JPIC in Action
Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation, which arises from our call to live the Gospel and our rule, challenges us to action. This action can take as many forms as there are needs in the world.
It can mean reaching out to the neighbor next door by shoveling snow or contributing to Catholic Relief Services to fund their development and disaster efforts. It can mean contacting our legislators about legislation to assist the poor or attending a meeting about the lack of affordable housing in our community.
Some days, it might mean providing a listening ear or a shoulder to cry on. Some of us feel called to promote the right for each baby conceived to be born and others for the right for that child to have adequate health care, a good education and a safe neighborhood. We might write a note to someone who is recently bereaved, pray about our decisions as voters, or keep informed on issues like immigration and refugees, the impact of technology on our quality of life, or understanding among different faith groups. Others feel called to raise awareness of the perils of climate change and the need for sustainable consumption and development. All of these issues and so many more fall under what Cardinal Joseph Bernardin called the “seamless garment of life.” Each of us will respond out of our own gifts and circumstances and our sensitivity to the prompting of the Holy Spirit.
It is the purpose of this website to be a helpful resource for you as you live out your call to bring joy and hope to others as a secular Franciscan.
Article 19 of our Rule highlights ways we live out charity – works of mercy, direct service to others, and justice – advocacy for legislative action and development that supports the dignity and value of all human life. It also reports on the actions of fraternities in our region. What are we doing in our local groups to further justice, peace and integrity of creation?
Article 19: "Mindful that they are bearers of peace which must be built up unceasingly, they should seek out ways of unity and fraternal harmony through dialogue, trusting in the presence of the divine seed in everyone and in the transforming power of love and pardon. Messengers of perfect joy in every circumstance, they should strive to bring joy and hope to others." ~
