Justice and Peace
From the earliest days of our Congregation, FMSJs have been committed to working for justice and peace in our society through service to the poor, vulnerable and marginalized. Counseling families and individuals, feeding the homeless, advocating for the rights of refugees and asylum seekers, and education opportunities for people with mental and physical disabilities, promoting care for the environment, insisting upon the implementation of strict Safeguarding procedures in all our apostolates, and participating in letter writing campaigns about various social justice issues to the governmental agencies in the countries in which we serve are some of the ways we promote justice and peace today.
Sister Joan Kerley is our Justice and Peace Co-ordinator. Sister Philomena McCluskey, FMSJ is our Safeguarding Co-ordinator.
Public Commitment FMSJ
As long ago as our 2017 Chapter, we have been making a public commitment to the values of Laudato Siʹ. The Congregational statement on Justice and Peace and Care of the Environment states: “Identifying with the inspiration in Laudato Sí we undertake to care for Mother Earth, our home. The document clearly shows the impact of environmental policy and practices on the poorest of our world. We will continue our commitment to raising awareness of Human trafficking.” The Congregation of the Franciscan Missionaries of St. Joseph commits itself to following the goals of the Laudato Sí Initiative by: • Reflecting on our Franciscan spirituality and the charism of our Congregation which lead us to appreciate the wonders God has given us in Creation and to work for the preservation of all life. • Encouraging the Sisters especially the sick and retired to pray for the implementation of Laudato Si. • Using the principles of Integral Ecology to educate and guide the Congregational Leadership Team in their decision making and implementation of Congregational policies. • Integrating the seven Laudato Sí goals into our ministries, particularly our service to the poor and the marginalized within our various countries. • Incorporating the principles of Integral Ecology at all stages of our formation. • Promoting a general awareness of, and educating about, the principles of Integral Ecology as part of our ongoing formation programming by providing topical articles or media resources that can be used for community discussion. • Networking with other religious institutions and government initiatives to protect the environment, reduce our carbon footprint and educate those we serve in caring for our common home. • Developing a seven year strategic plan which will enable us to work toward in integral ecology in all areas of our life and ministry.
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