In the past we have often discussed the need for a calendar which highlights many of the events of interest. With that in mind, attached is a recently published calendar from Education for Justice.

Justice and Peace Calendar 2011-12

Our 30 week JustFaith program for 2010-11 year has been completed.  The 13 participants have  found this to be an excellent way to experience the social justice issues our country and the world.   With our readings, video, immersion experiences and our lively discussions we have come to a better appreciation of what social justice means and what we are called to do in response to the needs of our world.

We strongly encourage all Catholics to take the time to come to know this “greatest secret” of our Catholic faith and become involved in social justice.

Call the rectory for someone to contact.

Attached is an op-ed article about a family who decided to give up a very comfortable lifestyle and gain an unexpected disproportionate benefit, http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/24/opinion/24kristof.html?em

What’s holding you back?

A new documentary called “Gaining Ground” is in production now, which will tell the story of what has happened since “Holding Ground” was made. More information on the new production can be found at http://filmmakerscollab.org/films/gaining-ground.

To learn more about the current work of Dudley Street Neighborhood Initiative (DSNI), go to  http://www.dsni.org.

A link to the Marianist Social Justice Collaborative has been added to the Resources.

A link for a blog at the JustFaith website has been added to the Resource tab. Please feel free to explore and contribute.

My fragmented thoughts on our Camden visit to a tented city—

                                                                                                     By Jean Gorczyca

 In the woods / barely hidden off a major highway/ bone chilling, cold, rainy day / path into the tented city covered with planks / the passing smell of raw sewage as I walk down the planks / Oh lord this is going to be harder for me than I imagined / the smell is gone as quickly as it came /  we are greeted by one of the homeless men / oh no, my mistake, he is the pastor of a non-denomination church in the area who is helping out here today / wow-an interesting mistake / confusion / who is homeless & who is not here / I am having trouble making the distinction.

 Organized chaos surrounds us / wet mud is everywhere as the rain becomes heavy /  tents-different sizes & shapes / lots of men & women roaming around / larger tent towards the back with a sitting area in front / seems to be the main gathering place / a grill & card table sit in front of it / rules on a tree / are they really followed?

Read the rest of this entry »

St. John Vianney Parish along with St. Anthony of Padua in
Port Reading are pleased to present an Advent Program
“I WAS A STRANGER AND YOU WELCOMED ME”

In the midst of this hectic and commercialized pre‐Christmas season, we invite you to learn more about our immigrant sisters and brothers who, like Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, find no room for them in the inn. Come and look at Immigration through the lens of our Catholic faith! Tuesdays – 7:30 – 9 PM December 1, 8, and 15 St Anthony of Padua Parish 436 Port Reading Ave Port Reading, NJ 07064

To Register, Call the rectory at 732‐574‐0150 or e‐mail: mjorgensen@sjvs.net

We are very excited to begin the the JustFaith program here at St. John Vianney Parish in Colonia, NJ.