The Justice & Peace Ministry strives to respond to the signs of the times as we follow and bring to light our Catholic Social Tradition. We promote a social vision that is transformative and fosters a living faith that leads to loving action in the world today thereby making visible the reign of God.
Staff Contact: Maureen Murphy mmurphy@churchofpresentation.org or email justiceandpeace@churchofpresentation.org with specific questions.
“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.” Proverbs 31:8-9
Catholic Social Teaching and Tradition is the church’s articulation of its reflections on human beings and the realities (at any given point in time) in our complex and ever-changing world. The Church’s social teaching is a historical and rich treasure of wisdom that goes back centuries, and it provides a deeply compelling challenge that teaches us about building a just society and living responsible lives of holiness amidst the challenges of modern society.
As a ministry, we strive to engage people in reflecting upon their life and circumstances in light of the Gospel call to justice. We challenge people to look at the issues in our world, locally and globally, that endanger full human flourishing.
Our ministry meets regularly and offers such things as prayer services, speakers, Fair Trades sales, Just Faith Courses, and the Offering of Letters campaign that focuses on current legislative issues.
Please take time time to read this timely and relevant statement on ICE and their activity.
JUSTICE & PEACE MINISTRY OPEN MEETING – Come learn more about what we do on MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2026 at 7:30pm. Click here for more info.
U.S. BISHOPS’ SPECIAL MESSAGE ON IMMIGRATION – On November 19, 2025, the U.S. Bishops issued a “Special Message” on Immigration from their Plenary Assembly in Baltimore. You may view the message on YouTube or read the message by clicking here.
NEARLY ONE IN 10 PEOPLE AROUND THE WORLD GOES TO BED HUNGRY AT NIGHT. One in four children under the age of five is severely malnourished. But it doesn’t have to be that way. It’s more than growing enough food. It’s getting the right nutrition to the people who need it. Every voice matters. As Christians we can leverage our collective power and resources to make hunger a problem of the past. With your support, we can reach the people with the power and resources to make hunger a problem of the past. Please consider writing to your Congressional Representative and Senator about the need to restore international humanitarian funding as well as SNAP funding here in the US. (scroll further down this page for contact information).
Dear (Representative or Senator),
Right now, millions of people in Gaza, Sudan, Haiti, Mali, South Sudan, and elsewhere are at risk of famine or already experiencing life-threatening levels of food insecurity. The United States has long been a leader in providing lifesaving humanitarian assistance, and without our continued assistance millions of children and their families will die or become permanently disabled from hunger and malnutrition.
Investments in humanitarian aid are well under 1 percent of the U.S. federal budget, but their positive impacts are enormous in terms of saving lives and improving U.S. national security and prosperity. They support U.S. strategic interests by building and maintaining relationships with partner countries, helping to mitigate conflicts, and promoting regional stability favorable for U.S. markets.
Thank you,
(Your Name, Address and Cell Phone)
SNAP LETTER
Senator or Representative,
I am writing to you today as a concerned constituent in support of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops call to fully fund programs in the upcoming budget which support the poor especially the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). SNAP is a critical lifeline for millions of Americans, and any cuts have already and will continue to have a devastating impact on food security, particularly for children, seniors, and families with disabilities. Approximately 42 million people, including 16 million children, rely on SNAP every month.
It is not just SNAP recipients who will be harmed if funding is not made available. Grocery stores, farmers, food processors, and the people who work for them, will also be impacted. Food banks across the country are already warning they will not be able to keep up with the demand if SNAP benefits run out. This means tens of millions of people will have nowhere to turn, and children will go hungry.
In my community, SNAP is vital for ensuring that families can access nutritious food, even when facing rising costs. A cut to this program would undermine the economic security of our neighbors who are struggling to afford groceries, health care, and housing. This is especially true for students who rely on SNAP to balance their budget so they can stay enrolled in school.
Specifically, I am concerned about proposals that would: Shift costs to states, which may force them to reduce benefits or restrict participation. Add more burdensome work requirements that do not account for the realities of today’s workforce. Make it harder for eligible individuals to access benefits. We should be strengthening programs like SNAP that provide a safety net for those in need, not cutting them at a time when many are struggling. I urge you to reject any proposed continuing cuts to SNAP and to support efforts to ensure its funding is stable and adequate to meet the needs of all Americans. Thank you for your time and consideration of this critical issue.
