Welcome to the New Justice BLOG...

Welcome to the first issue of “Faith Doing Justice,” the online newsletter for the office of Evangelization, Justice and Peace for the Diocese of San Jose. I am learning both a new skill in creating this newsletter and a new language. This is actually a “blog” and I am now a “blogger.” Does that make you then a “blogeé?” I hope it will be useful to you in your work for justice and your personal reflections. It is a “work in progress,” so please let me know if you have any suggestions in the future.

It is providential that the twenty-fifth anniversary of the martyrdom of Archbishop Romero falls on Holy Thursday, the commemoration of Jesus’ institution of the Eucharist and during this year of the Eucharist. Archbishop Romero was killed while saying the Mass, his martyrdom the result of his taking the Gospel seriously. Few are called to a martyr’s death, but we are all called to take the Eucharist seriously…to become that which we receive, to pour ourselves out for others in the situations of our own lives. The events listing that follows offers many opportunities for involvement in a variety of issues in the community that you may wish to consider. Included also are a number of resources including information on the new "Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church" and links to major websites in the right-hand column.

This issue of “Faith Doing Justice” focuses on Archbishop Oscar Romero. A brief article outlining his last day is included. In June, Just Faith participants will have the opportunity to travel to El Salvador as part of an immersion program honoring Romero. Included also is “Via Crucis”, "The Way of the Cross," taken from Romero's own writings.

In this issue…

• Upcoming Events - March and April 2005
• I Will Rise Again in the Salvadoran People
• Day of Infamy
• Via Crucis - Way of the Cross
• "Solidarity: The Living Witness of Oscar Romero" - Immersion Program for Just Faith Participants
• New Resource - Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church
• The Annual Catholic Social Ministry Gathering
• CRS Raises Commitment to $80 Million to Assist Tsunami-Devastated Areas
• A Generation of Lenten Tradition - Operation Rice Bowl Celebrates its 30th Anniversary