Needs

In the Gospel of St. Matthew, Jesus tells us: "Whatsoever you do to the least of my people, that you do unto me." (Mathew 25:41)

From the time that our founders worked with struggling immigrants in the wilderness of Wisconsin, we have tried to help meet the needs of the poor through our ministries. At present, our ministries of direct service and empowerment include pastoral, social and educational works with refugees and immigrants as well as others who are marginalized. We also promote concern for the poor and social responsibility among all those we serve, realizing that together we must challenge and work to transform the relationships and systems in today's world into more just, inclusive and life-giving communities.

The challenge to you and us

There are still 32,000,000 people living in real poverty in the United States, - in the midst of unprecedented prosperity. Although much assistance is given by religious and private organizations, it is not sufficient. We need a real reform of public policies so that all people have opportunities for education and job training, as well as a living wage and access to childcare, medical care, transportation and housing.

Two related issues are keys for transforming our nation's public policies:

Campaign finance reform - which would break the stranglehold that wealthy corporations and special interest groups have on the decisions of our leaders. Common Cause is a non-partisan organization supporting the struggle for campaign finance accountability.
Elimination of excessive spending for military weaponry so that billions of dollars can be invested rather in human needs. Pax Christi USA is leading the "Bread Not Stones Campaign" to bring about such a redirection of our nation's priorities.

At the global level, the chasm between the wealthy few and the desperately poor majority is growing horrendously, -- fomented by the growing power of large corporations and the inequities of trade relations in our globalized consumer economy. In addition, the burden of foreign debt is enslaving many impoverished nations.

People,
the Planet,
and Peace--
Before Profit$

How you can be involved

We support the work of NETWORK , a national Catholic social justice lobby which works for just and effective public policies which empower people and help them out of poverty. Organizations such as Center of Concern , Co-op America and the Jubilee USA network can help us understand the complexities of these injustices and how we can make a difference by networking in our advocacy.

If you have questions or you wish to network with us, you are invited to e-mail our Peacemaking Committee.

Resources

Videos

Africa: Hunger to Harvest (8 min.) from Bread for the World, 2001

A Fair Share: Working to End Hunger (10 min.) from Bread for the World

Fonkoze: For the Organized Poor from FONKOZE USA

For Poor and Rich Alike: Understanding Globalization by Amata Miller, 1999

Zoned for Slavery (sweatshops in Central America) (23 min)

Websites
Bread for the World

Center of Concern

Common Cause

Co-op America

Jubilee USA

NETWORK

You are invited to e-mail Sister Sally Ann Brickner or call her at 920-468-1828 with questions or comments.

You can:

schedule a time when a Sister can talk about this issue with a gathering of your religious group or other organization.

borrow one of the available videos.

Thursday July 29th, 2010

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