts who connect through a powerful online application capable of logging natural history observations, identifying species, and reporting through time and space. We'll cover the basics in this free online training program and then you can start using your cell phone to discover God's beauty!
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- Thursday, March 24th at 5 PM PT | 7 PM CT | 8 PM ET
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The Ignatian Spirituality Project (ISP) partners with social service agencies to care for the spiritual needs of people recovering from homelessness and substance use addiction. In 28 cities across the U.S., Canada, and Ireland, volunteers provide spiritual reflections and overnight retreats experiences for thousands of people on the journey of recovery, helping them to regain a sense of their own personal worth and the belief that lasting change is possible. One of MSJC's long-time volunteers, Matt Meyers, works for ISP and has played a major role in planning this event. Join him, ISP and Krista Tippett -- journalist, author, and host of the award-winning podcast On Being -- for a conversation on transformation, healing and the journey of recovery! The event is free.
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- Registration open now and the weekly CSA begins May 25th - Dayton, OH
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Mission of Mary is a 501(c)(3) organization that works on food justice issues in the inner east side of Dayton. By becoming a member of this Community Supported Agriculture (CSA), you will receive a great bounty of fresh farm produce for 24 weeks and donate to the non-profit’s mission. MMC grows their food on urban plots using sustainable, chemical free growing methods that are beyond USDA Organic standards. This is their 11th growing season and each year they expand on quantity and quality produce. Support MMC and receive beautiful veggies every week this season! Flyer here.
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Want to support MSJC's work towards justice? |
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