Last Sunday, September 12th, the sun shown brightly over the Peace and Justice Fair set up in the courtyard before and after the masses. Tables with brightly colored banners and stacks of information welcomed anyone who might want to learn more about the vision that marks St. Joan of Arc as a church that truly embraces Christ’s teachings to minister to all people everywhere. Basking in the light and warmth of the bright sun it seemed to me to be a metaphor. The compassion brightly shining from the people of St. Joan of Arc illuminates dark corners, sheds new light and brings to life that which has been passed over or neglected.

St. Joan of Arc/WAMM Peacemakers

“Women Against Military Madness is a nonviolent, feminist organization that works in solidarity with others to create a system of social equality, self-determination, and justice through education and empowerment of women. WAMM’s purpose is to dismantle systems of militarism and global oppression.

Barbara Cracraft and Audrey Kvist represented the St. Joan of Arc/WAMM Peacemakers group at the Peace and Justice Fair. The group, which was formed in 1996, meets monthly to help further the goals of WAMM.

This group is also responsible for St. Joan’s alliance with “Every Church A Peace Church”, another organization committed to peacemaking. ECAPC is a national network of churches who have committed to preaching, teaching and promoting nonviolence.

The St. Joan of Arc/WAMM Peacemakers group meets on the third Tuesday of each month at St. Joan of Arc. If you are interested in joining the group, contact the WAMM office at 612-823-8205, John Braun at 612-522-1861, or Julie Madden at SJA.

www.worldwideWAMM.org

ISAIAH

ISAIAH is an organization of 80 faith communities in the Twin Cities and St. Cloud committed to social justice. Their goal is to provide congregations with the tools and leadership in order to become a major force for economic and social justice on a variety of state and regional issues. Their vision statement says:

Isaiah is one of 55 similar organizations around the country that are affiliated with the Gamaliel Foundation in Chicago, many of which deal with neighborhood political issues. The organization sees local churches as a powerful avenue for progressive change.

Sarah Gleason is a devoted member of the SJA ISAIAH core team. She told me this group meets monthly to discuss state and regional issues, lobbying efforts, and event participation. The meetings are at 6:00 pm on the third Thursday of each month. For more information, contact Julie Madden at St. Joan of Arc.

www.gamaliel.org/ISAIAH

ARM AND ARM IN AFRICA

If one was to define the geographical boundaries of the St. Joan of Arc parish they would have to include the whole world. Proof of this is the SJA outreach to South Africa. Over the past 5 years groups of parishioners have traveled there to help with the myriad of serious problems in this country racked by HIV/AIDS, poverty, racial prejudice and socio-economic inequality. Their mission is not to merely bring supplies or manpower, but to listen, learn, enter into discussion, help educate and to create awareness here at home.

Arm and Arm in Africa doesn’t have monthly meetings or elected officers. It is a loosely aligned group of people who recognize the tremendous needs of South Africa and are determined to work for its benefit. There are a number of heart-warming stories of these journeys on the SJA website. If you visit the stories you will be touched.

www.arminarminafrica.homestead.com

HAITI PEACE AND JUSTICE DELEGATION

Haiti, only 700 miles from our shores, is another country beleaguered by political violence and economic sanctions leading to malnutrition, lack of potable water and an almost complete lack of medical care. It has a complicated political history with no easy answers for the future. With the U.S. holding up nearly 500 million dollars in promised aid, there is tremendous suffering and despair. Parishioner, Paul Miller, has made eight trips to Haiti in the last eight years. Others from St. Joan of Arc had shared the journey in the past few years and they have come to understand his passion. Paul will conduct a study group on Wednesday evenings from October through December. In January the Haiti Peace and Justice Delegation will travel again to renew friendships and bring hope.

There will be an information meeting at St. Joan of Arc on Sunday, September 26 at 12:30 pm.

