OCSJM Hosts Successful 2nd Annual Social Justice Conference -- Presentations Available
Special thanks to all those who worked so hard to make our second annual Social Justice Conference a success, and to all of our participants for their enthusiasm and support! The experience truly celebrated the legacy of Bishop Peter Rosazza's commitment to the work of social justice. In a special tribute, Deacon Bob Pallotti, Director of the Office of Permanent Deaconate, presented Bishop Peter with an award to recognize his loyal support of the diaconate program.
The keynote speaker, Dr. Stephen Colecchi, Director of the Office of International Justice and Peace of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, outlined how Catholic social teaching calls us to "Build One Human Family." Addressing the moral dimensions of our federal budget, Dr. Colecchi encouraged us to write letters to the editor and speak with our legislators to "give the issues in the budget a human face, the face of the members of the one human family, especially those members who are often not seen -- the poor, the vulnerable, the forgotten."
Over 200 attendees participated in 20 workshops on subjects ranging from social media in the parish, to global solidarity, the environment, and immigration. They also had the opportunity to browse through exhibits of social justice organizations such as the CT Network to Abolish the Death Penalty and Not-for-Sale, the Connecticut chapter of the national human trafficking awareness organization.
Resources from the Conference
Keynote Presentation
Dr. Stephen Colecchi, “Rooted in Faith: Building One Human Family”
Fair Trade
“Making the Case for Fair Trade” presentation (large file; may take a moment to download and open)
Youth Speak
Mission Trips presentation (large file; may take a moment to download and open)
Catholic Social Teaching
Building Blocks to Economic Justice
Immigration and Social Justice
Global Solidarity and the Parish
The Weston Priory: Ten Days of Faith and Hospitality with the People of Mexico
Our Changing Global Environment
The Catholic Church on Ecological Degradation
Video: Photo Montage from the Conference
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