Social Justice
Maxine LeBlanc, Chairperson
Purpose:
To inform and involve the parish community in social concerns and charitable acts toward one another and toward the larger community of city, state, nation and world; to transform into action the Church's concern about social justice and charity towards all.
Through the Social Justice Commission, St. Joseph Church supports the organizations listed below. The Commission's liaison is listed beside the organization's name. Social Justice typically meets the last Wednesday of the month.
Please check the Calendar or watch the bulletin for meeting information.
Honduras Mission
Honduras is the second poorest country in Latin America -- second only to Haiti. Reaching out to help them is truly helping “the least brothers and sisters of Jesus.” Moreover, Bishop Luis Sole, Bishop of Trujillo, has a relationship with the Diocese of Little Rock through others mission efforts, and so there is a working relationship between the two bishops, and the two Dioceses. In 1998 Hurricane Mitch devastated much of Latin America, especially Honduras, and St. Joseph Church rushed to the rescue.
The Mission has two goals: (1) to help create a new parish in Ilanga, Honduras; and (2) to provide medical, construction, evangelization and educational assistance. For more information, please contact Dr. Jim Gorman, Mission Director, and Mark Prenger, Project Manager at honduras@sjfay.com.
Poor Box
The majority of funds donated through the Poor Box are forwarded to CEO – Cooperative Emergency Outreach (see below). A portion of the funds are kept in the parish office for direct assistance to registered parishioners in need, contact Fr. Jason Tyler.
Catholic Charities & Immigration Services NWA
Diocesan satellite office in Springdale assisting with immigration and legal issues. Contact Frank Head at cisnw@sbcglobal.net
Catholic Relief Services
The official international relief and developmental agency of the U.S. Catholic community. It assists impoverished and disadvantaged people worldwide. CRS Lenten Rice Bowl is the fund raising event for CRS.
Children's House
A therapeutic day care center, located in Washington County, for abused and neglected children.
Cooperative Emergency Outreach (CEO)
An all-volunteer organization located in Fayetteville and supported by 21 local churches. Offers emergency assistance with rent, utility bills, food, gasoline and clothing vouchers, following certain guidelines.
Faith in Action
An agency of Washington Regional Medical Center which provides services to the elderly and disabled, such as shopping, transportation, minor home repairs, yard work and visiting.
Free Clinic of NWA
Located in Fayetteville, the clinic offers health care to low-income people not covered by Medicare or Medicaid. It also offers assistance in accessing low-cost prescription programs.
Habitat for Humanity
An organization which provides affordable homes to qualified families. Our parish participates in construction and provides lunches at construction sites.
Loving Choices
A non-profit pregnancy center that focuses on ministering to women experiencing unplanned pregnancies. Services offered: pregnancy testing, ultrasound exams, prenatal training, parenting classes, mentoring, and adoption referrals.
NWA Catholic Respect Life Council
Assists in promoting and implementing the U.S. Bishops' Pastoral Plan for pro-life activities.
Prison Ministry
St. Joseph ministry to the Northwest Arkansas Women’s Community Corrections Center and Washington County Jail. Contact Frank Flurry at 479-236-1515.
Salvation Army
An international faith-based organization which helps meet the needs of the poor. The local Salvation Army provides shelter, meals, crisis aid assistance, and addiction rehabilitation program.
Seven Hills Shelter
Daytime shelter and long-term housing for homeless families. Offers phone, computers, food, clothing, and assistance with job searches.
Single Parent Scholarship Fund
A non-profit agency which provides partial scholarships to qualified single parents to pursue higher education.