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Council on Global Solidarity and Missions

Joliet Diocese Restorative Justice Committee

Diocesan Pastoral on Racism

Council on Global Solidarity and Missions 

 Catholic Church of Joliet

ABOUT THE GLOBAL SOLIDARITY and MISSIONS COUNCIL… 

 Mission Statement: 

“Our purpose is to promote the Church’s teaching on global solidarity and missions in order to strengthen our Gospel call to evangelization and international peace and justice.  Our intention is to mobilize the people of the Church of Joliet to actions that result in change for our sisters and brothers in other countries and are transforming to us as U.S. Catholics.”

Who we are: 

     •  A partnership between parishes, religious communities and institutions, the Peace and Social Justice Ministry, Catholic Relief Services, and other national, international and Vatican institutions.

     •  A Church of Joliet forum and planning group for discerning the call to global solidarity and missions

     •  Catholics involved in parishes and with the larger Church of Joliet who seek a just & peaceful world (just like you!)

Council Objectives: 

     •  TO INSPIRE…

             greater awareness and actions from Catholics in the Church of Joliet regarding critical issues, such as: 

•  TO JOIN…

             CRS and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops in more effectively advancing the policy agenda of these two offices.

     •  TO INTEGRATE…

             the educational resources of CRS, HCA (et al) more fully into the agenda of the Peace and Social Justice Ministry, parishes, schools, and offices. 

all baptized Catholics to respond to Christ’s command to “Go into all the World making disciples.” Mt: 28:19-20. As we read in the preface to the decree Ad Gentes: “Having been divinely sent to the nations that she might be "the universal sacrament of salvation" (Lumen Gentium) the Church, in obedience to the command of her Founder (Mk 16:15), strives to preach the Gospel to all...” For as Pope John Paul II writes in his encyclical Redmptoris Missio “true liberation consists in opening oneself to the love of Christ.” He also writes, “ For missionary activity renews the Church, revitalizes faith and Christian identity, and offers fresh enthusiasm and new incentive. Faith is strengthened when it is given to others!”

     •  TO FORM…

             youth and adults for service in mission, charity and social justice. 

We work toward these Objectives in the following ways:

     •  PLANNING…

             Local programs and international partnerships that engage Catholics to learn about and become involved in global solidarity, such as:  international parish/school partnerships and Fair Trade sales & fundraisers for parishes and schools.

·        COORDINATING And Collaborating…

On efforts from parishes, religious communities, the larger Church of Joliet, etc. for overseas solidarity and mission

     •  PRESENTING…

             Roundtable presentations, parish programs & partnership workshops with quality speakers directly involved in global solidarity and missions.

     •  GATHERING…

             Parishioners and international Catholics to build community and relationships rooted in a spirit of solidarity through local collaboration and international parish & school partnerships.

     •  WITNESSING…

             To Christ’s example & our Church’s tradition of “one human family” by providing parishes and schools with prayer services/resources & formation materials based on Catholic Social Teaching and the Church’s call to mission.

     •  ADVOCATING…

             With and on behalf of our sisters & brothers from other countries based on Catholic Social Teaching and the Church’s “preferential option for the poor”.

Council on Global Solidarity and Missions Membership:

Representatives from parishes, religious communities, Catholic organizations, Church of Joliet sponsored programs and individuals with active domestic and international mission efforts.

     •  Religious communities, schools, and parishes are encouraged to appoint representatives. If you are an individual interested in joining the Church of Joliet Council on Global Solidarity and Missions, please send a letter of interest to the address below. Include in your letter what experience and skills you would bring to the council. As a reference please provide the name and contact information for your  pastor or spiritual director.