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Social Justice a Focal Point at St. John the Baptist in Red Bud

Story and photos by LIZ QUIRIN
Messenger editor

Teachers and students take the seven principles of social justice seriously. They finished school last year with a retreat on the principles and began their school year focusing on them for this year.

Taking as their theme “Serving Jesus for a Better World,” they will be learning more and talking about the themes as they develop projects to put these social principles into action.

Principal Kris Hill said ideas will be developed and implemented this school year to highlight: the life and dignity of the human person, the call to family and community, rights and responsibilities, the option for the poor and vulnerable, the dignity of work and the rights of workers, solidarity and the care of God’s creation.

Last year’s retreat was held at the Ruma Center of the Adorers of the Blood of Christ for older students with younger ones staying on the school grounds for projects and activities.
Students described the retreat as a way of opening their eyes to different ways of thinking about the gifts God has given to all to share.

The retreat had a real impact on Adam Urish: “After the retreat, I sold some of my Hot Wheels cars. We bought food for the poor.”

Fourth-grader Taylor Fritts said: “At our St. John’s retreat on social justice, I learned how to be a better person by taking care of the earth more. I hope a lot of people do the same thing.”

Students learned they must do more than enjoy the beauties of nature to protect and nurture it. They learned more about recycling and keeping their school and community free of trash.

Eighth-grader Carl Scheffert said he expects to pay more attention to recycling, and will “also try to carpool and ride my bike more.”

The young people also learned about equal treatment of all people, not just those wearing the right clothes or living in the right homes.

For eighth-grader, Adam Beccue, the retreat helped him “realize not everyone can live in a house and have nice things. From now on, I shall try to help more people.”

This year’s theme, “Serving Jesus for a Better World,” made an impression on the students, especially beginning the year with that in mind.

Fifth-grader, Alex Becker, reflected on the theme: “I think this is a good motto because … if you know Jesus and served him, it would be a better, healthier, cleaner world and everyone would get along and there would be no crisis in the world.”

Students look forward to discussions and activities this year to further understand these principles.