Social Justice Ministry
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News
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Are you ready to vote in the November 6, 2018 election? Voter Registration closes on October 22nd. And that's only the start! Now learn about the issues and form your conscience...
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Engage with candidates for City Council to work for a safer Vallejo on Sunday Oct. 21, 2018.
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Contact Us
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Charmaine Ferrazstbasilsvdpconfgmail.comMinistry Contact
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Faithful Citizenship
Why Does the Church Teach About Issues Affecting Public Policy? The Church’s obligation to participate in shaping the moral character of society is a requirement of our faith, a part of the mission given to us by Jesus Christ. As people of both faith and reason, Catholics are called to bring truth to political life and to practice Christ’s commandment to “love one another” (Jn 13:34).Catholics Care. Catholics Vote.
“In the Catholic tradition, responsible citizenship is a virtue; participation in the political process is a moral obligation. All believers are called to faithful citizenship, to become informed, active, and responsible participants in the political process.”
- From a statement of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship: A Call to Political ResponsibilityAre you registered to vote in the November 6, 2018 General Election? If you moved since the last time you voted you will need to re-register! If you will turn 18 years old by Nov.6 this year, you can also pre-register!!
Registration closes October 22, 2018. Check here for your voter registration status.
"We need to participate for the common good. Sometimes we hear: a good Catholic is not interested in politics. This is not true: good Catholics immerse themselves in politics by offering the best of themselves so that the leader can govern."- Pope Francis, 9/16/13
Study the issues for an informed conscience: California Voter Guide
Prayer Before an ElectionLord God, as the election approaches,
we seek to better understand the issues and concerns that confront our city/state/country,
and how the Gospel compels us to respond as faithful citizens in our community.
We ask for eyes that are free from blindness
so that we might see each other as brothers and sisters,
one and equal in dignity,
especially those who are victims of abuse and violence, deceit and poverty.
We ask for ears that will hear the cries of children unborn and those abandoned,
men and women oppressed because of race or creed, religion or gender.
We ask for minds and hearts that are open to hearing the voice of leaders who will bring us closer to your Kingdom.We pray for discernment
so that we may choose leaders who hear your Word,
live your love,
and keep in the ways of your truth
as they follow in the steps of Jesus and his Apostles
and guide us to your Kingdom of justice and peace.We ask this in the name of your Son Jesus Christ and through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
How Can Catholic Social Teaching Help Guide Our Participation? In the words of Pope Francis, “progress in building a people in peace, justice and fraternity depends on four principles related to constant tensions present in every social reality. These derive from the pillars of the Church’s social doctrine, which serve as ‘primary and fundamental parameters of reference for interpreting and evaluating social phenomena.’”3 The four principles include the dignity of the human person, the common good, subsidiarity, and solidarity. Taken together, these principles provide a moral framework for Catholic engagement in advancing what we have called a “consistent ethic of life” (Living the Gospel of Life, no. 22).
For more USCCB information on Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship, see links below:
http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/faithful-citizenship/upload/The-Challenge-of-Forming-Consciences-for-Faithful-Citizenship-Part-1.pdf
http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/faithful-citizenship/upload/The-Challenge-of-Forming-Consciences-for-Faithful-Citizenship-Part-2.pdf
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A Safer Vallejo - Community Assembly Oct. 21st
St. Basil's members joined in solidarity with Vallejo's three Catholic Churches, other churches and civic organizations to improve safety. Mayor Sampayan and School Superintendent Dr. Clark agreed to work with us to improve our city.
Now we will meet with candidates for City Council to engage them about their commitment to work with us for a better community.
If you are interested in knowing more, please contact Charmaine Ferraz at 631-6959.
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Human Trafficking Awareness
Through the SHEPHERD toolkit, you can learn about human trafficking from a Catholic perspective, equipping yourself with the educational tools to raise awareness of human trafficking.
For more information on how to become a "Shepherd" see the USCCB website:
http://www.usccb.org/about/anti-trafficking-program/become-a-shepherd-tool-kit.cfm
As members of the Social Justice Group of St. Basil Parish, we come together to affirm and actively support the Seven Principles of Catholic Social Teaching.
Activities may include planning prayer services, preparing petitions which reflect social justice concerns for the Sunday Liturgy and serving at local outreach services.
The group may sponsor guest speakers for the Parish. We welcome members who may want to explore specific social justice issues with our group to discern, pray, and act with a faith perspective.
Through the group we receive information regarding various social justice events happening outside the Parish and bring it to the Parish's attention.
The ministry is open to all. The time commitment is minimal.