Social Justice

USCCB Alert to US Catholics

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) have requested that US Catholics contact our Senators and Representatives to work for peace, and “publicly support de-escalation and diplomacy”. 

See https://www.votervoice.net/USCCB/campaigns for a link to easily send email to your legislators.

2026 Jubilee Year of St. Francis

Pope Leo XIV has proclaimed 2026 a special Jubilee Year to commemorate the death of St. Francis of Assisi 800 years ago, inviting all Christians to be constant witnesses of peace.

This Jubilee Year is an invitation to action to follow the example of Saint Francis, a man of poverty, humility, and reconciliation. We are urged to live in charity, to build more just relationships, and to foster peace, caring for people and for the environment as inseparable gifts.

https://www.laudatosi.va/en/news-caf/pope-leo-announces-the-franciscan-jubilee-year-for-2026/

April 11, 2026 Prayer Vigil for Peace 

Thank you to those who gathered with us on Sat April 11 to pray the Rosary for peace with Pope Leo XIV. During his prayer, he appealed to leaders of nations to act as peacemakers and engage in dialogue and mediation. He also asked all people of good will to reject “war not only in word, but also in deed”, to “leave behind whatever violence remains in our hearts and minds” and to “form ourselves and get personally involved, each following our own calling.”

Pope Leo described “the delusion of omnipotence that surrounds us and is becoming increasingly unpredictable and aggressive. .. Even the holy Name of God, the God of life, is being dragged into discourses of death” and noted “True strength is shown in serving life.”

He asked every community to “.. become a ‘house of peace,’ where one learns how to defuse hostility through dialogue, where justice is practiced and forgiveness is cherished.” 

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UPCOMING EVENTS

Sat. May 9, 2026, 2pm-4pm

Camden/Trenton Season of Faithful Witness Public Witness
St. Joan of Arc, Marlton

Join Catholics in the Dioceses of Camden and Trenton in a prayerful, peaceful public witness rooted in our Catholic tradition and affirming human dignity and the sanctity of family life. Learn more at catholicsincommunion.org If you are interested in carpooling to this event, email socialjustice@stanselm.com

Interested in Food Drive Efforts?

We’re building an email list to communicate with those interested in food assistance opportunities, such as partnering with area organizations on food pantry collections and soup kitchen volunteering. To be included, please send your contact information to socialjustice@stanselm.com.

In the meantime, we’ve been partnering with “From Hearts to Hands,” a new food pantry initiative serving area residents in need. Non-perishable food items can be dropped off on an ongoing basis at the Tinton Falls Municipal Building in the labeled bins M-F from 8:15AM–4:45PM, or at St. Thomas AME Zion Church (87 Squankum Road in Tinton Falls) MWF 5-9PM and Saturday 9AM–6PM. Thank you!  

Trenton Monitor Article about Sept. 6, 2025, Pilgrimage of Hope for Creation

https://trentonmonitor.com/news/2025/sep/09/tenth-anniversary-of-laudato-si-marked-with-mass-by-bishop-oconnell/

Click the video below to view Bishop O'Connell's Sept 6, 2025 homily.

MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of our committee is two-fold: (1) to provide assistance and care for the needs of the more vulnerable people in our parish and local community and (2) to identify, publicize, and educate the parish on current social justice issues.  In all of our activities we follow certain key principles of Catholic social justice.

CATHOLIC SOCIAL JUSTICE PRINCIPLES  

The Dignity of Each Person

Belief in the inherent dignity of the human person is the foundation of all Catholic social teaching. We are made in the image and likeness of God and must be the starting point of a moral vision for society.

The Common Good and Community

We have a responsibility to participate in organizing our society, in law, policy, economics and politics because of the direct effect on human dignity and the rights of individuals.  We must protect human life and dignity and promote the common good.

Rights and Responsibilities

We have not only the right but the responsibility to participate in politics out of concern and commitment to the good of the community. We have a duty to keep informed about issues of the day and to vote to protect the common good.

Option for the Poor and Vulnerable

The Bible teaches us to put the needs of the poor first.  Jesus showed us the way. This is the true test of our Christianity: how we treat those living in poverty.

Stewardship of God’s Creation

God gave human beings the task of caring for and nurturing all of creation. All people have an equal right to breathe clean air and drink clean water. In his Encyclical, Laudato Si, On Care for our Common Home, Pope Francis calls all people of the world to take “swift and global action” to stop the environmental destruction of our planet which has a disproportionate effect on those living on the margins of society.  Concern for creations is inseparable from concern for justice.

Promotion of Peace

There is a close relationship in Catholic teaching between peace and justice.  Peace is the “fruit of justice and is dependent on the right order among human beings.