Social Justice Ministry Theme 2011-2012, click here for past themes.

Advocacy: Taking the Next Step

"Let us set things right," says the Lord. - Is. 1:18

"Going Upstream"
Once upon a time there was a small village on the edge of a river. The people there were good and the life in the village was good. One day a villager noticed a baby floating down the river and swam out to save the baby from drowning.

The next day this same villager was walking along the riverbank and noticed two babies in the river. He called for help and both babies were rescued from the swift waters. The following day four babies were seen caught in the turbulent current. And then eight, then more, and still more.

The villagers organized themselves quickly, setting up watchtowers and training teams of swimmers who could resist the swift waters and rescue babies. Rescue squads were soon working 24 hours a day. And each day the number of helpless babies floating down the river increased.

The villagers organized themselves efficiently. The rescue squads were now snatching many children each day. Groups were trained to give mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. Others prepared formula and provided clothing for the chilled babies. Many, particularly elderly women, were involved in making clothing and blankets. Still others provided foster homes and placement. While not all the babies could be saved, the villagers felt they were doing well to save as many as they could each day. Indeed, the village priest blessed them in their good work. Life in the village continued on this basis.

One day, however, someone raised the question, "But where are all these babies coming from? Who is throwing them into the river? Why? Let's organize a team to go upstream and see what's going on."

Catholics are very generous in their financial contributions towards programs supporting the needy. And Catholics are generally responsive in participating in a project or event that serves the poor. Advocacy, however, involves taking the "next step." Advocacy involves entering into a social justice issue to learn about the root causes of the problem. Then, through a process of social analysis and prayer, taking an action that raises the awareness of others to the issue or involves calling those in positions of authority to change policies or practices affecting those in need. Both charity and advocacy are required in extending care to our brothers and sisters in need.

"3-2-1 Challenge"
During the course of this year St Mary's will provide opportunities for you to make 3 phone calls to state or local legislators voicing your opinion on a social issue. You will be invited to write 2 letters to the editor or to the President or to Congress. You will be encouraged to participate in 1 activity in which you actively take a position on an issue.

SJM Presentation:

"Advocacy: What is it? How do you do it?"
Julie Steiner, Executive Director of Washtenaw Housing Alliance
Monday, September 19
7:00 pm
Newman Hall
Event details

In this two part presentation, Julie Steiner will provide an introduction to the practice of advocacy followed by offering advocacy opportunities to address the homeless in Ann Arbor.

"Catholic teaching calls us to serve those in need and to change the structures that deny people their dignity and rights as children of God. Service and action, charity and justice are complementary components of parish social ministry. Neither alone is sufficient; both are essential signs of the gospel at work." US Bishops, "Communities of Salt and Light," 1994.