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November is a time of remembrance including All Saints’ Day, All Souls’ Day, Veterans Day and Thanksgiving. We also remember those among us who work for peace and justice. As we turn toward Advent, this spirit of gratitude and remembrance become the ground from which we prepare our hearts for Christ’s coming — renewing our hope in a world made new.

Explore

Many names come to mind when we think of justice movements. We are grateful for those who take on big problems in big ways. There is a place for making a difference in more personal ways, based on things we see in our world and using our experience and talents.

Some contemporary models for holy social justice work include:

Sr. Simone Campbell, SSS, religious leader, attorney and poet with extensive experience in public policy and advocacy for systemic change, known for work with Nuns on the Bus and the NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice.

Delores Huerta, labor leader and civil rights activist; co-founder of the United Farm Workers Association, Eleanor Roosevelt Human Rights Award recipient.

Fr. Greg Boyle, SJ, founder of Homeboy Industries, the largest gang-intervention, rehabilitation and work reentry program for teens and young adults. Named Champion of Change and recipient of the University of Notre Dame Laetare Medal.

Tonika Lewis Johnson, Chicago-based social justice artist, MacArthur Foundation Genius Grant recipient, Folded Map Project™

James Martin, SJ, author, editor-at-large America Magazine, founder of Outreach, an LGBTQ+ ministry, consultor to the Vatican’s Dicastery for Communication.

Act

Living our faith means seeking justice and serving others. Consider how your abilities and experiences can help address needs in our community. Mentoring first-generation college students or assisting families transitioning from being unhoused are just two examples of ways to use your experience.

Pray

Let us pray for justice:

God of compassion and righteousness,

We ask for your guidance as we seek justice in our world.

Open our hearts to the needs of others and give us courage
to act with fairness and mercy.

Help us to use our gifts to serve those who are marginalized and to build communities rooted in love and equity.

May your Spirit inspire us to pursue justice, peace, and dignity for all.

Amen.