The Social Justice Commission hosted a panel discussion with guests Paul Houston Blankenship, Ph.D., MPH of Seattle University, Jennifer Hoock, MD, MPH of Kaiser Permanente and David Coffey, Executive Director of the Recovery Cafe. Over 30 people joined in this deep and important discussion. Here is the Zoom recording in case you were not able to participate and the thank you notes from our guests we wanted to share.

"Thanks so much for inviting me. It definitely helps me to feel hope when I get to talk to such a dedicated group of folks. I appreciate all you are trying to do in a thoughtful way!!"--Dr. Jennifer Hoock

"great thanks for inviting me to the conversation. deeply moved and inspired by the people and work of st. therese."--Dr. Paul Blankenship

"Thank you. It was a privilege to be part of your gathering."--David Coffey

Social Justice Commission mission statement
“Learn to do good. Make justice your aim; redress the wronged, hear the orphan’s plea, defend the widow.”—Is. 1:17

The mission of the social justice commission at St. Therese is to serve the parish as its primary resource and catalyst for the work of social justice.

1. We will follow the biblical and theological foundations of Catholic social teaching and work to educate ourselves and our faith community to be a witness of social justice to the larger community.
2. We stand against discrimination in all its forms and will advocate for the dignity and rights of people who are socially, politically, or economically disadvantaged.
3. We will look for opportunities to partner with organizations, coalitions, neighborhood groups and other church denominations in our neighborhood to promote equitable food and housing security, economic opportunities, and education.

“You just need to be a flea against injustice. Enough committed fleas biting strategically can make even the biggest dog uncomfortable and transform even the biggest nation.” -- Marian Wright Edelman, American activist, Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient

Current Members

• Sam Lawrence, Chair 

• Susan Koenigs
• Kari Huff-Rock

• Rosemary Adamski
• Rose Hesselbrock
• Margie Gaffney