Service & Justice

You have been told what is good, and what the LORD requires of you:
Only to do justice and to love goodness, and to walk humbly with your God. - Micah 6:8

It is an act of charity to assist someone suffering, but it is also an act of charity to change the social conditions that caused his or her suffering. - Pope Francis, Fratelli Tutti, 186

This Friday, January 21,  Newman will mark a day of fasting and prayer for the protection of life. The Blessed Sacrament will be exposed following 12:00 PM Mass for adoration all afternoon, concluding with sung Evening Prayer and the Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament at 6:30 PM. All are welcome.

Contact BJ Brown, bjbrown@uncnewman.org for more information.

Newman Volunteers will return to Habitat for Humanity's Building Hope worksite on Saturday, February 5 and Saturday, March 5. Adults of all skill levels and youth with adult companions are welcome! Click here for information about safety requirements and registration.

Volunteers are also needed to provide lunch for the February 5 and March 5 work crews. If you can help, please contact BJ Brown at bjbrown@uncnewman.org.

Countywide Leaders Meeting
Thursday, February 10, 7-8:30 pm
Hosted via Zoom: Please register in advance here by 12:oo PM on Wednesday, February 9

This  will be an internal assembly to ratify Justice United's vision for 2022, with a special focus on preparing for the District Attorney Candidates' Assembly. An agenda will be sent out closer to the date.

• A virtual format is guaranteed, with a decision in March about adding an in-person option.
• Both current candidates, Jeff Nieman and Kayley Taber, have RSVPed "Yes!" They will be asked to commit to specific equity-focused policy changes and to continue the previous DA's agreement, won by Justice United, not to fine for driving without a license

Read the Recommendations for DA Reform

The Affordable Housing and Mental Health Research Action Groups are still at work. If you'd like to be part of that, please contact julia@ocjusticeunited.org.

READ THE NOTES FROM RESEARCH GROUPS' DECEMBER REPORT HERE.

The Interfaith Council for Social Service  (IFC) continues to adapt to changing needs in Chapel Hill during the pandemic. Here are some current requests to churches in our community:

• The Community Market remains open on a limited schedule. A list of desirable donations is linked below and posted near the shelves to the right of the parking lot entrance of Newman; you can leave your donations (in unopened packages that are at least one month before their 'use by' date) there for delivery to IFC.
• The Community Kitchen needs prepared foods that can be frozen for later use and donations of proteins like ground beef and chicken. Please contact Kristen LaVergne to arrange a donation. A limited number of volunteers are needed to serve meals; volunteers from the Newman Catholic Community serve on the first Monday and second Wednesday of each month. Please contact Mary Kessler for more information or to sign up.

Questions? Want more information? Contact: BJ Brown, Pastoral Associate for Small Faith Groups and Service, at bjbrown@uncnewman.org