• Diocesan Peace and Justice Commission

Diocesan Peace and Justice Commission

Rooted in Christ, the Peace and Justice Commission advises and collaborates with the Bishop of Arlington in promoting a commitment to peace and justice in the diocese through evangelization, formation and advocacy. It seeks to foster resolute dedication to the sanctity of life and the dignity of every human person, in accordance with the principles of Catholic social teaching.  The Commission does this in a number of ways, including:

  • Catechizing the faithful on the social teachings of the Church;
  • Working to deepen awareness of social justice as an indispensable component of authentic Christian living;
  • Supporting the offices and ministries of the Diocese in integrating the Church's teachings on social justice, with particular concern for the poor and vulnerable;
  • Advocating for Justice and Peace concerns.

 

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The current members of the Peace and Justice Commission, appointed by Bishop Michael F. Burbidge, Bishop of Arlington, are:

Reverend Robert Cilinski, Chairman
Reverend Michael J. Bazan
Reverend John T. O'Hara
Mr. Erik Giblin
Mrs. Amy McInerny
Dr. Matthew Shadle
Mrs. Carla Walsh

Recording Secretary
Adrienne Swidal

 


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Statues

The Seven Principles of Catholic Social Teaching

The Church's social teaching is a rich treasure of wisdom about building a just society and living lives of holiness amidst the challenges of modern society. Modern Catholic social teaching has been articulated through a tradition of papal, conciliar, and episcopal documents. The depth and richness of this tradition can be understood best through a direct reading of these documents. In these brief reflections, we highlight several of the key themes that are at the heart of our Catholic social tradition. (From the USCCB)

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St. Thomas More Cathedral

From Shared to Enriched Parishes

The challenge of welcoming people of different cultures dates from the Church’s earliest years (Acts 15:7-21). In nineteenth century America, Catholic bishops addressed the challenge by establishing “national” parishes where immigrants received pastoral care from priests of their countries of origin. Today, “shared” parishes are becoming the norm in the U.S., as the Church becomes more culturally diverse. Parishes vary in their success in creating a place of welcome and sense of community, depending on how open parish leaders and parishioners are to change. Last year, a major study was published on cultural diversity in the Church. Take a look at the recorded answers from the study, provided in both English and Spanish.

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Cardinal Cupich of Chicago Takes Stand on Immigration Enforcement

Cardinal Blase Cupich of the Archdiocese of Chicago sent a directive to principals in more than 200 schools not to let federal immigration agents into their buildings without a warrant. If immigration agents are to show up without a warrant, Cardinal Cupich encouraged school officials to "tell them politely they cannot come on the premises, ask them for their contact information and tell them to contact the (archdiocese) Office of Legal Services." New immigration policies are of particular interest in Chicago, where Hispanic students make up nearly half of the 381,000 students in the city's pbulic school district and a quarter of the 76,000 students in the archdiocese's schools.

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Food Security & Economic Justice: A Faith Based Study Guide on Poverty & Hunger

The National Catholic Rural Life Conference, a faith-based membership organization focused on agriculture, food and the land, created this study guide as a reflection on hunger and poverty, and a call to action and justice. The content of this study guide delves into a critical reflection on how we relate the current world situation to the Story and Vision of our Catholic faith. The study guide also includes possibilities for action by individuals and groups.

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Bishop Burbidge speaking

Bishop Burbidge Affirms Need for Immigration Reform

The following statement was released by Bishop Michael Burbidge, Bishop of Arlington, on January 26, 2017: Yesterday Bishop Joe Vasquez, Chair of the Committee of Migration and Bishop of the Diocese of Austin, issued a statement available below. In solidarity with Bishop Vasquez and my brother bishops, it is my hope and prayer that our elected officials will respond to the needs of our immigrants and their families in a way that respects their dignity as human persons, and that all entrusted with the protection and safety of our nation will carry out these sacred duties and responsibilities in a fair, just and responsible manner.

Read Bishop Vasquez's Statement
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Did you miss the September 2016 Symposium entitled, Catholics & Politics: Faithful and Engaged Citizens?

Watch the YouTube Recap
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Pope Francis Releases Message for the World Day of Migrants and Refugees

"Migration today is not a phenomenon limited to some areas of the planet. It affects all continents and is growing into a tragic situation of global proportions."

Read Pope Francis's Full Message
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Learn How to Protect Immigrants and Refugees

An Executive Order has been issued that has devastating impacts on refugee resettlement in the United States. Unfortunately, the U.S. refugee resettlement program is a life-saving program for the world's most vulnerable refugees. As Catholics, we seek to protect the vulnerable and recognize the human dignity of all. Today, with millions of people forcibly displaced from their homes, the need for the U.S. to show leadership in welcoming refugees and provide freedom from persecution is more urgent than ever.

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