|
The following is a list of
some of the past activities organized by the Commission.
- Child
Abuse Prevention.
The Commission marked April 2002 as Child Abuse Prevention month, offering
resources and educational information to the parish.
- Domestic
Violence Awareness Month.
Commission members mounted an awareness raising campaign in October
2001. In 2003 the Commission organized a Cell Phone Donation Drive for
the Portland
Women's Crisis Line. Donated phones can be used by victims of domestice
violence to call 911.
- Hunger
Banquet. The Peace
& Justice Commission hosted its first Interactive Hunger Banquet
Saturday June 22nd. The event raised awareness and funds to fight hunger
in Oregon and the World. 50 participants represented various countries
around the world and received meals corresponding to their country's
economic status. A total of $368 was raised for the Oregon
Food Bank and MercyCorps International.
- Hunger
& Poverty Forum. In June 2001, the commission
hosted short informational forums after mass highlighting the problems
of hunger and poverty in Oregon. The USDA recently designated Oregon
as the hungriest state in the nation. A short video from the Oregon
Food Bank was shown and parishioners were given resources and information
about donating food to our own food pantry.
- Lenten
Reflection Materials.
The Peace & Justice Commission developed a voluntary simplicity
based reflection guide for small faith sharing groups to use during
Lent 2004.
- Mental
Health Forum. In February 2001 the commission hosted
a forum on mental health. Over 35 people attended the event to learn
about mental illness and what services are available in the area.
- Metro
East Portland Interfaith Hospitality Network. With
the support of various churches from the East Side (including St. Philip
Neri), this program has provided shelter and services for homeless families
since 1999. A total of 24 families and 80 individuals were helped by
the network in 2000. During our week of service every few months, we
provide volunteers to cook and share meals, transport families to and
from the day center, and stay overnight. This is a great opportunity
for parishioners to provide direct service to our neighbors in need.
In 2003 this program transitioned to the Daybreak
Family Shelter.
- PDXPAX
Bus Ad Campaign. In
January and February 2002, Commission members coordinated an advertisement
campaign on Tri-Met buses. The ad featured a picture of Afghan children
and a quote by Eleaonor Roosevelt. The ad started as our response to
September 11th and was intended to message of peace and global humanity
in our local community. The campaign website, which was listed on the
ads, contains links to humanitarian agencies working for justice in
the region.
- Refugee
Resettlement. Commission members organized a welcome
basket drive for newly arrived immigrants and refugees. Parishioners
generously donated cleaning supplies and toiletries for refugee families.
The welcome baskets were distributed by Catholic
Charities. In Spring 2004 we welcomed the Wasongolo family from
the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
- September
11th Anniversary.
The Commission gathered resources to help our community remember and
reflect on the events of September 11, 2001.
- Simple
Christmas. The Commission gathered resources to help make the
Christmas season more spirit filled and less exhausting in Advent 2002
& 2003.
- Understanding
Islam Forum. January 31, 2002 we hosted an information night
on Islam. We were joined by Imam Mikal Hammad Shabazz, head chaplain
of the Oregon Islamic Chaplains Organization.
|
