JUSTICE
Our practices of justice, peace, inclusion and gratitude are many and varied at Spirit. We do this alone in our everyday actions and we do this together with the support of community. Spirit members belong to dozens of local, national and international groups working for justice - for the earth, for the dear neighbor, for those who are young and old, for those who have no voice. We pray, we take to the streets, we build relationships, we include, we try and we try again.
The Justice Education and Action Committee and the Adult Education Committee at Spirit provide opportunities to learn about and work for systemic change in our world. Issues of race, economics, non-violence, housing, legislative advocacy, gender questions and more need our understanding followed by out actions.
SANCTUARY
The Sanctuary & Resistance Task Force was formed in 2017 when Spirit of Saint Stephen's Catholic Community (SOSSCC) joined other Twin City faith groups to provide shelter and support for individuals and families threatened by increasingly harsh immigration and asylum policies. While our community is not able to provide actual physical shelter, we have committed to provide financial support to those faith communities that can. In addition we join others in protesting the treatment of those caught in the immigration nightmare as we seek equitable legislative policies. Here are just a few ways that we are involved in sanctuary and resistance activities:
Members of the community are present every Tuesday morning at a vigil held at the I.C.E. entrance at Fort Snelling Immigration Court located in the Whipple Building. It serves at least two purposes. One, to let the public know that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (I.C.E) is present and active in Minnesota. Two, to let the detainees know that there are people in Minnesota who care about them in this very lonely and difficult time.
Representatives from SOSSCC attend the South Minneapolis Sanctuary Coalition, a group of faith communities committed to addressing unjust immigration practices and policies.
We have established a strong partnership with Casa Guadalupana that provides housing for refugees seeking asylum in West St. Paul.
We have contributed to Freedom Fund Minnesota for payment of bonds for immigrants. According to their website, “The average bond paid was $13,033 — a staggeringly high number for many immigrant families.” Receiving bond support, if they are eligible, allows them to tend to the legal and financial challenges they face.
Several of our members have been trained and participate in Court Observation to stand in solidarity and serve as a presence in Immigration Court to let those involved in this system know that we are watching and we care about what happens to our immigrant sisters and brothers
Through the generosity of the Spirit of St. Stephen’s community we have contributed financial support to several organizations located at the Border. Recipients include: No More Deaths, Annunciation House in El Paso, TX, Casa Alitas and Samaritans These organizations provide life saving assistance to those attempting to cross the desert and provide border hospitality. They also serve as advocacy groups in Arizona and Texas.
Occasionally we respond to specific requests to assist families who have a family member being held in detention.
The Sanctuary & Resistance Task Force is a multifaceted endeavor driven by our commitment to racial justice and inclusion of all. All Are Welcome At Our Table.
SPECIAL NEEDS PROGRAM
The Special Needs Program integrates persons with special needs into the life of the community. The program developed some 50 years ago with staff members and volunteers working with local group homes in the St. Stephens neighborhood for participation at Sunday services, with monthly Saturday gatherings as well as seasonal activities (boat rides, camp events) culminating with the annual Christmas Pageant each December. As a result, the spontaneity, warmth, and unique spiritual presence of people with developmental disabilities helped the community itself develop an open and unscripted spontaneity in its worship life.
Though circumstances and situations change in this field over time the personal and spiritual needs of both able and exceptional participants are continually well-received and carries on this tradition of service. As the special needs program has become smaller and older, it has become a true lay led worshipping community with its own hallmark welcome, song, smiles, and prayer style.
Our gathering song:
Here is the church ... Here is the steeple ...open the door ... see all the people
Everyone welcome ... everyone equal ... open the door ... see ALL the people!