SASI sessions
Track I: Foundations of Catholic Social Teaching & Biblical Justice
Fr. Fred Kammer and Tricia Hoyt, MA
- Biblical Justice
- Theological Foundations of Catholic Social Teaching
- The Social Mission of the Church: Historical and Contemporary Contexts
First-time attendees and others looking to enhance their knowledge of the fundamentals of Catholic Social Teaching will spend time in three sessions examining the biblical and theological foundations of the Church's social doctrine. Using a model that blends storytelling with scholarly analysis, Ms. Hoyt will guide participants to look deeply into biblical texts, which point us not only to core themes, who the God is whom we adore. Fr. Fred's sessions will explore the history of the church's social mission with special attention to contemporary ways in which the church lives out her social mission and help participants reflect upon the theological commitments and concepts that ground Catholic social teaching principles and themes.
Track II: Supporting Workers Today
Kathy Saile, Bill Quigley and others TBA
- Historical & Religious Context for Workers Rights
- Case Studies on Workers' Rights: Immigrants, Wage Theft Organizing, Reclaiming Wages, People with Disabilities, Campus Organizing, and Community Benefits Agreements
- The Church's Role in Workers' Rights: Working Session
The dignity of work and the role of the Church in supporting workers will be explored in three sessions - past, present, and future. The session on the history of Catholic thought on work will look back on developments from Rerum Novarum to modern times and provide tools for analysis of social change. The second session will provide an opportunity to break into small groups with leaders of organizations to discuss and apply case studies, which will be presented to the larger group. The third session will lift up examples of how to support workers upon return to participants' home communities.
Poverty USA Tours
MICAH Project
Established in 2007 by clergy who wanted to see real change in their communities, the MICAH Project is a faith-based, social organization working to create innovative solutions to problems facing the people of New Orleans and the surrounding areas. The MICAH Project represents a non-partisan, multi-racial collective of clergy along with their congregations who are united for a common good. The MICAH Project is a member of PICO Louisiana.
Louisiana Bucket Brigade
The Louisiana Bucket Brigade supports communities' use of grassroots action to create informed, sustainable communities free from industrial pollution. LABB is an environmental health and justice organization working with communities that neighbor the state's oil refineries and chemical plants.
The EPA-approved "bucket" is an easy to use air sampling device that fenceline neighbors use to document pollution in their neighborhoods. LABB assists fenceline neighbors in their campaigns to make industry accountable for its pollution. Though the bucket is an important part of the assistance we provide, it is only one part of a tool box that includes assistance with organizing, media and other types of sampling. We use these tools to help community groups achieve their goals, be it relocation away from a polluting facility, reduced pollution, or a moratorium on facility expansions. The more evidence the communities gather, the more power they have to achieve their goals.
Workshops
Tending to the Soul: Taking Care in Times of Trauma
Gospel spirituality invites us to BE STILL and STILL BE immersed in the storms of life that surround us. As we deepen our awareness and connection to issues of social concern and realities of injustice, we are exposed to darkness and distress. Explore wisdom and practices from our contemplative tradition which help ground our lives and empower us receive, hold and respond to blessed and broken life.
We will define various types of "helping-induced trauma" and identify organizational factors that can reduce the risk of these traumas. We will also discuss protecting the self from stress and burnout, and practice progressive relaxation exercises.
Promoting Human Life and Dignity: Messages, Strategies and Common Action
How can diocesan and parish leaders promote a culture of life that begins with the life and dignity of every human person and reflects our Catholic values? Learn about and contribute to research and strategies for developing positive messages and tools for respectful, productive dialog and continuous collaboration among Pro-Life and Pro-Justice Catholics. In addition to historical efforts, a panel of Louisiana leaders who established a Catholic Life and Justice dialog/retreat process will share insights and resources. Participants will share local efforts and practice critical skills needed to advance this common vision in their own dioceses and communities.
Work, Labor, and Global Solidarity: Catholics Confront Global Poverty
How does Catholic teaching on labor and workers' rights relate to global issues such as trade, aid, and migration? This workshop will "focus on the worker" in the context of our global human family. We will explore Catholic teaching on work as it relates to a variety of global issues. We will also introduce practical tools and resources from the Catholics Confront Global Poverty initiative to help you learn more and engage other Catholics.
Creating & Sustaining a Robust Parish Social Justice Ministry
If you're looking for a practical approach to parish social ministry, this workshop is for you! We will examine a contextual case study of St. Gabriel the Archangel Parish in New Orleans. This workshop presents a real-life situation that addresses not just theory and principles but their practical application. Learn about key elements that will help you create and sustain a vibrant social justice ministry. Co-presenters Matt Rousso, Director of the Maryknoll Mission Education Center and Michele Bergeron, Pastoral Associate at St. Gabriel, are both parishioners who have been working in social ministry at St. Gabriel for over ten years.
Doing More with Less: The Art of Building Capacity
Recognizing that staff capacity is a critical issue for dioceses, this workshop will explore a particular mindset and framework for "doing more with limited resources." A real-life diocesan example will be analyzed.
Building a Constituency for Environmental Justice
Learn about the unique and important voice the Catholic community brings to environmental concerns. Through specific examples, from the Gulf oil spill to global climate change, we will examine the impacts of environmental harm on human life and dignity as well as efforts within the Catholic Church to address these concerns. Discover new tools and resources to help you reach Catholics and take home valuable information on how to grow your own environmental justice constituency.
Faithful Citizenship Revisited
This workshop will address the challenges of sharing the message of Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship in the current complicated ecclesial and political context. How can we help Catholics meet our responsibilities to apply our faith in the public arena and address the moral dimensions of the 2012 election? Presenters will share plans and resources, offer directions and dangers, and hear participants' suggestions regarding approaches for communicating with pastors, parishes, youth and others in the Catholic community.
Global Solidarity through Parish Partnerships
This workshop will address parish and diocesan partnerships as a way to live out our Catholic call to global solidarity. We will look at some basic principles of developing and maintaining healthy partnerships, and the foundations of this work in Catholic theology and spirituality. The workshop will highlight the partnership work of the New Orleans diocese and will have a specific focus on Haiti.
The (Dis)Harmony of White Privilege and Racism In Gospel Perspective
This session provides participants the opportunity to participate in a learning process in which they will reflect, analyze, and discuss four themes of whiteness: 1) Language; 2) Terror; 3) Privilege; and 4) Internalization. The session is an example of one tool that can be utilized in anti-racist education. The session assumes participant knowledge of Catholic social teaching on race and racism.
Statewide Immigration Legislation Strategy Session
A slew of anti-immigrant bills were proposed in statehouses across the country in the past year. This workshop will discuss strategies used to counter anti-immigrant legislation in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama which involved use of effective lobbying, public statements signed by faith leaders, editorials, community organizing, and testimonies at legislative hearings.
Thinking and Acting Anew
In 2006, when Catholic Charities USA launched it is ambitious campaign to cut poverty by 50% by 2020, millions of Americans were living in poverty. Since the global economic crisis began in 2008, that number has grown as many people across the country have lost their jobs and homes or have been uprooted by natural disasters. In light of the new reality, what can we do to bring about real, lasting change in peoples' lives?
Descriptions will be updated as information is received.