St. Thomas Aquinas Human Concerns Committee Meeting Minutes, May 26, 2009

Attendance:
Paul Chestnut, Laura Chiu, Patricia Markee, Terry Atkinson, Ruth Chippendale, Rebecca Perez, Griselda Morales, Alma Lalonde

1. Faith-Sharing/Question of the Week :
Patricia led us in sharing our ideas about the question: "Who has taught you how to think, pray and act?"

2. The April minutes were not available.

3. We invited representatives of Peninsula Interfaith Action (PIA) to our meeting to explore how we might work together on such issues as immigration. Three representatives came: Rebecca Perez, Griselda Morales, and Alma Lolonde. Rebecca presented a summary of what PIA is doing in the area of social justice activities. Their main issues are housing, immigration, and health care. They are currently focusing on victims of the economic crisis, trying to find what "safety net" exists for people with nothing left. Recently, they conducted a survey at the 9:00 Mass at OLR and found that one-third of the respondents lost their jobs, or knew someone who had been laid off. There were 141 respondents. Walt asked Griselda to send him those figures. Alma reported that there was momentum building around the immigration issue. She visited Washington D.C. recently and found that the attitude is mostly "Wait until later." They are trying to arrange a meeting with Congressional representatives regarding the DREAM Act. Meetings of PIA are held at headquarters (1336 Arroyo Avenue, San Carlos). Walt suggested that they should try to increase support among Anglo citizens. Alma responded, "That's why we are here."

OLD BUSINESS

4. Immigration reform - Walt:
Walt reported that President Obama wants comprehensive reform. He hit on every item in the Catholic Bishops program. He is not pushing immigration reform now.

5. Results of Offering of Letters - Paul:
Paul reported the tally from each of the Churches. There was a total of 462 letters (in triplicate). Last year there were 367. $30 was collected for postage. The letters were packaged and sent to our three representatives, together with a cover letter. Cost of packaging and mailing was $26.16.

6. Death penalty - Terry:
Terry was not present and we did not discuss death penalty issues.

7. Day Worker Center - Patricia:
Plans to move into the building on Escuela Avenue are moving ahead. The permit from the planning commission to move into the building was appealed by some neighbors, and the appeal lost on a 7-0 vote.

8. Next year's budget:  Terry:
The total budget for the next fiscal year is $5650.

9. PSC annual retreat - Laura, Walt:
Old and new goals for the parish were reviewed at the retreat. A speaker from the San Jose Diocese made a presentation. A "green initiative" was discussed.

10. Catholic Charities collection - Walt:
About $8000 was collected last week.

11. Catholic Lobby Day - Ruth, Walt:
Ruth and Walt attended Catholic Lobby Day in Sacramento. Ruth's task was to see Ira Ruskin regarding food stamps. They did not see Mr. Ruskin, but a stand-in listened perfunctorily to the presentation.

12. St. Vincent dePaul needs help::
The Palo Alto branch needs help staffing the Pastoral Center on Tuesdays from 3 to 5 p.m.:
The East Palo Alto branch needs help with::
a) dispatching phone messages :
b) delivering food to clients:
c) securing drivers for the camp program at Hidden Villa:
d) determining temporary housing options for his clients during emergency transition.:
We discussed ways to increase the number of volunteers. Laura suggested that we call on our friends. We discussed the writing of a message in the bulletin.

NEW BUSINESS:

13. The Greening of the Parish - Environmental - Walt:

14. Nuclear disarmament - Pax Christi campaign - Walt:

15. 6-month HCC report due:
The report covering the January to June period is due on June 10. Paul will create the report and send it to Walt. Laura and Mary.

16, Amnesty International Prayer Vigil for Troy Davis - Terry/Ruth:
A prayer vigil was held at Lytton Plaza on May 19.

17. Renewed National Religious Campaign Against Torture - Walt:
June is Torture Awareness Month, and June 26 is U.N. International Day of Support for torture victims. As in January, the banners "Torture Is Wrong" will be placed on our churches this month. There will be two panel discussions later this month. We will publicize them in the parish, deanery, and diocese.

18. Paperback book collection for Elmwood County Jail - Walt:
There will be a message in the bulletin about this event.

19. Muslim relations - Walt

20. JustFaith - Patricia:
JustFaith is the educational arm of the HCC. A course on non-violence is being prepared. The meetings will be every third Tuesday for eight months.

21. What can we do to try to activate more members? :
We discussed ways to increase our membership. There are about 25 people on our mailing list who do not attend meetings; perhaps phone calls to them would be productive. Patricia suggested that we ask ourselves questions such as: What do we like about the meetings? What would we change? What kind of social justice are you interested in? Suggestion: The only way to do it is one-to-one contact.

22. What's On Your Mind?

23. Volunteer for Faith-sharing/Question of the Week:
Terry Atkinson volunteered.

Next meeting - June 23