I urge you to support robust funding for humanitarian assistance programs, including development assistance, international financial institutions, and global food security and nutrition. I understand that the Supreme Court has put a temporary hold on the distribution of global funds. However, it is important that you continue to advocate for the allocation of funds in the reconciliation budget.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
New Jersey and New York Congressional Representatives Contact Information
New Jersey
Senator Cory Booker (202) 224-3224
Senator Andy Kim (202) 224-4744
Representative Josh Gottheimer (202) 225-4465
New York
Senator Kristen Gillibrand (202) 224-4451
Please read this relevant and timely statement on the ICE happenings in Minnesota from Cardinal Tobin.
Senator Chuck Schumer (202) 224-6542
Representative Michael Lawler (202)225-6506
Secretary of State Marco Rubio (202) 456-1111
St. Theresa of Avila shared her belief that Christ has no hands and feet on earth but ours. We believe the work of justice and peace walks on TWO FEET OF LOVE IN ACTION:
-One loving foot removes the root cause of systemic injustice and re-imagines social structures.
-The second foot walks with love to meet social needs through donations, food pantries, shelters soup kitchens and other support systems.
TWO FEET OF LOVE IN ACTION provides an opportunity to use our Collective Voice to influence our legislators and elected officials to pass legislation that promotes “the common good,” in keeping with Catholic Social Teaching.
– Provides resources & tools for contacting Washington legislators & other officials (see listing above)
-Provides an explanation of current bills which require action
-Encourages parishioner support for current legislation that follows the path of the Beatitudes
-Informs legislators and other elected officials of the pressing social issues of Catholic Social Teaching that require action.
We will be sharing information from the following groups through the website on a periodic basis:
*The US Conference of Catholic Bishops have a CALL TO ACTION website; https://www.votervoice.net/USCCB/bills. The bishops identify current bills related to CST and explain their importance. They create a letter to Congress which we can sign and send to Senator and Representatives in our voting districts.
*Maryknoll Global Concerns: Action – Maryknoll Office of Global Concerns. This identifies international poverty and hunger issues affecting vulnerable children & adults in war torn and climate impacted areas such as Gaza, Sudan, Chad, Congo etc. The website includes a letter pertaining to issues that were researched , which we may choose to sign and send to legislators.
*NETWORK Lobby for Social Justice: info@networklobby.org founded by Catholic sisters in 1972, it is an inclusive national Catholic advocacy organization open to all who share Gospel values. They provide education, organizing, and lobbying for federal policies that honor dignity for all & foster an inclusive, multi-racial, multi-faith democracy. (202) 347-9797; 820 First St. NE, Suite 350, D.C.
* PAX Christi: was founded after WWII, as a global Catholic peace movement with consultative status with the United Nations. It promotes solidarity between all people, working non-violently for justice and peace in fifty countries on five continents. Pax Christi USA (202) 635-2741; Pax Christi Metro- NY (212) 420-0250
DC Auxiliary Bishop Evelio Menjiver- Ayala states: “The Catholic Church has made the cause of the poor its own because it understands that it is also the cause of Christ….For us, the defense of the poor and persecuted is not party politics, but a demand of the Gospel.”
Together we can harness the power of our Collective Voice to be a Voice for Good !!
SUPPORT FOR FAMILIES WAITING AT DELANEY HALL – an ICE Detention Center
Delaney Hall is located at 451 Doremus Avenue in Newark. It is exit 15E on the New Jersey Turnpike. Parking is often difficult as this is a commercial street, so a short walk from parking to the location often is required. Please be attentive to ‘no parking’ signs as cars may be towed if parked illegally.
The families often wait for many hours to visit their family members, many times in the hot sun. Umbrellas, sunscreen, snacks and water are appreciated.
For more information, please leave your name, email and phone number at justiceandpeace@churchofpresentation.org
Here is a sample of Organizations in Bergen County that address the root causes of poverty
A Sample of Organizations in Bergen County that address the root causes of poverty
Bergen County Community Action – a not-for-profit company working throughout New Jersey to build more sustainable families, community institutions, and neighborhoods. It does this through strategic investments in community and household finance, education, healthcare, housing, workforce development, energy, and neighborhood revitalization.
Center for Food Action – a non-profit, 501 (c)(3) organization that provides emergency services to northern New Jersey’s poorest and most vulnerable residents. CFA provides food, housing, utility, and heating assistance and offers counseling and advocacy services to low-income individuals and families. CFA is headquartered in Englewood and has sites in Hackensack, Mahwah, Ringwood, Saddle Brook, and on the campus of Bergen Community College.”
