Justice and Peace

Mission Statement 
The objective of Justice and Peace is to raise social awareness through education, legislative advocacy, and reflection on the Gospel's social teachings. It offers concrete examples on how to contribute toward eliminating human tragedies such as abuse and hunger; and enables the parish to witness their convictions by participating in service activities

Responsibilities  
The objective of Justice and Peace is to raise social awareness through education, legislative advocacy, and reflection on the Gospel’s social teachings; it offers concrete examples on how to contribute toward eliminating human tragedies such as abuse and hunger; and enables the parish to witness their convictions by participating in service activities. This committee will receive, reflect upon, and support various outreach requests, taking into consideration the time, talent, and financial resources of the Good Shepherd community.  In addition, Justice and Peace serves as an “umbrella” for subcommittees that address various issues under the Diocesan Justice and Peace ministry. 

Membership
Membership is open to any parishioner interested in taking an active role in addressing the needs of the parish, local, and global communities through direct service, organizing, advocacy and global solidarity. The membership includes the following positions:

·Chairperson or co-chairs- responsible for setting the agenda for monthly meetings; record minutes and disseminate to parish council and committee members; update the ministry bulletin board; submit bulletin announcements; submit and present annual budget to parish council; attend quarterly parish calendar meetings; attend diocesan Justice and Peace meetings as able; schedule a rep for new member registration meetings; and attend parish council meetings as requested.

Subcommittee members- report monthly to the committee on up-coming events, fund-raisers, status of their ministry, and if assistance is needed with a particular event, etc.


 

Our Committees

Barron Dempsey Good Samaritan Fund 
Year-round, this emergency fund was established in memory of a parishioner for immediate outreach needs within the county. Donations are accepted in the box in the commons, through quarterly envelopes, and as funeral memorials.

Bread for the World
This annual spring event is a non-partisan letter-writing drive to Congress to advocate for the annual Bread for the World hunger initiative.

Christian Outreach Program
This year-round ecumenical charity group provides food, dental assistance, transportation and housing assistance within the county.

Hog Jog
This annual October event is a 5K and children’s fun run that benefits fuel assistance in the county.

Mission of Hope Homeless Shelter
This is an ecumenical effort to offer temporary shelter in local churches during November- March.

COP Housing Projects
These are local housing projects held seasonally which may include painting, repairs, cleaning, etc. for those in need.

Haiti
This ministry twins with St. Anthony of Padua in Croix Fer, Haiti and offers support through fellowship, prayer, and monetary assistance for the parish school.

Respect Life
This committee defends the dignity of all human life from its beginning to natural end. Annual events include Walk for Life support for Hope4Life (a mobile pregnancy resource center), and collecting baby items for the Crisis Pregnancy Center.

 Offertory Food Collection

Year round, non-perishable food items are collected for the Isle of Wight food pantry. Quarterly, bags are distributed to parishioners with specific requests for items.

St. Mary's Home for Disabled Children
Quarterly collection of various items to assist with the recreation and occupational therapy needs of the children, such as batteries, book bags, videos, books, school and party supplies.

 Souper Saturday

This annual October ecumenical event raises money for fuel assistance to those in need in the county. Eat-in or take-out sale of donated soups, hot dogs, and desserts.

Soles4Souls
Annual collection of new or gently-used shoes to benefit those in our country and globally who go without.

United Christian Ministries
Year-round ecumenical organization established to network with area churches. This group works with COP and Social Services to help provide food and payment of electric, gas, and medical bills of those in immediate need within the county.