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Social Justice Ministry
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The St. Bart's Social Justice Ministry began in 2005 from a parish course in Catholic Social Justice. We began by joining Peninsula Interfaith Action (PIA), a group of faith congregations from throughout the Peninsula to work together and address local and regional issues that affect the quality of lives and matters of social justice in our community. As we listen to others and build relationships in our own parish and throughout the local community, we have become more knowledgeable on issues including: health care, affordable housing, immigration integration, economic opportunity, education and restorative justice.
PIA grew and became Faith in Action Bay Area, a member of a national network that is one of the largest community-based efforts in the United States with members representing more than forty different denominations and faith traditions. St. Bart's is also a member of Peninsula Multi-faith Coalition, which supports the annual MLK Jr. Day of Service, interfaith sharing and prayer services, and interfaith education forums.
Over the past years, the parish and St. Bart's Social Justice Ministry has hosted many well-attended parish and community events including:
· In 2007, a public action urging mayor and city council of San Mateo to improve affordable housing by increasing the below market rate requirement for new housing projects (city council passed the new requirement in 2008);
· In 2015, a town hall meeting with Rep. Jackie Speier to address the rental and low income housing crisis in our region;
· In 2017, a Lenten Supper and program for parishioners that examined the Gospel and Catholic teaching to address root causes of social injustice in our community; and
· Conducted numerous candidate forums featuring candidates for city, county, state and school district offices.
We meet regularly throughout the year. See the parish bulletin for schedule of meetings and events. For further information and details, please contact Ross Weir at rossweir51@gmail.com.