Catholic social teaching proclaims that we are our brothers' and sisters' keepers, wherever they live.  We are one human family, whatever our national, racial, ethnic, economic, and ideological differences.  Solidarity means that "loving our neighbor" has global dimensions in an interdependent world.

The chart below gives the schedule for the up-coming months when parishioners will go as a group to FMSC.  This is a great family activity.  Children can attend with a parent.  The group meets at FMSC (401 93rd Ave NW, Coon Rapids).  This is a change from their previous location in Brooklyn Park.  A sign-up sheet for the current month is on the Social Justice/Action kiosk in the Parish Center gathering area.  You can also contact Jason in the Parish Office to sign-up or for more information.

Habitat for Humanity – St. Joseph will be working alongside a coalition of nine NW suburban churches and Twin Cities Habitat (www.tchabitat.org) next summer.  Each day runs from 8:30 am - 4:30 pm, lunch is provided.  Adults, teens or groups can volunteer one day, once a week, a full week or anything in between.  Specifics on build location and dates will be announced in the Spring.  Sign up begins in the late Spring and can be done through the build weeks.  The last two years have been new construction but Habitat also does rehab work on homes.  Volunteers do not need to have prior construction experience.

Youth under the age of 16 are not allowed on the site (except to deliver food).  Youth 16-17 will be allowed to volunteer if there is one adult supervisor for every four teenagers.  Individual 18-years-olds do not need to be supervised, but they cannot act as supervisors for younger people.  Adult supervisors will need to work directly alongside the that they are supervising.  The adults should have some construction skills and experience in order to guide the youth.  Youth will also need to complete a Waiver of Liability and Construction Field Trip Permission Form with Parent/Guardian signatures.

Carpooling from the Parish Center may be possible.  Arrangements for carpooling will depend on interest and numbers of volunteers each day.  To learn more contact Jason Wittak at 763-544-3352 ext. 118, or jwittak@stjosephparish.com.

Catholic Initiatives
 

Archdiocese Office of Social Justice   (http://www.osjspm.org/) provides avenues for parishioners to work on issue action teams, legislative advocacy and learn about how poverty affects many in society.  The current four Issue action teams are Immigration, housing, health care and global warming.  The Legislative Advocacy program helps Catholics become involved in public policy advocacy.  Members of Sowers of Justice who agree to participate in legislative advocacy are supported in lobbying on behalf of people who are poor or lack political power.  One can also sign-up for Legislative up-dates and action alerts.  Sowers of Justice is a membership organization for Catholics in the Archdiocese of St. Paul/Minneapolis who are committed to changing hearts and changing social structures on behalf of justice.  St. Joseph is a member of Sowers of Justice.
 

Catholic Charities' mission (www.ccspm.org) to serve those most in need. They help individuals and families reach their full human potential as we call for justice in the community. In replacing despair with hope, Catholic Charities helps tens of thousands of people annually, regardless of faith, with a diverse range of programs.  These programs include: children’s, parents, housing and emergency services.  Catholic Charities has opportunities for singles, small groups, families, and larger groups to volunteer.  Check out their website to learn more and how they aid those in need locally.