As described on the “Peacemaking” web page at the SJA web site, the goals of the Peacemakers include:
- To rediscover early Christian teachings and practices regarding war and the military in order to understand how our church turned away from the nonviolent practices of Jesus.
- To provide education and to engage in action that promotes peace and opposes militarism.
- To oppose militarism through direct nonviolent actions.
- To encourage Saint Joan of Arc parishioners of all ages to embrace nonviolence.
More information about the Peacemakers’ structure and purpose are available here.
Our activities have included the following:
- Provide outreach to SJA parishioners on topics of peace & war (e.g., tabling about specific issues at Sunday masses).
- Host the bi-monthly meetings of the “Every Church A Peace” organization.
- Discuss various readings that either address war and peace and/or promote the principles of Catholic Social Teaching.
- Lead the effort to rededicate the SJA parish as an international peace site through World Citizen.
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Meet with staff at a local Catholic high school that has military instruction (a voluntary program) – to hold a dialogue with them on why a Catholic learning institution has classes on war, which is antithetical to Catholic Social Teaching.