Community Food Bank of New Jersey – a member of Feeding America®, working to end hunger by distributing food to more than 800 community partners – including food pantries, soup kitchens, and child and senior feeding programs – and by connecting neighbors in need with supportive solutions.
Family Promise of Bergen and Essex Counties – a not-for-profit organization empowering working families facing housing insecurity to become self-sufficient by providing temporary housing and personalized support.
Pascack Food Center – nonprofit organization known throughout the Pascack Valley as a place where hungry people are fed. From soup to cereal, eggs to milk, diapers to dish soap, this food pantry is committed to helping people live. But hunger isn’t something that only happens in other places. Over 90% of the families who come to the Tri-Boro food pantry are from the Tri-Boro area.
A Sample of Organizations in Rockland County that address the root causes of poverty
Rockland Community Action Partnerships – a non profit whose mission is to mobilize and efficiently manage resources through partnerships and collaborations that will assist the low-income and at-risk populations in Rockland County to achieve greater self-sufficiency.
Catholic Charities Community Services of Rockland – part of the national network of Catholic Charities that works to assure that the needy and vulnerable in Rockland have the basic necessities of life: food, shelter, and emergency assistance in times of crisis.
Habitat for Humanity of Rockland County – part of the global organization that works to provide affordable housing solutions for families in need. Their mission is to build and repair homes, creating opportunities for families to achieve homeownership and stability.
People to People – a non profit food pantry located in Nanuet that has been assisting our community’s most vulnerable families, anxious seniors and worried veterans throughout Rockland County.
GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY’S INITIATIVE ON CATHOLIC SOCIAL THOUGHT AND PUBLIC LIFE presents monthly programs and dialogue on various topics that address the seven themes of Catholic Social Teaching (see list below). Programs can be streamed live from 7:00 – 8:00 and can be viewed on Global Georgetown UTUBE after the event. A list of upcoming programs is available at https://catholicsocialthought.georgetown.edu/events
The Seven Themes of Catholic Social Teaching
1. Life and Dignity of the Human Person
Every human person is created in the image and likeness of God. Therefore, every person’s life and dignity must be respected and supported from conception through natural death. We believe that the measure of every institution is whether it threatens or enhances the life and dignity of the human person.
2. Call to Family, Community, and Participation
We are social creatures, and live in interdependence with one another.
We have a responsibility to care for families and to work to protect the sacredness of the marriage.
The sacred bond of marriage, between one man and one woman, is the central unifying force of the family, as the family is the central unifying force of society.
We have an effect on our neighborhoods, our cities, our state, our country, and our world and have the responsibility to care for our larger communities with the same love, trust, and selfless care that unites our family.
3. Rights and Responsibilities
Every person has the intrinsic right to life and the duty and responsibility to protect it.
Every person has the right to the necessary elements of human decency and the duty and responsibility to provide it for others.
The Catholic tradition teaches that human dignity can be protected and a healthy community can be achieved only if human rights are protected and responsibilities are met.
4. Option for the Poor and Vulnerable
Are we a just society?
A basic test is to see how we treat the most vulnerable in our society, especially women and children.
Is there a wide gap between the rich and the poor?
Are there enough resources available for the elderly, the sick, the homeless, or those in poverty?
Christ calls us to put the poor and vulnerable at the center of our concern.
The primary commitment to the poor is to enable them to become active participants in the life of society. It is not hand outs, but elevating the situation through a collaborative effort.
5. The Dignity of Work and the Rights of Workers
The economy must serve people, not the other way around. Work is more than a way to make a living; it is a form of continuing participation in God’s creation.
If the dignity of work is to be protected, then the basic rights of workers must be respected–the right to productive work, to decent and fair wages, to the organization and joining of unions, to private property, and to economic initiative.
6. Care for God’s Creation
Caring for the world is not just an Earth Day slogan, it is a requirement of our faith.
We show our reverence for the Creator and our gratitude for His gifts by our stewardship of creation.
We are called to protect people and the planet, living our faith in relationship with all of God’s creation. This environmental challenge has fundamental moral and ethical dimensions that cannot be ignored.
7. Solidarity
We are one human family—whatever our national, racial, ethnic, economic, and ideological differences. We are our brothers and sisters keepers, wherever they may be.
Loving our neighbor has global dimensions in a shrinking world.
What can you do to bring these teachings to life? How can you practice Catholic Social Teaching?