Our History
The Collaborative Center for Justice, initiated in January, 1999, is sponsored by five congregations of women religious in Connecticut: Daughters of the Holy Spirit, Sisters of St. Joseph of Chambery, Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur of the United States East – West Province and Sisters of the Congregation of Notre Dame. Other Religious Congregations contributing to the support of the Center are: Daughters of Wisdom and School Sisters of Notre Dame. These Congregations represent almost nine hundred women religious and associates in Connecticut.
As a faith-based organization, we advocate for systemic change and educate individuals about social justice in order to act with a prophetic voice for and with marginalized persons to challenge injustice and move the moral compass of our society toward peace and justice.
Our Mission
Rooted in the Gospel and committed to Catholic Social Teaching, the Collaborative Center for Justice advocates for systemic change and educates individuals about social justice in order to make a difference in the lives of people who are poor and alienated.
Our Vision
As a strong voice for social justice we foster collaboration with multiple partners in order to maximize the diversity of competencies in the work of justice by:
- developing and educating others to act with a prophetic voice for and with marginalized persons on issues of injustice,
- advocating and monitoring legislation that promotes systemic change for the common good,
- uniting and articulating a moral compass with other faith ministries,
- empowering unjustly treated persons to speak and act on their own behalf,
- developing and fostering communication links with interfaith communities, agencies and networks engaged in social justice matters.
Where We Stand
The Collaborative Center for Justice is committed to the message of the Gospel and to the Principles of Catholic Social Teaching. Our collaboration, support and advocacy on issues that impact the lives of the people in Connecticut, in our nation and in our world, is determined by a strong belief that the dignity of each human person is central to any and all activities or legislation passed by our local, state or national government. The interconnection of all peoples calls us to value and respect the experiences of all.
We further believe that our society must be shaped to contribute to the individual and the common good through just economic, political and social institutions. We support and advocate for policies and decisions that are proposed after careful consideration has been given to the needs of poor persons. We believe that all peoples have a right to participate in the process of decision making which affects their lives, and that all public policies that are proposed must guarantee the fundamental rights to life, shelter, health care, education and employment.
We support and value the laborers in our society. We believe that workers have a right to decent and productive employment, fair and living wages, private property and economic initiative, and that when workers are justly treated they contribute to the common good of a society. Finally, we support all efforts to preserve and protect the earth’s limited resources, knowing that our responsible stewardship will insure a healthy and clean environment for future generations.
Catholic Social Teaching
“Kinship—not serving the other, but being one with the other. Jesus was not ‘a man for others;’ he was one with them. There is a world of difference in that."
Father Gregory Boyle, SJ
Miss no single opportunity of making some small sacrifice, here by a smiling look, there by a kindly word; always doing the smallest things right, and doing all for love.”
St. Thérèse of Lisieux
"Peace is not the product of terror or fear. Peace is not the silence of cemeteries. Peace is not the silent result of violent repression. Peace is the generous, tranquil contribution of all to the good of all.... It is right and it is duty."
Archbishop Óscar Romero
Our Team
Kimberly Okeke
Congregational Organizer
Reverend Teran E. Loeppke
Director
Sherisa Michel
Administrative Assistant