The Justice and Peace Ministries are served by a Steering Committee, comprised of Rochester Franciscan Sisters and Cojourners and community partners, to educate, advocate and commit to disabling unjust systems and systemic injustices. For more information, contact Sister Ma. Carolina Pardo.
Land Acknowledgment Statement
We acknowledge with great respect that the sacred lands of Assisi Heights on which we live and make our home are the cultural and spiritual lands of the Dakota and Ho-Chunk peoples. As Franciscans, we honor the lands and creatures as kin. We recognize the Catholic Church’s involvement in the unresolved legacy of colonial-settler dominance and the unjust impact of forced assimilation on our Indigenous sisters and brothers. We realize that we share this land between us, and we commit to living in balance and harmony with Mother Earth and all her beings as we educate ourselves and build genuine relationships that support indigenous sovereignty and help restore justice.
Laudato Sí – Statement of Commitment
We, Rochester Franciscan Sisters and Cojourners, recognize the great challenges of our Mother Earth and ask, “How can we be Silent?” Mother Alfred Moes tackled the needs of her day with conviction and determination that gives rise to our current and urgent call to respond to the cry of the earth and vulnerable communities.
Led by the Holy Spirit in prayer and service we, Sisters and Cojourners, commit ourselves to the Laudato Sí Action Platform and join in its seven-year journey to integral ecology. We seek to reverence all creation, promote sustainable lifestyles, and collaborate with other faith-based and civic agencies to advocate for systemic and structural change.
Laudato Sí is the second encyclical promulgated by Pope Francis in 2015. It was written in response to the environmental degradation of our planet causing climate migration, starving nations, global warming. There was concern regarding a lack of interest and action of the rich nations. Pope Francis calls upon all peoples of the world to take “swift and united global action.”
Laudato Sí Action Platform (LSAP) is the collaborative action response between the Vatican and Catholic dioceses and organizations, bringing together “all men and women of goodwill” to empower and take “decisive action here and now” to care for our common home.
Laudato Sí teaches us “everything is connected.” (LS 91) The relationship with our divine Creator has been neglected, human relationships have faltered, and our world has grown hotter, less stable, and more lifeless. As a result, we all suffer, and the poorest and most vulnerable suffer most of all. We face a complex crisis that is both social and environmental. (LS 139) We need to embark on new ways of living on the planet, caring for our brothers and sisters, the waters, soil, forests, and air the world over. The time is now!
And from the Immigration Working Group:
We, Rochester Franciscans, believe in the dignity of every person and have pledged to be a compassionate presence in our world of today. Thus, we see supporting immigration reform as a moral response to the problems faced by our immigrant and refugee brothers and sisters. We call on our legislators to:
- Open up the DACA program for new applicants and grant DACA and TPS (Temporary Protected Status) recipients a pathway to citizenship.
- Recognize the service of farmworkers and essential workers who kept the country running during the pandemic, by also granting them a pathway to citizenship.
- Offer a plan for the 7 million undocumented persons who have lived here since 2011 and have paid taxes that would give them a pathway to citizenship and free them from the fear of deportation they face daily.
We commend and support the work of Catholic Charities in the resettlement of Afghan and other refugees.
The Immigration Working Group: Sisters Betty Kenny, Pat Himmer, Ruth Snyder, Lois Knipp, Mary Kay Mahowald, Monessa Overby and Phyllis Sellner with Cojourners Kathy Johnson, Joanne Kellen, Joan Cordes, and Mary Doucette.
Climate Change
Several years ago, we, the Sisters of Saint Francis of Rochester, Minnesota, professed a stance on the challenges of global warming. “Climate change endangers all of creation. Its adverse effects are especially felt by our poor brothers and sisters around the world.” (Corporate Stance, June 1, 2009)
In light of the withdrawal of the United States from the Paris Climate Treaty, as Rochester Franciscans, we were compelled to raise our voices in objection, and join with others who continue to act in support of the treaty, including the Holy See and 194 other nations of the world. We are obligated to make a stand on behalf of the poor and most vulnerable, and act to promote the common good. Our path forward is one of engaging with the international community and to join forces in offering respect and reverence for our common home. Since 2009, we Rochester Franciscan Sisters have lived out these values by: supporting tree planting projects in Cambodia and Cameroon; installing solar panels at Assisi Heights, to help alleviate extra electrical usage during peak times; and investing in renewable energy and ‘green’ corporations.
