March is an important month in our year-long journey with the congregations who are members of RISC. We have been marching – virtually – to increase affordable housing and decrease gun violence in Richmond. You are welcome to walk with us. It is as simple as logging onto our Zoom meetings so you are counted and heard. Keep reading for these opportunities and more. — St. Elizabeth Social Justice Committee

Below are ways you can be an AGENT FOR CHANGE in the issues of social justice. Keep reading for details and links to more information.

  1. Attend The RISC Justice Rally
  2. Attend the Nehemiah Action Assembly
  3. Meet with City Councilmembers
  4. Join our Social Justice Monthly Meeting
  5. Write a Letter To The Editor of The Catholic Virginian
  6. Pray the Stations of the Cross on Fridays
  7. Learn about Racism History in the U.S.
  8. Help a student in our parish
  9. Educate yourself about the Covid Vaccine
  10. Celebrate March’s Women’s History Month

Attend The RISC Justice Rally • Monday March 1, 7 p.m. (virtually, on Zoom): Calling all members of  St. Elizabeth — 40 and counting — who joined either the Williford, Kunkel, or Barrett teams. We asked our members to invite three people to attend our big Nehemiah Action Assembly. We can’t wait to hear if you inspired them to join us. Rally Zoom Link: https://zoom.us/j/96484118613
Phone # to Dial in: (301) 715-8592 • Meeting ID: 964 8411 8613

Attend the Nehemiah Action Assembly • Tuesday March 23 (virtually, on Zoom), 7 – 8:30 p.m.: The Nehemiah Action is where thousands gather to ask public officials to implement prove solutions to increase affordable housing and reduce gun violence. Leaders can only answer our questions with “Yes” or “No.” If you have never attended an assembly like Nehemiah Action, it is a powerful experience.

Meet with City Council Members • various times (virtually, on Zoom): RISC scheduled meetings with City Councilmembers to hear directly from them about affordable housing. If you are a constituent of Andreas Addison or Katherine Jordan, we encourage you to join us.

Join our Social Justice Monthly Meeting: Wednesday, March 10, 7 p.m. (virtual on Zoom):
Wednesday March 10 at 7  pm on Zoom
To join, click HERE to open up the meeting on Zoom.
You can call in at 646-558-8656
If prompted, enter the Meeting ID #506 956 9927 and Meeting Password 022313
Newcomers are welcome.

Write a Letter To The Editor of The Catholic Virginian:
If you read the Catholic Virginian, you may recognize the names of our parishioners in the Letters To The Editors. Members of the Social Justice Committee  are writing letters to the editors of the Catholic Virginian. A member is encouraged to focus the letter on a social justice issue they are passionate about. We bringing social justice issues to the readers of the paper and counteract letters that speak against the values of the social justice. Members encourage one another and offer feedback if asked. If this interests you, email Denise Letendre at [email protected]. The social justice group, NETWORK, has a video on how to write letters to the editor. 

Pray the Stations of the Cross on Fridays (virtual, Zoom)
Every Friday of Lent, you are invited to zoom-in for our online stations of the cross. The stations of the cross is a series of images depicting Jesus Christ on the day of his crucifixion and accompanying prayers. You use the same link to attend our Masses on Zoom.
To join, click HERE to open up the meeting on Zoom.
You can call in at 646-558-8656
If prompted, enter the Meeting ID #506 956 9927 and Meeting Password 022313

Learn about Racism History in the U.S., various times (virtual, on Zoom):
The Sisters of Providence invite you to participate in an interactive virtual workshop. You will explore structural racism through 12 federal policies from the Civil War to the present. There will be opportunity for conversation in small groups as well as information about new forms of advocacy. For your convenience, the workshop is being offered six times. Register at least three days before any of the workshops by clicking on one of the links below. Each workshop will be approximately 2.5 hours long.
Thursday, Feb. 18 (1:00 p.m.) registration,
Saturday, Feb. 27 (1:00 p.m.) registration;
Sunday, March 14 (2:00 p.m.) registration
Saturday, March 20 (1:00 p.m.) registration
Sunday, March 28 (2:00 p.m.) registration
Saturday, April 10 (1:00 p.m.) registration
A grateful Umoja student is the first student of our parish to start at Seton Home Study School. Seton offers an accredited Catholic homeschool education for students who need special services. Thanks to generous donations, the tuition, books, and materials have been paid for. Fr. Jim would like to sponsor a pilot program for a handful of students. To do this we will need donations, computers, supplies, volunteers and prayers. If can help, email Liz at [email protected].

Educate yourself about the Covid Vaccine
One of our oldest parishioners received the vaccine. 94-year-old Phyllis said: “People in my age group need to protect ourselves as much as possible. I know that getting the vaccine would prevent me from getting COVID-19.” Even Pope Francis said “It is the moral choice because it is about your life but also the lives of others” before he was vaccinated. The Virginia Department of Health has the latest information on the vaccine and simple ways you can prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

Celebrate March’s Women’s History Month

Parishioner Anne Holton will join other Richmond women who will share their stories of perseverance, inspiration, and mentorship. You can join the free event hosted on Zoom. For a list of speakers and to register, visit richmond.com/exclusive/strong-voices/.