Local Chapter of Interfaith Alliance
The January 6 meeting was well-attended and energized. The group praised the
bulletin, discussed a draft mission statement, and shared events and issues
of interest. The next meeting will focus on the mission statement, a budget,
concrete actions regarding political responsibility, and planning the
October 4, 1998 conference. This meeting will be at 8:30 a.m., March 10,
at St. Joseph's Provincial House off Rte. 155 in Latham. Exit 5 east off
Northway, or Rte. 2 from Troy to either 155 or Delatour Rd. Tel., 783-3500.
Coffee, danish, juice provided.
Fast for New York Farmworkers
Join the 40 hour fast in support of farmworkers in our state who are
excluded from basic protections including access to toilets in the field,
a day of rest, disability insurance, overtime pay, and the right to
bargain collectively. Date: March 24, 8 p.m. to March 26, noon. Call
Brian O'Shaughnessy, (518) 459-5400, ext. 6294.
Opportunity for Meditation
Trinity Temple invites all interested people to participate in the Tuesday
night meditation from 7 to 8 p.m. Located at 279 Whitehall Rd., Albany,
the program is hosted by Rev. Donna Shannon (489-7119) and John Amidon
(482-1562). A $3 gift offering for those who can donate will be used to
support maintenance needs and a mission project to benefit the poor. Call
for details.
Start Promotion of Political Responsibility Now
There is a crisis of distrust and lack of participation infecting our
democratic process. Don't wait until October to lok at who is running in
the November elections for NYS Governor, Senator and Congress. Start
motivating now. We can as faith communities (1) conduct nonpartisan
voter registration drives on church property, (2) address the moral and human
dimensions of public issues and share church teaching on human life, human
rights, and justice and peace, (3) apply values to legislation and public
issues, (4) distribute unbiased candidate questionnaires covering issues
of human life, justice and peace, (5) invite candidates for public office
to a church-sponsored forum, debate, or candidates night as long as all
are invited. LET US START NOW. - Sister Lee (email [email protected])
Shalom Job Club Helping Welfare Recipients Get Jobs
Tom McPheeters, of the FOCUS Community Ministry reports that the Tri-City
Shalom Americorps is working on employment issues three times a week at the
FOCUS breakfast program at Westminster Presbyterian Church, Albany. Director
Dennis Moseley and counselor James Long meet with some of the 100 guests
who regularly come to breakfast, providing tips and leads to help people
overcome barriers to employment. Success requires intensive counseling and
advocacy to address the underlying issues that stand in the way of a stable
life and employment.
Something to Build On
The Interfaith Alliance of Religious Communities in Monroe County sent a fine
letter to all candidates in the November elections. The letter was a good
theological and philosophical piece which pointed out some key needs in the
democratic process. Here is an excerpt: "As leaders of religious communities,
we often are disappointed to find political leaders tainting America's grand
vision of hope and justice for all by divisive and adversarial tactics. We
believe an authentically American vision invites equal and open participation
in the process of shaping public policy; it respects the dignity of all
people who choose to participate, and especially those who run for public
office, and it cherishes a good debate, but after the debate, values
cooperation for the common good."
Send News Bulletins and Queries about this Newsletter To:
Sister Lee Connolly
Sisters of St. Joseph
385 Watervliet-Shaker Road
Latham, NY 12110
Telephone 783-3674, FAX 783-5209
Email: [email protected]
Deadline for Next Issue: February 6, 1998