An Introduction to the Office of Peace and Justice
This quote of Pope Paul VI—“If you want peace, work for justice.”—was central to R.J. Mangan’s presentation at the Catholic Charities’ Lunch and Learn on Tuesday, March 28, at St. Columba Hall. At the event, Mangan the director of peace and justice for Catholic Charities, shared information on his office and the resources it provides.
Mangan’s title actually encompasses several positions, including diocesan director for the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD), director for Catholic Relief Services (CRS) for the Diocese of Youngstown and coordinator for Prison and Jail Ministries.
The CCHD is the national anti-poverty campaign for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). CCHD offers economic development grants as well as community grants to help support projects that address why people lack food, housing, health care and other essential services. R.J. spoke about a textiles company that received a CCHD grant to help them expand “to employ 400 employees in an environment that exemplifies working with dignity.” Locally, Hammer and Nails in Stark County received a CCHD grant for wood that volunteers could use to repair homes in the area. Visit the CCHD website for more information.
Many people are familiar with the CRS’ Rice Bowl program during Lent, wherein Catholics are invited to donate money for use in fighting poverty globally. However, CRS also offers resources for education, prayer and reflection. Furthermore, 25 percent of the funds collected stay in the diocese for local use. Learn more here.
Working with CCHD and CRS reminds R.J. of this quote from Pope Benedict XVI’s 2007 Apostolic Exhortation Sacramentum Caritatis:
“Determination to transform unjust structures and to restore respect for the dignity of all men and women, created in God’s image and likeness. Through the concrete fulfillment of this responsibility, the Eucharist becomes in life what it signifies in its celebration.”
Mangan’s work for the Prison and Jail Ministry involves training and coordinating volunteers. Some visit inmates to lead or assist with Liturgies of the Word, Communion Services, Centering Prayer and meditation sessions. They also work on “Hope Letters,” wherein inmates receive mail sent via parish addresses to help the prisoners feel less lonely and isolated. The letters “bring a light of simple companionship” to the prisoners, said Mangan.
Kolbe Gatherings are another important ministry organized by Mangan, wherein those who have been incarcerated and their family members meet for fellowship and spiritual companionship. Kolbe Gatherings are held on the first and third Thursday evenings in Youngtown and in Ravenna. Look for details online.
Mangan also highlighted a myriad of miscellaneous responsibilities that fall under his purview. For example, he promotes catholic social teachings, legislation and public policy, faithful citizenship and care for creation. He also handles issues such as human trafficking, racism and immigration support, and supports David Schmidt, director of the office of Pro-Life, Marriage and Family Activities, on preserving the dignity of human Life. R.J. is forming a Peace and Justice Committee to help support the work of the office.
Safe Environment coordinator/victim assistance coordinator for the diocese, Dominic Colucy, attended the Lunch and Learn to see if there are possible areas of collaboration for their offices. “There are so many various aspects of the Office of Peace and Justice!” he said. “I also learned more about CCHD and CRS and their connection to the USCCB and our diocese.”
Mark Violand of Holy Spirit Parish in Uniontown attended, to “learn more about R.J.’s responsibilities and resources because [it relates to] my work with our parish missions, especially with the Christian Appalachian Project, and with the Knights of Columbus Council. I know there are additional ways we can work with the diocese,” he said. Violand added that, while listening to R.J., he began imagining ways that his work for his company, Violand Flooring Inspections, might also intersect with the Office of Peace and Justice in some new and innovative ways.
Mangan hoped that the Lunch and Learn would give attendees a “knowledge of the office and its resources for greater engagement.” His presentation did just that, as did the folder of materials he presented to each attendee, which included fliers on the programs mentioned as well as information on Catholic Social Teachings, CRS Sustainable Development Goals and USCCB Civilize It handouts.
Please contact Mangan at rmangan@youngstowndiocese.org or (330) 744-8451 ext. 245 if you are interested in the Peace and Justice committee, volunteering for prison ministries, or if you have questions about the Office of Peace and Justice.
Catholic Charities will hold their next Lunch and Learn in September.
