Justice News:  April 30, 2008

Reflection:  “Our name, Sisters of Saint Joseph, reminds us to serve others by our lives with the same care and concern with which Joseph served Jesus and Mary.” (Constitutions #3)

Serving others in the spirit of our patron, St. Joseph…

POVERTY:  Tomorrow, May 1st, is CSSJ Federation Poverty Awareness Day -- a day of prayer, solidarity and advocacy in service to our brothers and sisters who are poor.  Reminder: Urge your senators/representative to support the Global Poverty Act.  For a sample letter go to:  http://www.bread.org/take-action/ol2008/sample-letter.html  If you will be coming to supper and/or prayer at the Motherhouse, please bring your letter in a stamped, sealed envelop.  We will ritualize the collection of letters during the prayer.  

DEATH PENALTY:   On April 16th the Supreme Court ruled that lethal injection is constitutional.  The first execution since September 25th is scheduled for May 6th in Georgia.  The May/June execution alert will be posted on the website by Friday. To contact governors or for more information about persons to be executed, go to www.ncadp.org   

DARFUR:  Last week, the United Nations World Food Program announced that it will cut half its food supplies to the people of Darfur because of a lack of funds and relentless attacks on its convoys.  Take action: http://action.savedarfur.org/campaign/fy08_supplemental

BUDGET:  The President recently proposed a budget request for FY2009 that would dramatically underfund the United Nations. Tell your legislators to fully fund UN peacekeeping: Take Action: http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/1517/t/6029/campaign.jsp?campaign_KEY=23645

Sustainability Tip of the week

How can yesterday’s table scraps feed hundreds? Of worms, that is! Easy: Compost your organic waste and use the soil for your garden or houseplants. A household can keep 500 lbs of perfectly biodegradable kitchen and garden waste out of landfills every year. Composting recycles nutrients in your scraps, producing soil that’s like a gourmet dinner for your plants. For everything you ever wanted to know about composting and then some check out: http://www.compostguide.com/  (www.idealbite.com )

The May Justice Memo will be in the Congregational mailing tomorrow.

Our response to the hotline appeals for phone calls, letter writing, visits to elected officials and participation in vigils and marches are significant ways that each of us can “strengthen our corporate voice for justice.”   Thank you for your actions that keep us faithful to this Chapter commitment.