Justice and Peace
Mission:
To explore the principles of Catholic social teaching and their application to issues of justice and peace today.We work to encourage and empower our faith community to Christian action.
A monthly planning meeting is held at 10:15 a.m. on the third Sunday of the month in the Parish Center. Details are available from Barbara Weber at 818-790-2159 or gobarbweb@sbcglobal.net
Special Events and Programs
From time to time, the Justice & Peace Ministry has held special events. Some have been:
- Forum on the Patriot Act
- Evening on the Spirituality of Non-Violence: A Call to Peace
- Seminar on Just War & First Strike
- Candlelight Vigil for Peace
- Congressional Candidates Forum
- Legislative Advocacy
Bread and Books
On the first Sunday of every month from October to June, we sell bread from Homeboy Industries bakery. The proceeds from the sale of the bread benefit Homeboy Industries, a non-profit organization that gives employment to inner-city youth. We also sell a variety of justice and peace related books from a local religious bookstore, The Flowering Tree.
Direct Outreach
Outreach Programs are offered occasionally to afford parishioners the opportunity to give of their time and talents to help others in need and to experience a deeper sense of community with other parishioners. Work sites have included:
- Union Station
- The Sycamores
- Catholic Worker
- Habitat for Humanity
- Tree People
- Missionaries of Brothers of Charity
- Lanterman House
Speakers and Forums
Two or three forums are held yearly to discuss present justice and peace issues and to familiarize ourselves with people responding to these issues. Recent speakers include:
- Allan P. Ides, A.M., J.D., Professor, Loyola Law School
- Stephen F. Rohde, Esq., President, Beverly Hills Bar Association
- Rev. James Fredericks, Professor, Loyola Marymount University
- Sr. Judy Rinek, Mater Dolorosa Retreat House
- Eisha Mason, Center for the Advancement of Nonviolence
- Joseph B. Hudson, Jr., Esq.
- Fr. Robert Scholla, S.J., Chaplain, Loyola Law School
- Fr. Greg Boyle, S.J., founder of Homeboy Industries
- Fr. Tony Marti, O.F.M. Cap., President of St. Francis High School
Alternative Gift Market
The Alternative Holiday Market affords parishioners an alternative to traditional gift shopping. During the month before Christmas, people are able to donate to local, national and worldwide charities in the names of their family and friends. Alternative Gift Market cards are available throughout the year through the Justice and Peace Ministry. Charities supported have included St. Bede Skidettes and Brothers' Helpers Programs, the Ghana Partnership, Catholic Relief Services, Homeboy Industries, Habitat for Humanity, Vision of Hope, Alexandria House and many others.
Justice & Peace Ministry
St. Bede the Venerable Catholic Church
215 Foothill Boulevard
La Canada, CA 91011