LEARN HOW WE’RE IMPACTING COMMUNITIES
Looking for resources to support your faith journey or empower your work as an organizer? Our Resource Library has lots of tools for reflection, learning, and action!
Our Statement on Cesar Chavez
As a Catholic organization, we had long honored him for his Catholic leadership and commitment to justice, but now we cannot ignore the harm and suffering inflicted upon survivors. We unequivocally condemn sexual violence, emotional abuse, and the structures of patriarchy that enable them. These revelations remind us that no legacy, no matter how celebrated, can excuse wrongdoing.
Press Release: In below-zero temperatures, Catholic leaders hand-deliver letter seeking Christmas pastoral access; ICE remains silent
On Friday, December 19, CSPL gathered outside the ICE Field Office in downtown Chicago for a Press Conference, where we sang, prayed, and made statements affirming the dignity of immigrants and their right to receive pastoral care while being unjustly detained. We delivered a letter to Field Office Director Sam Olsen, once again requesting access to Broadview Detention Center to bring pastoral care and Communion to the people being held there.
Center for Action and Contemplation - Dismantling Your Inner Empire
A reflection by Joanna Arellano-Gonzalez, Director of Spiritual & Theological Formation, for the Center for Action and Contemplation.
Coalition for Spiritual and Public Leadership Files Federal Lawsuit After ICE Blocks Sisters and Clergy from Ministering at Broadview Facility
Despite repeated attempts to follow DHS and ICE protocols, faith leaders were denied access for pastoral care and Communion in violation of constitutional and federal religious freedom protections. Read the legal complaint here.
Video: Remembering Sr. JoAnn Persch, RSM
We remember the prophetic life of Sr. JoAnn Persch, RSM, a tireless advocate for the rights of our immigrant sisters and brothers.
Misa y Procesion honoring Silverio Villegas González
At our 𝘔𝘪𝘴𝘢 𝘺 𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘤𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘰́𝘯 held at Our Lady of Mount Carmel parish, hundreds of people embraced both aspects of our tradition. Inside the church, we prayed, grieved, and received the Eucharist together. Then we went out into the streets - accompanied by Jesus in the Eucharist - to make our unity and commitment to justice public. We made a powerful statement that Silverio Villegas González was and remains an important member of our community, that as the church we will care for and mourn with his loved ones, and that we will fight for an end to the systems that brought us here.
America Magazine - Amid Chicago ICE raids, a people’s Mass is an example of ‘political holiness’
America Magazine Short Take by Michael N. Okińczyc-Cruz, Executive Director of CSPL
Remembering Pope Francis
CSPL’s statement upon the passing of Pope Francis.
Center for Action and Contemplation - Resilience and Justice
Sustaining Justice Work Through Spiritual Practice by Joanna Arellano-Gonzalez, featured in the Center for Action and Contemplation March “We Conspire” Series.
Commonweal - To Repent and to Be Transformed
Michael N. Okińczyc-Cruz shares a reflection for the fourth Sunday of Lent in Commonweal Magazine.
US Catholic - Catholic organizers on the next 4 years of justice work
WGN-TV
A Matter of Spirit - Rebuild My Church
Messy Jesus Business - Solidarity is a Way of Making History
Despite the long hours under the sun and massive crowds, it was a clear example of what the kin-dom of God looks like – when the diversity of God’s people come together against injustice, as Jesus’ kingdom movement did.
WGN-TV || Coalition urges action on youth mental health, gun violence in Illinois during march on Near North Side
WGN-TV
CSPL Blog - Our Posadas: childcare, youth mental health & Welcoming Chicago ordinance
CSPL Posadas in December 2023
Center for Action and Contemplation || Contemplation as the Essence of Social Ministry
Catholic Women Preach || 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time, 2023
Joanna Arellano-Gonzalez on Catholic Women Preach
Messy Jesus Business Podcast || Michael Okinczyc-Cruz: Where Civic Life and Mystical Life Meet
Despite the long hours under the sun and massive crowds, it was a clear example of what the kin-dom of God looks like – when the diversity of God’s people come together against injustice, as Jesus’ kingdom movement did.
America Magazine || Black and Latino Catholics agree: Our lives matter
“Black and Latino are not distinct identities for millions of people who identify as being in both communities.”
CSPL Covid Op-Ed Series: Covid-19 & Economic Justice
am not surprised that one of the highest-ranked communities with positive COVID-19 cases is the Chicago Lawn community. We hear, “stay at home,” “be responsible,” “it’s about saving others” but as much as social distancing is an effective way to prevent the spread of the virus, it has also made an important issue transparent; the profound and scandalous inequalities of our economic system. How can we expect a mother of three, who lives paycheck to paycheck, to stay home and still provide for her family? If resources were distributed equitably, then yes, maybe she could. Are we truly “all in this together?”