Justice and Peace

Mission Statement:  The objective of Justice and Peace is to raise social awareness through education, legislative advocacy, and reflection on the Gospel’s social teachings. It offers concrete examples on how to contribute toward eliminating human tragedies such as abuse and hunger; and enables the parish to witness their convictions by participating in service activities

Responsibilities:  The objective of Justice and Peace is to raise social awareness through education, legislative advocacy, and reflection on the Gospel’s social teachings; it offers concrete examples on how to contribute toward eliminating human tragedies such as abuse and hunger; and enables the parish to witness their convictions by participating in service activities. This committee will receive, reflect upon, and support various outreach requests, taking into consideration the time, talent, and financial resources of the Good Shepherd community.  In addition, Justice and Peace serves as an “umbrella” for subcommittees that address various issues under the Diocesan Justice and Peace ministry.

Membership:  Membership is open to any parishioner interested in taking an active role in addressing the needs of the parish, local, and global communities through direct service, organizing, advocacy and global solidarity.

Our Committees

Barron Dempsey Good Samaritan Fund
Year-round, this emergency fund was established in memory of a parishioner for immediate outreach needs within the county.

Donations are accepted in the wooden box in the church commons, through quarterly envelopes, and as funeral memorials.

Christian Outreach Program (COP)
This year-round ecumenical charity group provides food, dental assistance, transportation and housing assistance within the county. Good Shepherd collects non-perishable items throughout the year for their Food Pantry.

Hog Jog
This annual October event is a 5K and children’s fun run that benefits fuel assistance in the county.

Haiti
This ministry twins with St. Anthony of Padua in Croix Fer, Haiti and offers support through fellowship, prayer, and monetary assistance for the parish school.

Respect Life
This committee defends the dignity of all human life from its beginning to natural end. Annual events include Walk for Life support for Hope4Life (a mobile pregnancy resource center), and collecting baby items for the Crisis Pregnancy Center.

Offertory Food Collection
Year round, non-perishable food items are collected for the Isle of Wight food pantry. Quarterly, bags are distributed to parishioners with specific requests for items.

Souper Saturday
This annual October ecumenical event raises money for fuel assistance to those in need in the county. Eat-in or take-out sale of donated soups, hot dogs, and desserts.

United Christian Ministries
Year-round ecumenical organization established to network with area churches. This group works with COP and Social Services to help provide food and payment of electric, gas, and medical bills of those in immediate need within the county.