August 20, 2002

NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For More Information, Contact:
Bud Bunce (503) 233-8373
bbunce@archdpdx.org

Solidarity in Action

        Solidarity in Action, an Archdiocese of Portland Justice and Peace Assembly will
be held on Saturday, September 21 at St. Mary Parish (728 Ellsworth SW) in Albany.
The event is sponsored by the Archdiocesan Office of Justice and Peace and the
Catholic Campaign for Human Development of the Archdiocese. The day will begin
with liturgy at 11:00 am, followed by a soup and bread luncheon, and stories of
solidarity in action and discussion from 1:00 pm until 3:00 pm.

        The day will provide small group discussions and a chance to network with
others who are engaged in parish social justice and peace education and action.
Participants will include grass roots organizers and empowerment participants in the
Catholic Campaign for Human Development funded projects. It will be a day to move
more deeply into solidarity with those working for economic justice and ecological
restoration in western Oregon.

        Silvia Vazquez-Rios and Sam Jackson, Jr. will be the co-hosts for the day. The
liturgy will include reflections on solidarity by Sr. Kathy Carr, BVM and Rev. Loren
Kerkof, OFM. Participants will share poignant stories of Solidarity in Action from
community organizers of Oregon Stand for Children, Rogue Valley Oregon Action, and
Neighborhood Pride Team/Trillium Artisans of Portland, Heidi McGowan, Rich Rohde
and Rebecca Slak. The Justice and Peace Committee of St. Mary Parish in Albany will
host the lunch.

        Recent headlines show how Oregon is becoming economically polarized:
> Record number of people unable to put food on the table
> The income gap widens in Oregon
> Oregon's hunger rate Is nearly twice the national average

        How do people of faith respond in solidarity with low-income families,
communities and organizations to address our state's growing poverty and economic
inequality? As members of one planetary community of life, what does it mean to be in
solidarity with one another?

        There is no fee for the Solidarity in Action Assembly day, but participants are
asked to pre-register by email or phone, and indicating the number of people in a group
so that plans can be made for lunch. Childcare will be provided, so please let us know
if there are young children coming. Call the Office of Justice and Peace at 503-233-
8361 or email us at mspeck@archdpdx.org.

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