Our Climate Change Working Group (CCWG) meets regularly, via conference call, to share information and promote advocacy efforts. We are connected to the Catholic Climate Covenant and also to Interfaith Power and Light (IPL). For more information, you may contact Sister Marlys Jax.
Franciscans International
Franciscans International (FI) is part of the worldwide Franciscan family. They hold non-governmental status with the UN General Council. Franciscans International’s main objective is to address human rights injustices that affect the poor, the vulnerable, and the wounded. It is an endeavor to raise awareness of the interconnectedness of all creation, both human and environmental, and voice concern for the world’s poor. Their efforts and work began in 1982.
FI is inspired by Franciscan values visualizing the world community, in which every human is respected, the resources shared equably and the environment is protected and sustained while nations and peoples choose to live peaceably.
Our Rochester affiliate began in 1994. We meet monthly to keep abreast of the local, state and national issues. In January 2018, the congregation researched and promulgated a public statement on racism and continues to raise awareness, and develop action plans to improve relations in the Rochester area.
As a grassroots organization, we have dealt with concerns of immigration/refugees, sanctuary, and issues of housing for the workforce and poor, homelessness, and warming center for the homeless. Local agricultural issues such as fracking, corporate feedlots, water contamination, fertilizer runoff, and food waste continue to be addressed locally and statewide. For more information, please contact Sister Ann Redig.
Human Trafficking Awareness
Human Trafficking is a global atrocity that has awakened us as a Community and called us into action. Through force, coercion, and fraud, women and children are sold into sex slavery, while other persons are trafficked for labor. Thousands of persons become victims. This underground industry generates $32 billion in profits each year because persons are re-usable and re-salable.
Our Chapter Directional Statement of 2011 challenged us to become educated and take action to address the issue of human trafficking. Since that time, we have held numerous awareness events and educational programs to enlighten our local communities about the reality of this issue, affirming that no community is immune to this evil. We continue working with medical professionals, educators, clergy, law enforcement, and local residents, by forming partnerships to help identify victims, prosecute the traffickers, and educate our communities.
The Human Trafficking Awareness Group is no longer actively meeting, though individual Sisters and Cojourners continue to monitor this issue.
Immigration Advocacy
Guided by the Directional Statement of the Congregation we work to overcome injustices in the immigration system by studying, analyzing, and acting on issues that lead to systemic change as well as by participating in direct actions that aid our immigrant brothers and sisters.
We sponsor and help organize conferences and presentations to educate ourselves and the public on current issues related to immigration. We hold monthly conference calls to stay abreast of federal and local issues and to plan actions related to them. We collaborate with other groups who are working on behalf of the immigrant population.
For more information, please contact Cojourner JoAnne Kellen.
Building Bridges with All People
As Franciscans, we have been called by our brother Saint Francis, and now Pope Francis, to build bridges of universal kinship with all brothers and sisters, regardless of race, gender, gender identity, socioeconomic status, religion, country of origin, political party, age or culture/sect.
This group will strive to create a diverse community network that fosters opportunities for building respectful and healthy relationships in our communities. In Pope Francis’ words: “Let us dream, then, as a single human family, as fellow travelers sharing the same flesh, as children of the same earth, which is our common home, each of us with his or her own voice, brothers and sisters all.” – Fratelli Tutti #8
For more information, please contact Cojourner Jan Manahan.
Mountain Top Removal
The Mountaintop Removal (MTR) Working Group addresses various issues surrounding mountaintop removal coal mining, particularly in Appalachia. Our group coordinates action with local groups, based on their experience “on the ground.” Serious water pollution problems from coal runoff and chemicals used in the washing process, along with small particulate air emissions, are having very disturbing effects on the health of the communities living near the many MTR sites in the region. We strongly support the federal funding of black lung benefits for affected miners. These funds are included in the Build Back Better legislation, which coal communities still hope will pass.
We have been actively advocating for the RECLAIM Act and re-authorization of the Abandoned Mine Lands Act to help clean up inadequately restored mine sites and to help fund economic diversification in traditionally coal-producing communities. We are pleased that these measures totaling $11.3 billion were included in the recently passed Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
We also study and discuss the complex political relationships between the coal industry, miners’ unions, and climate change mitigation efforts. For more information on the activities of this group, contact Cojourner Carol Warren.
