MOG Social Concerns / Northern Kentucky Justice and Peace Committee
Minutes –

February 3, 2011

Present:  Janet Bucher,CDP, Vicki Dierig, Joanne Schwartz, Angela Casanova, Alice Gerdeman,CDP
 
Report From Frankfort:  Joanne Schwartz lobbied for the payday lending bill.  Legislators expressed concern that payday lenders are the only way poor people have for getting small short-term loans. Callers need to stress  that the bill would allow interest  of 36% which is above the level in Ohio and that payday lenders did not go out of business There.  (Note:  The House Banking and Insurance effectively killed this legislation in a close vote).
 
SB 6 (Immigration) was discussed.  A lobbying and rally day is next Tuesday, Feb. 8.  Carpools will leave the Crestview Hills Mall at 7:00 AM.  A large crowd is needed. 
 
The Catholic at the Capitol Program at Blessed Sacrament on Jan. 29 was interesting.  The Catholic Politicians were defensive of their positions which differ from that of the Kentucky Catholic Conference.
 
Fr. Pat Delahanty has been appointed as the head of the Kentucky Catholic Conference.
 
Way of the Cross/ Justice:   We agreed to do a station again this year.
 
Human Trafficking:  Vicki is working with Mary Richie.  They are collaborating with the health department.  A goal is to have the Nweport police get training.
 
Fair Trade:  The people who run the sales of fair trade items at Mother of God Parish have invited Ruth Kuhn,SC to speak on Feb. 20th.  Ruth works with the Region VI Coalition For Responsible investment.
 
M.L.King Jr. Day:   Thanks to everyone who participated.  The various programs were much better attended this year.
 
Next Meeting:   Thursday March 3, 2011   7:00   Mother of God

 
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MOG Social Concerns / Northern Kentucky Justice and Peace Committee
Minutes – November 4, 2010

Present: Janet Bucher,CDP, Lea Paolucci,SND, Sean McDonald, Phil Lachmann, Vicki Dierig, Dorothy Schuette,OSB, Alice Gerdeman,CDP
 
Immigration:   Unfortunately the workshop on Immigration rescheduled for Oct. 21 had to be cancelled due to a mix up in scheduling with Madison Avenue Christian Church.  It was suggested that we wait and schedule  something when legislation is introduced into the KY General assembly.
The good news of Cissy Lyagoba receiving the news that she will not be deported was shared.  The DREAM ACT is in Congress and needs support.
 
Brochure:  A first draft of a brochure for this committee was reviewed. With a few minor suggestions it was accepted for use.  We can add to it, or change it, as needed.  Alice will get some printed for distribution.
 
Responsible Lending;  Legislation that would cap  payday loans at 36%, so that those inneed of financial assistance are not victimized by usurious interest rates approaching400%, will come before the KY General Assembly. More information is available on the Catholic Conference of Kentucky Website.
 
December 2:  This year is the 30th Anniversary of the murder of the 4 U.S. Church women in El Salvador.  It was decided that a prayer service commemorating this anniversary and praying for justice in El Salvador will be held.  Dorothy will check to see if Mother of God Church is available.  Pax Christi has a sample service that we can use as is or modify.  It is based on the Way of the Cross.
 
After the prayer, those in attendance will be invited to come to the St. Aloysius Center for refreshments.  Christmas cards for the people of death row will be there for signing.  Our new brochure will be given out.  This will take the place of our regular December meeting.
 
Death Penalty:  Dorothy will contact the warden at the Kentucky State Penitentiary to arrange a visit of women religious to the men on death row.  January 27th is the suggested date.
 
Sr. Helen Prejean will speak at St. Suzanna Parish on Nov. 9.  It is free and open to the public.
 
Updates: 
Cold Shelter – Open house  on November 11 from 5:30 – 7:30
Prison Ministry – A mentor coordinator has been hired to work with those coming out of prison or jail.
Janet Bucher was inducted into the KY Human Rights Hall of Fame on October 25.  CONGRATULATIONS!
 
Mark Your Calendar:  Martin Luther King Day Celebrations
 January 15 – 9:30   Breakfast at Our Savior Church
January 16-  7:30 PM – Prayer Service at the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption.
 
January Meeting:  Thursday, January 6, 2011  7:00   at Mother of God
 
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MOG Social Concerns / Northern Kentucky Justice and Peace Committee
Minutes –
October 7, 2010

The minutes from the October meeting are below:

Just a reminder -  Sr. Helen Prejean of Dead Man Walking fame will be at St. Suzanna Church, 616 Reading Rd., Mason OH 45040 on Tuesday, Nov.7  at 7:00PM.

IJPC ‘s Services For Immigrants List:  IJPC has put a lot of information the IJPC website.  Everyone is asked to review the information about services in Northern KY.  If you have additions please email them to Alice.
Human Trafficking: The Northern KY Program on Human Trafficking needs emergency shelter  options for both men and women.  The stay would be for 72 hours.  Contact the Women’s Crisis Center if you know of available space.
Cold Shelter: The shelter hopes to reopen in mid-November for the winter.  They are raising money to cover operations.  A 5K Run is planned for Oct. 18.  Go to the Cold Shelter blogspot nky
coldshelter.blogspot.com  for ways to help.
Serious Membership Drive:   All present agreed that we need to have a membership drive to increase the number of people involved in the Committee.  A nice card or brochure to hand out at events would be helpful.  IJPC will find someone to do a first draft. 
Content would include:

More discussion will take place at the November meeting. 
Cosponsoring events:   The committee is willing to cosponsor or promote events of other groups.  This will help us get out name out.
Next Meeting:   Thursday November 4  at Mother of God Parish Hall.