Peace & Justice

Ministry Description

Our Peace & Justice ministry is rooted in Catholic Social Teaching. Ours is a very alive and participatory ministry. We strive to bring the light of the Gospel to bear on the social, economic, political, cultural, and environmental spheres of life. Our focus is the common good of all our sisters and brothers around the world, with particular emphasis on the poor and oppressed.

Meetings

All are invited to take part in our quarterly meeting and our justice actions (Offering of Letters, Refugee Resettlement, etc.).
The quarterly meeting time is 2:00 PM but varies by month (please check the monthly parish calendar).

Events & Activities

Following the urging of Pope Francis, we are currently facilitating a process so that our parish can welcome and sponsor a refugee family.

Each year we take part in the Bread for the World Offering of Letters. Together with many other Christian communities in all the country, we write personal letters to our Senators and Representatives, as they prepare the budget, on behalf of the neediest people in our own country and around our world.

From time to time, we host Fair Trade sales in order to purchase from producers in foreign countries, so that they get a fairer price for their product. The goal also is to remind us all that as consumers, we are invited to be aware of the moral as well as the financial impact we can have on the economy.

We are also ready to support all local, national, and international issues that seek peace through actions on behalf of peace and human rights.

Contacts: Dan Driscoll-Shaw or John Kavalunas pj@resurrectionwoodstock.church

Refugee Family Update                             March 25, 2025

Hello Resurrection Community,

It has been almost four full months since our cosponsored refugee family arrived. The home arrangements have gone smoothly, with a nice central Crystal Lake location near to school for the 12-year-old boy. They also have made good use of the CL Food Pantry, and have finally gotten more comfortable with our cold weather! We also were fortunate to find a car for them to purchase on a payment plan at a very reasonable price. 

The family regularly attends Spanish language church services, and are glad they are here. The parents and the 20-year-old daughter attend ESL classes every week. They have been somewhat worried with the heightened focus on non-citizens, but they have attended workshops at McHenry County College for Know Your Rights and carry their ID documents at all times.

On the work front, it has been more difficult, as it took a while to obtain employment. Right now, the daughter has a full-time warehouse job, and the mom has a full-time temporary assignment that looks promising to turn into permanent. However, Dad is still without a stable position despite multiple job fairs, many job applications, and a few interviews. He now does Door Dash part-time. If anybody has any leads on a full-time position for a hard worker who has varied construction skills, please let John Kavalunas know at 815-382-0804. Dad is open to first or second shift in any situation.

Thank you for your initial support and continued prayers.

The Peace and Justice Ministry