Palestinian Human Rights
The Palestinian Human Rights Working Group meets on zoom the second Wednesday of each month. Each member reports on the work of an organization or agency working for the restoration of human rights for Palestinians. Such organizations at various times include but are not limited to Jewish Voice for Peace, MECA (Middle East Children’s Alliance), BDS Movement (Boycott, Divest and Sanction), FOSNA (Friends of Sabeel North America), KUMI, Campaign to End the Occupation, Israeli Committee Against Home Demolitions (Jeff Halper, Director), No Way to Treat a Child, the journals Mondoweiss and El Monitor, and local organizations in which members of the working group are involved. Current events in Palestine seed the discussions of the group. Members suggest actions to be taken by the individuals in the group or to be proposed by Sister Jennifer Corbett to the Steering Committee for action by the Rochester Franciscan Community.
You can also include the statement following this that is currently on the website: that anyone with questions or comments can contact Cojourner Eileen Lundy.
Water Working Group
The Water Working Group has been looking at the perils of water privatization in American cities. We have learned about an attempt to privatize water in Atlanta (GA), Akron (OH), and yet another attempt in Highland Park (MI). We are sure there are many more! Water privatization means higher water costs, job losses, worse service, environmental degradation, and other problems.
For more than fifteen years, private water corporations have begun targeting American cities for privatization. Forces supportive of privatization cite economic efficiency as one of its biggest selling points.
If your city is thinking of privatizing its water system, we suggest that the city officials view the award-winning documentary film ‘The Water Front’ which tells the story of one American community standing up for their right to affordable water.
The Water Working Group is no longer actively meeting, though individual Sisters and Cojourners continue to monitor this issue.
Women in Church and Society
The objective of our group is to re-imagine and advocate for a Church and Society where women share equally [with men] in position, power, voice, and vote.
Guided by our Chapter Directional Statement of “commitment to actions enhancing the dignity of women in our Church and Society,” we will address systemic injustices in the Church and society, empower women’s moral agency, raise consciousness, advocate for women’s leadership roles, and collaborate with others.
For more information, contact Sister Patricia Schlosser.
Flowing Forward: A Water-Wise Earth Month Calendar (April 2024)
“Flowing Forward: A Water-Wise Earth Month Calendar” Launches to Promote Conservation Efforts
The Midwest Franciscan Justice Promoters proudly announce the release of their special calendar for April 2024, titled “Flowing Forward: A Water-Wise Earth Month Calendar.” Developed by Catholic Sisters, from six congregations spanning Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa, this calendar aims to raise awareness about water conservation and sustainability efforts.
The title “Flowing Forward” embodies the essence of progress and movement towards a more water-conscious future. With a central focus on water conservation, the calendar serves as a timely reminder of the importance of safeguarding our planet’s most precious resource.
Sister Nancy Miller OSF, a member of the Midwest Franciscan Justice Promoters, shares, ‘Since the beginning of the 13th century, St. Francis of Assisi acknowledged the value of water, affectionately referring to it as ‘sister’ in his song ‘Canticle of the Creatures.’ He eloquently expressed both a close bond with water and a profound reverence for its importance when he wrote: ‘Praised be You my Lord through Sister Water, So useful, humble, precious and pure.’”
In line with Pope Francis’s teachings in Laudato Si’, the calendar underscores the universal right to safe drinking water, emphasizing its vital role in sustaining life and ensuring the exercise of other human rights. Through this initiative, the Midwest Franciscan Justice Promoters echo the call for a shared commitment to addressing environmental challenges.
With Earth Day expanding from a single day to a month-long observance, the “Flowing Forward” calendar offers daily insights, resources, and tips to inspire individuals to take action in conserving water and protecting our planet. It serves as a valuable tool for promoting environmental consciousness and fostering sustainable practices.
About 71 percent of the Earth’s surface is water-covered, yet this vital resource faces numerous threats exacerbated by climate change. By raising awareness and providing practical solutions, the “Flowing Forward” calendar empowers individuals to play an active role in preserving water resources for future generations.
The calendar is now available on the websites and social media platforms of the six participating congregations: Sisters of St. Francis, Rochester, Minnesota; Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls, Minnesota; Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, La Crosse, Wisconsin; Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi, St. Francis, Wisconsin; Sisters of St. Francis, Clinton, Iowa; and Sisters of St. Francis, Dubuque, Iowa.
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