Paul Miller 651-731-0395/ thehaitiman@msn.com

SISTER PARISH: TIERRA NEUVA II

Since 1994 SJA has had a supportive and synergistic relationship with a parish in Guatemala, Tierra Nueva II. Delegations of 30-50 people from St. Joan have traveled to the area to learn about the culture, political and social climate of Guatamala. Tierra Nueva II sends smaller groups to the Twin Cities where they are hosted by SJA families. We have helped Tierra Nueva II with funds for building projects, women’s groups, scholarships, and we help support their delegations through candle sales. In return we have received invaluable gifts of love, generosity, dignity, and courage - not to mention learning how to build an Alfombra at Easter!

Are you interested in learning more about our Sister Parish? There will be a Sister Parish Delegation Report Pot Luck on Sunday, September 19 from 6-9 pm in Hospitality Hall.

TRUST, INC.

TRUST is an ecumenical coalition of south Minneapolis congregations serving families, youths, and seniors since 1970. The programs and missions of TRUST are many including education, support, a Parish Nurse program, and specific services for seniors. St. Joan of Arc is one of the biggest providers of the Meals on Wheels program for seniors and persons with disabilities. Another program for seniors is HandyWorks, providing household chore and maintenance services to persons over 60.

There are volunteer opportunities to fit everyone.

For more information on Meals on Wheels, call 612-822-6040. For all other programs, call 612-827-6159

TEAM OZ

For years one of the most enthusiastic contingents of the Heartland AIDS Ride was our own “Team Oz” led by Fr. Jim Cassidy and Dan Chouinard. Then, a few years ago, it all came to an end when the cost of the ride vs. the money raised for the cause didn’t seem acceptable to many critics. But the intrepid spirit of the Team persevered and in 2003 Team Oz rode again as part of the Minnesota Red Ribbon Ride. The name is appropriate since the ride is entirely in Minnesota and all proceeds go to benefit 9 different AIDS agencies, called Minnesota Fighting AIDS on Bikes. This year there were over 50 riders and crew from St. Joan of Arc and the ride brought in over $400,000. Team Oz would like to see you ride next year! Call the church office for more information.

SJA HOUSING MINISTRY AND THIRD WAY NETWORK

The focus of the housing ministry is to provide affordable housing solutions for low-income families and individuals who are ready for independent living. This is done in a three-step process:

Third Way Network was established in 2003. It is an independent non-profit organization that works in partnership with local member groups and their volunteers, property owners, strategic partners and financial sponsors. Their goal is to create customized affordable housing solutions drawing on the talents, ingenuity and training of people to do it themselves - one project/family at a time.

For more information contact Dick Brozie, SJAHM Leadership Council Chair at 952-920-4584 or Tracy Vicory, third Way Network Volunteer and Events Coordinator at 612-332-131 ext 3.

GLBT and Inclusive Catholics

There are a number of GLBT events at St. Joan of Arc. There are regular potlucks and family events that offer a safe, welcoming experience. All SJA parishioners are invited and encouraged to walk in the Annual Pride parade. For more information call Ron J. at 952-544-4525 or get information on family events at kitzin@stjoan.com.

Inclusive Catholics is a coalition of parishes and organizations committed to a truly welcoming and inclusive Church. The hope is that by working together they might begin to move the greater Church in that direction. It is a fairly new group but last year they did a liturgy and a speaker series; this year they are starting with conversations on conscience.

Sue O'Brien is the wife of Tom, mother of four children, and grandmother of six. She is dental hygienist and manages a dental practice in Spring Lake Park. A parishioner for many years, Sue worked as a caregiver at Grace House for seven years, beginning the week it opened. Now she is looking forward to meeting new people at St. Joan of Arc as she helps out as a web reporter and photographer. Sue can be reached at sueo-b@comcast.net.
Reporting on this event turned into a blessing for me. Though I have been a parishioner for many years, I was still not familiar with some of these organizations. It caused me to go into the SJA website to explore them further. What wonderful stories!

It leaves one humbled by the dedication and generosity of the people involved - and it generates great hope for the future.



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