Social Justice - Where Do I Start?
By Alice Matisz
“Each man’s death diminishes me, for I am involved in mankind. Therefore, send not to know for whom the bell tolls, it tolls for thee.” Excerpt from ‘For Whom the Bell Tolls’ by John Donne (1572-1631)
John Donne was an English poet and a Catholic who understood the Christian imperative to care for each other with a lively, personal interest. This active caring can take the form of works of charity or social justice. Pope Francis says the two are closely linked and we have a responsibility to do both.
“None of us can think we are exempt from concern for the poor and for social justice.” Pope Francis (Evangelii Gaudium, n. 201)
Charity involves helping the needy; social justice tackles the reasons why they are needy. So charity might be feeding the hungry while social justice is working for better wages and affordable housing. Charity might be visiting prisoners while social justice is alleviating the addictions and desperation that lead to crime.
There are seven ‘pillars’ of Catholic social justice.
“We must act to defend the most basic human right. If the right to life for all human beings is not guaranteed, all other human rights are meaningless.” (Pro-Life pamphlet)
Within the phrase “right to life” lays a tangle of topics which can cause even the strongest Catholic to become confused. As debate rages between moral obligation and civil rights, it’s tempting to simply do and say nothing. However, when we pray “Thy kingdom come”, are we not obligated to actually work for the coming of God’s kingdom?
Fortunately in Lethbridge there are several organizations providing hands-on opportunities to further life issues. Whether behind-the-scenes or up front, frequently or occasionally, in a group or on your own, all forms of volunteerism are greatly needed and much appreciated. So read on and hopefully find the perfect place to unite your abilities with a social justice need.
“There’s so many opportunities to stand up and say, ‘I’m behind these people’. You make a difference and you feel better for it.” Teresa Prozniak, Pro-Life volunteer
Lethbridge and District Pro-Life Association – 1805-9th Avenue North
Contact: Brenda Vroom and Carmen Pfiffner (403-320-5433)
Pro-Life is an advocacy and resource group which offers information, runs awareness campaigns and provides referrals for pregnancy support. Pro-Life is a charity not a political organization. A little known fact is that two Catholic women, Elsie Alexander and Laura Winters, were among the founders of Pro-Life in Lethbridge. Over the past 40+ years Laura’s daughter, Teresa Prozniak, has continued her mother’s legacy. She sees a need for more people to become involved.
“Catholics started the (Pro-Life) organization but Catholics haven’t been well represented on the board lately”, Prozniak says, “There’s so much that needs to be done.”
Volunteer opportunities:
Lethbridge Pregnancy Care Centre – 118-8 Street South
Contact: Monica Loewen 403-942-1819
Since the demise of Birthright in Lethbridge, Lethbridge Pregnancy Care is the sole Christian agency offering support for women and men facing an unplanned pregnancy. Here compassionate care extends well beyond pregnancy tests and options counselling. Clients can expect continuous attention in the form of peer support, life skills education, baby supplies and help with contacting other relevant agencies. They also offer post-abortion support even for decades-old traumas.
Volunteer opportunities:
Euthanasia Prevention Coalition – Contact through Lethbridge and District Pro-Life
Aims to present, educate and advocate with a united voice with respect to issues related to euthanasia and assisted suicide.
(Taken from Euthanasia Prevention Coalition Canada website)
Right Now – Contact through Lethbridge and District Pro-Life
Canada is one of the only countries in the world with no law on abortion. The only way we will see legislation passed in the House of Commons, is to nominate and elect pro-life candidates across the country who will pass life-saving legislation. It starts with you and it starts right now.
(Excerpted from Right Now website)
John Donne was an English poet and a Catholic who understood the Christian imperative to care for each other with a lively, personal interest. This active caring can take the form of works of charity or social justice. Pope Francis says the two are closely linked and we have a responsibility to do both.
“None of us can think we are exempt from concern for the poor and for social justice.” Pope Francis (Evangelii Gaudium, n. 201)
Charity involves helping the needy; social justice tackles the reasons why they are needy. So charity might be feeding the hungry while social justice is working for better wages and affordable housing. Charity might be visiting prisoners while social justice is alleviating the addictions and desperation that lead to crime.
