SOCIAL JUSTICE MINISTRY
The Social Justice Ministry is made up of parishioners representing the parishes of St. Joseph and Holy Spirit. The purpose of this ministry is to provide experiences that enable our parishioners to learn about issues of injustice and to engage their faith. Inspired by Scripture and Tradition, all members of the Catholic Church are called to be a people of faith and action, people who strive to be the light of Christ in the world as advocates for peace and justice. Catholic Social Teaching, including Pope Francis’ encyclical, Laudato Si', emphasizing care and respect for our common home, is a central element of our faith. It is Jesus who calls us to this mission, not any political or ideological agenda.
The Social Justice Ministry has undertaken and is currently pursuing the following activities:
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Sending letters to and visiting government officials concerning important issues such as climate change and common-sense gun legislation
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Providing education for parishioners by hosting speakers on safe gardening practices, immigration and human trafficking
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Sponsoring electronics recycling drives and fair-trade shows
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Being further educated on human trafficking and currently delivering posters of missing children to local hotels
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Sponsoring church collections for local refugees, the incarcerated and those less fortunate
Join us for a meeting!
2nd THURSDAY of the MONTH
6:30 p.m.
Parish Office Conference Room
If you have questions, contact Donna Dugan at 440-785-8051 or ddcorita@aol.com.
Raising Hope
Let's Turn Hope Into Action - Pope Leo XIV
#AnswerTheCry #CommitToOurCommonHome #RaisingHope
Upcoming Events
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New!
St. Joseph "Seekers of Hope" Book Club
We are called to be salt and light. In this Jubilee Year of Hope, “you are the salt of the earth but if the salt becomes tasteless, how can it be made salty again? You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand and it gives light to all who are in the house.” Matthew 5:13-15.
As we journey together in hope for a safer, compassionate and just world, let’s learn where we can be salt and light to those around us. Come and learn about Catholic social justice issues by reading a book about them and participating in a group discussion. Social Justice Ministry will be hosting The Seekers of Hope Book Club throughout the year with both an in-person and virtual option at a time convenient to the participants. Books will be chosen by the participants and there is no commitment! Join us when and how you are able.
Copies of the selected book are available in the Parish Library (shelf marked in the hallway by the Adoration Chapel). They may also be available through the Libby app which can be installed on your iPad/Android or iPad. Hard copies of the books may also be available at your local library or, you can buy your own copy (link below).
If you are reading a copy borrowed from the Parish Library, please return as quickly as possibly to the Social Justice Ministry bookshelf where you found it so others can read it also.
Book #3: Same Kind of Different asMe ~ November 6, 2025
WHEN: Thursday, November 6th @ 7:00 p.m.
BOOK: Same Kind of Different as Me
WHERE: St. Joseph Parish Office Conference Room
QUESTIONS: Mary Ann 216-513-2208 (call or text) or maryanndzurec@yahoo.com
Hard copies of the book are available in the Parish Library Social Justice Ministry bookshelf located by the north entrance of the Gathering Area next to the Adoration Chapel. If you are reading a borrowed copy from St. Joseph, please return it as soon as you are finished in order that others can access the book. The book is also available at the Avon Lake Public Library as a hard copy and via the Libby app electronically or as an audio version using a mobile device. Come and engage in discussion about Catholic social justice issues and how you can be salt and light to those around you.
Past Events
October 4, 2025
PET BLESSING & ROSARY PILGRIMAGE
OF HOPE FOR CREATION
We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who joined us for our Pet Blessing & Rosary Pilgrimage of Hope for Creation. It was a truly beautiful day in Avon Lake — nearly 80 degrees with sunshine and a perfect autumn backdrop — made even more joyful by the presence of parishioners from both St. Joseph and Holy Spirit. Dogs of every size (and plenty of smiles!) filled Kopf Reservation as we reflected together on the gift of God’s creation. Led in prayer, we walked in gratitude for the beauty around us and renewed our commitment to care for our common home, inspired by the Jubilee Year of Hope, the anniversary of Laudato Si’, and the legacy of St. Francis. Thank you for making this celebration a meaningful witness of faith, community, and stewardship of God’s creation.
September 28, 2025
CARE FOR CREATION
COMPOSTING PROGRAM
We are grateful to all who attended our Care for Creation Composting Program and helped make it a meaningful and practical step toward living out the call of Laudato Si’. On a welcoming morning filled with fellowship (and muffins!), participants learned from Mrs. Susan Metzger, an experienced educator and parishioner of St. Joseph in Circleville, who shared her expertise in horticulture, plant production, and agricultural education. Susan offered both inspiration and practical advice on how composting household food waste can reduce our carbon footprint while enriching our gardens and flower beds. Her message reminded us that caring for God’s creation begins with small, daily choices that reflect our faith. Thank you to everyone who joined us in continuing this journey of ecological education and faithful stewardship.
Please view the slides from the morning's presentation below:
May 8, 2025
MEETING FUN!
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February 2, 2025
CATHOLIC CHARITIES
WELCOMING THE STRANGER
Thank you to all who attended the presentation!
And thank you to Ann Danuloff from Catholic Charities for sharing your time and knowledge with the members of St. Joseph Parish!
Click below to learn more about Catholic Charities
Migration & Refugee Services.
Diocesan Social Action Office
The Diocesan Social Action Office seeks to shape a more caring and peaceful world through justice education, advocacy, community development and organizing. Click below to be taken to their website for up-to-date news and actions that can be taken.
Below are resources for individuals, families and parishes to use in order to support the growth and knowledge of the principles of Catholic Social Teaching.
Week 1: Dignity of the Human Person
This teaching on the dignity of each person is the starting point and the foundation of all Catholic Social Teaching. It means that every person is precious, that people are more important than things, and that we are to make every effort to respect that dignity and help each person to flourish (Challenge and Spirituality of CST, Mich)
Week 2: Preferential Option for the Poor
A basic moral test is how our most vulnerable members are faring. In a society marred by deepening divisions between rich and poor, our tradition recalls the story of the Last Judgment (Mt 25:31-46) and instructs us to put the needs of the poor and vulnerable first. (USCCB)
Week 3: Solidarity
Solidarity highlights the intrinsic social nature of the human person, the equality of all in dignity and rights and the common path of individuals and peoples toward an ever more committed unity. Never before has there been a widespread awareness of the bond between individuals and peoples, which is found at every level. (CSDC)
Week 4: Call to Family, Community & Participation
The person is not only sacred but also social. How we organize our society -- in economics and politics, in law and policy -- directly affects human dignity and the capacity of individuals to grow in the community. (USCCB)