Department for Evangelization and Catechesis

 

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John Watkins
Coordinator for Social Justice
510-267-8379
 

Social Justice Resources

Getting Started with JustFaith Now for Fall 2008

JustFaithIf you, your parish or your school are interested in starting a JustFaith group in the fall, now is the time to start organizing for the 2008-09 session.

Getting the JustFaith program started in your parish can be done through a variety of strategies. In general it is a multi-step process that will take you six to eight weeks to accomplish. This detailed Getting Started document includes a step-by-step process, helpful hints, bulletin announcements and much more. Registration information is also available. For more information, contact Sharon Bidwell at (502) 429-0865x228 or sharon@justfaith.org.

JustFaith is a thirty-week social justice formation process with a focus on poverty. The program meets weekly and employs books, videos, lecture, discussion, prayer, retreats and hands-on experience to provide a tapestry of learning opportunities that emphasize and enliven the remarkable social justice tradition of the Church.

Pastoral Message from Bishop Vigneron

Bishop Allen VigneronIn light of the recent California Supreme Court decision regarding same-sex "marriage", Bishop Vigneron has issued a pastoral message to the faithful of the Diocese of Oakland. The bishop states, "As faithful citizens, Catholics are called to bring our laws regarding marriage into conformity with what we know about the nature of marriage."
More | Statement from California Bishops

World Food Crisis

Will you help?Across the globe, millions face malnutrition because of skyrocketing food prices. In some countries, hunger and starvation are looming threats. The Reuters news agency estimates basic food prices have gone up anywhere from 45% to 80%.

Resources and bulletin inserts:
Catholic Campaign Against Global Poverty Fact SheetPDF
Church World Service Fact SheetPDF

How to get involved:
Church World Service
Catholic Relief Services
Oxfam America
Doctors Without Borders

Bishop's Statement on Immigration

California Catholic ConferenceIn December, 2007, the California Catholic Conference created an important Immigration Statement that is to be released by each Bishop in accordance with local efforts and programs.

Bishop Vigneron asks that each parish distribute this statement to its parishioners. We recommend inserting copies in the weekly bulletin or posting it somewhere in the church. For more information, please contact me at 510-267-8379 or jwatkins@oakdiocese.org.
Download: Immigration Statement | Declaración sobre la inmigración PDF

Join our Legislative Alert Network!

Catholic Legislative NetworkYou can make a big difference in just five minutes! That's all it will take to send an email or letter to your elected officials. You will learn how Catholic social teaching can be applied to the issues of the day, and join your voice with those of thousands of other Catholics across the Golden State.
Sign up now | More information

Justice for Immigrants Campaign

Health Care Crisis

Download this flyer on current health care reform in CaliforniaCurrently there are several proposals in Sacramento to reform health care in California. This flyer discusses aspects of Catholic Social Teaching on health care as well as questions and web resources for learning more about the various proposals. Use it as a bulletin insert or educational handout and share with your parish or other groups.
Download the flyerPDF

Global Solidarity

Join the Local Fair Trade Coalition

Fair Trade with Catholic Relief Services

Fair Trade supports artisans and farmers around the world by promoting an alternative to business-as-usual. Join others in the Diocese of Oakland who are mobilizing efforts to bring fair trade products into schools and parishes around the Diocese.
Download brochure for more informationPDF
Download gift and product informationPDF

Get Involved!

Advocacy groups and other resources

Looking for opportunities to get involved? We have a great list of advocacy groups and other resources to help you out. Sign up for email alerts and more, and get involved!
Advocacy groups | Legislative advocacy info sheetPDF