There are seven ‘pillars’ of Catholic social justice.
- Life and dignity of the human person
- Call to family, community and participation
- Rights and responsibilities
- Preferential option for the poor and vulnerable
- Dignity of work and rights of workers
- Solidarity, committing oneself to the common good
- Care for God’s creation
“We must act to defend the most basic human right. If the right to life for all human beings is not guaranteed, all other human rights are meaningless.” (Pro-Life pamphlet)
Within the phrase “right to life” lays a tangle of topics which can cause even the strongest Catholic to become confused. As debate rages between moral obligation and civil rights, it’s tempting to simply do and say nothing. However, when we pray “Thy kingdom come”, are we not obligated to actually work for the coming of God’s kingdom?
Fortunately in Lethbridge there are several organizations providing hands-on opportunities to further life issues. Whether behind-the-scenes or up front, frequently or occasionally, in a group or on your own, all forms of volunteerism are greatly needed and much appreciated. So read on and hopefully find the perfect place to unite your abilities with a social justice need.
“There’s so many opportunities to stand up and say, ‘I’m behind these people’. You make a difference and you feel better for it.” Teresa Prozniak, Pro-Life volunteer
Lethbridge and District Pro-Life Association – 1805-9th Avenue North
Contact: Brenda Vroom and Carmen Pfiffner (403-320-5433)
Pro-Life is an advocacy and resource group which offers information, runs awareness campaigns and provides referrals for pregnancy support. Pro-Life is a charity not a political organization. A little known fact is that two Catholic women, Elsie Alexander and Laura Winters, were among the founders of Pro-Life in Lethbridge. Over the past 40+ years Laura’s daughter, Teresa Prozniak, has continued her mother’s legacy. She sees a need for more people to become involved.
“Catholics started the (Pro-Life) organization but Catholics haven’t been well represented on the board lately”, Prozniak says, “There’s so much that needs to be done.”
Volunteer opportunities:
- Board member, ideally able to mobilize broader parish community e.g. within the Knights of Columbus, Couples for Christ or CWL. Board meets monthly, 10 times/year.
- Life Chain, standing silently by the side of Mayor Magrath Drive holding a prepared sign which advocates for life issues. 1-2 hours the first Sunday in October.
- Hike for Life, collect pledges and walk around Henderson Lake. This event includes a T-shirt, snacks, lunch and so many donated raffle prizes that many participants leave with more than they gave. 2-4 hours in early June.
- Games Coordinator/Family to run (prepared) carnival games after the Hike for Life.
- Elsie’s House, a live-in home for pregnant women in need requires occasional counsellors (training provided)
- Envelope stuffers for annual fundraising and tax mailouts.
- Students for Life college and university outreach requires committed advocates. Contact [email protected]
Lethbridge Pregnancy Care Centre – 118-8 Street South
Contact: Monica Loewen 403-942-1819
Since the demise of Birthright in Lethbridge, Lethbridge Pregnancy Care is the sole Christian agency offering support for women and men facing an unplanned pregnancy. Here compassionate care extends well beyond pregnancy tests and options counselling. Clients can expect continuous attention in the form of peer support, life skills education, baby supplies and help with contacting other relevant agencies. They also offer post-abortion support even for decades-old traumas.
Volunteer opportunities:
- Client advocate to offer options counselling, conduct pregnancy tests, etc. Women and men needed, no formal credentials required but should be a good listener, non-judgmental, open-minded, empathetic and totally discreet. Must be over 18. Training provided.
- Receptionist to create a welcoming front desk environment, no secretarial experience required. 4 hrs/week for a 1 year commitment.
- Clothing/baby supplies coordinators to sort and refresh pregnancy supplies.
Euthanasia Prevention Coalition – Contact through Lethbridge and District Pro-Life
Aims to present, educate and advocate with a united voice with respect to issues related to euthanasia and assisted suicide.
(Taken from Euthanasia Prevention Coalition Canada website)
Right Now – Contact through Lethbridge and District Pro-Life
Canada is one of the only countries in the world with no law on abortion. The only way we will see legislation passed in the House of Commons, is to nominate and elect pro-life candidates across the country who will pass life-saving legislation. It starts with you and it starts right now.
(Excerpted from Right Now website)