Justice

As the Congregation committed to God’s great love, we are compelled personally and congregationally to be the voice of Gospel justice in our world. Our response to injustice calls us to personal and social transformation. We see spirituality and justice as one and commit ourselves to live this out in all our relationships.

Systemic evils deprive people of their intrinsic rights; restoring these rights is the work of justice. Justice and peace are connected. Peace becomes possible when people are freed from oppression and abuse. This is the ideal that continues to inspire our actions on behalf of the abused, the oppressed and to minimize the suffering of the whole earth community.

Principles

We have a responsibility to develop a critical awareness of social structures, to confront ourselves and society with injustices we see, and in the light of the Gospel, attempt to transform them.

We strive to make our institutions and ministries models of social justice.

We encourage one another to internalize the values of social justice and to find ways to show concern for the economically poor.

"After the will of the group is ascertained, the Congregation may take a corporate stand publicly endorsing a position in the name of the whole body. A sister, or a group of sisters, has the right to take a public stand on moral issues according to the dictates of conscience."

-CSJ Constitution

Corporate Statements

Nuclear Weapons

We the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Brentwood, NY call on all nations and particularly our nation, the United States, to dare to plan for a nuclear free world.

Abolition of the Death Penalty

We call upon members of our congregation and those associated with us in ministry; we call upon our church and civic leaders to take appropriate nonviolent actions for the abolition of state sanctioned death and to put forth every effort to recognize and affirm the dignity of each life.

Human Trafficking

We, Sisters of St. Joseph, abhor the trafficking of persons, all of whom are our dear neighbor. We are committed to educating ourselves and others about this destructive behavior, to speak out for the truth in order to heal and support victims of this injustice, and to promote life through systemic change.

As citizens of the planet, we have a responsibility to develop a contemporary understanding of varying cultural, political and economic perspectives and the needs of all with whom we share Earth. Virtual communication has made us all neighbors. It is increasingly evident that, as a congregation, technological literacy is imperative for us and we will move in this direction.
Chapter 2011 Direction Statement

Immigrants’ Prayer

O Holy God, Heart of heaven and earth, praised be your holy name. Your daughters and sons, from all peoples of the world, regardless of borders, praise you.
We praise you and give you thanks because you have placed in our hands the immigrant pilgrims who make the earth flourish and produce to bring food to the table of the rich and poor alike.
We praise you and give you thanks because you walk always with those who cross borders in search of well-being, doing their part in building the world you entrusted to us. On our way, we are mindful of your Presence in the promise of Abraham and in the liberation of your people, Israel.
We praise you and give you thanks for your blessings on all immigrants, on those who cross all borders in the United States.
And you, O Lady of Guadalupe, empress of the Americas, be always our protector and intercessor for reconciliation and the building of equality and peace. Amen.