Social Justice - History & Activities
In the fall of 2017, Fr. John Baran invited parishioners who were interested in social justice to come together. Over 100 people attended this meeting, expressing interest in numerous issues, and St. Anthony’s Social Justice Committee was formed.
2024
Presentation in February, Dr. Anthony Cernera: “Refugees and Migrants in Our Common Home: Reading the Signs of the Time in Light of the Gospel”
Presentation and sale by Our Woven Community, a program for local resettled refugee women
2023
Presentation at Fairfield University, Rev. Bryan Massingale, “Racial Justice and the Catholic Church”
Lenten Book Discussion, Fat Luther and Slim Pickin’s: A Black Catholic Celebration of Faith, Tradition, and Diversity, by Marcia Lane-McGee and Shannon Wimp Schmidt
Presentation and discussion of film, “Going Home Like a Shooting Star: Theo Bowman’s Journey to Sainthood”
2022
Lenten Book Discussion: A White Catholic’s Guide to Racism and Privilege,” by Dan Horan, OFM
Presentation on the Food Rescue program by Diane Geisert
“Laundry Love” is initiated, a monthly free laundry program coordinated with other parishes
Presentation and conversation with Fr. John Mulreany, SJ: “But, gee, I didn’t mean to offend you… an exploration of microaggressions”, exploring the subtle ways that racism pervades our unconscious interactions with people of color
2021 regathering in person
S.A.V.E. (St. Anthony’s Values the Environment) is formed
Resurrection Garden created in Fr. John Baran’s honor, with produce to go to Merton Center
2020 after February, meetings held online
Presentation “Awakening the Dreamer—Changing the Dream” by Sr. Carmela Garofolo and Sr. Nancy Audette
2019
Determining the committee focus: Inspiration, Awareness, Education, Action
Social Justice Fair in the fall
Awareness-building within the parish: tent cards at Soup Suppers
2018
Development of the committee, brainstorming ideas, with facilitation by Sr. Lorrain LaVigne, RSM
Awareness-building with “Did You Know?” notices in weekly bulletins and Prayers of the Faithful