|
Advocacy
and Social Justice
Disabilities Resource Ministry
links to web sites for assistance
Interracial Justice Ministry
The mission of this ministry is "to work towards ending the sin
and pain of racial injustice in ourselves, our parish, our schools,
our community and our world." We attempt to do this through sponsoring
events, like the "Work of Human Hands" Sale, the Lenten concert
of the Jones High School Choir, and the Pentecost celebration which
celebrate the gifts of different cultures, making known in our community
the commitment of St. Margaret Mary Church to racial justice, bringing
speakers to our parish to enlighten us on current issues,
Peace and Justice Ministry (Shopping
Guide):
The Peace and Justice Committee at St. Margaret Mary has the mission
to:
- Provide educational opportunities for the parish to
increase parishioners’ awareness of Catholic social teaching
in the context of real world issues.
- Research real world peace & justice issues. Identify
issues for possible action by the parish community.
- Present potential actions or programs to the parish
staff & community.
- Provide structure and opportunity for parishioners
to become involved with Peace & Justice issues.
- Encourage participation in the democratic process through
voter registration campaigns and candidate forums.
- Provide on-going support to social action and outreach
ministries.
Currently, the Peace & Justice committee is concentrating
its efforts to repeal the Death Penalty in Florida and the nation, in
supporting the boycott of Taco Bell stores to protest the sub-minimum
wages paid to Florida tomato pickers, in boycotting Mt. Olive pickled
products for low wages paid to farm workers, and in monitoring immigration
issues in Florida and the nation.
Contact: Ann Buckley at 407-898-3294
Pro-Life Ministry
The Pro-life Ministry works to educate the parish on Pro-Life issues,
provide opportunities for prayer, advocates on public policy, and supports
local pregnancy centers. The Saturday Center for Women and Children
is the major project of this ministry. The Saturday Center is a place
where mothers can come for emergency baby supplies, support agency referrals,
access to social workers, counselors, and medical professionals, and
emotional support. This ministry is supported by volunteers and donations.
If you feel that you can give the gift of your time, talent, or treasure,
and of course diapers, wipes, or formula, we need you!
Contact: Catriona Barbato (407) 228-2251
or
Mary Ann Gilbert (407) 628-1324 or email
New RISEP report on immigrants in Florida
RISEP released our annual spring report, this time looking at
immigrants in Florida over the past five years using available
U.S. census and CPS data from 2000 to 2005.
Immigrants
in Florida: Characteristics and Contributions
looks at demographics, labor force characteristics, and compares
taxes paid with benefits received. Some findings: --
Immigrants are just as likely to have advanced degrees and
nearly as likely to have Bachelor's degrees as non-immigrants.
-- Immigrants are more likely to be entrepreneurs.
-- Immigrants contribute equally or more to our economy than
non-immigrants as measured by taxes paid and benefits received.
The report includes an executive summary of findings and
appendices providing information for specific metropolitan areas
of Florida. Read the full report
here.
|
