Pax Christi/Baltimore, the local Chapter of Pax Christi
USA, began activity in Baltimore in November, 1985. Since that time, the
Chapter consistently has presented events, programs, and observances focusing
on the spiritual dimensions of taking action for a better world, in the
context of the broad scope of Catholic Church social teaching.
IMMEDIATE ACTIVITIES:
MURPHY INITIATIVE ANNUAL CONFERENCE APRIL 26
The Murphy Initiative for Justice and Peace, dedicated to issues of
social justice in the spirit of Bishop P. Francis Murphy, will hold its
annual event on Saturday, April 26. The theme is "The Spirituality of Sustainability."
The program will take place at the Our Lady of Providence Convent at 701
Gun Road in Baltimore (the Oblate Sisters). For information and directions,
go to
www.oblatesisters.com.
Keynote speaker is Sr. Carol Zinn, SSJ. The program will be from 9:30
a.m. to 3:30 p.m.. Registration is $25 but participants should bring their
own lunch and cup. Beverages and desserts are provided.
APRIL 26--MARYLAND UNITED FOR PEACE AND JUSTICE ANNUAL PEACE, JUSTICE,
AND ENVIRONMENT CONFERENCE.
The Maryland United for Peace and Justice, a coalition of numerous local
peace and justice organizations, will present its annual Conference on
April 26, 2008. The Conference is held each year in different parts of
the State--this year it will be held in Baltimore, at Stony Run Friends
Meeting House, on Charles Street just south of Northern Parkway. The conference
will begin at 9 a.m. but registration starts early.
The keynote speaker will be Colman McCarthy, well known Washington Post
columnist and activist, developer of peace education programs, and author
of several books including I'd Rather Teach Peace. Workshops will include
a variety of peace and justice topics. Pre-registration cost is $20. Vegetarian
lunch is included in registration. Literature from groups available. All
are welcome.
MAY 10: PAX CHRISTI REGIONAL ASSEMBLY "FLAG OR CROSS"
May 10 will mark an important event: a Pax Christi Metro DC-Baltimore
Regional Assembly: "Flag or Cross? Following the Nonviolent Jesus in a
Time of War." The all-day program will take place Trinity University 125
Michigan Ave. Registration $35. Info will be on our Chapter website
and will be again featured in our May Bulletin.
MAY 3-18: 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF CATONSVILLE 9
A series of programs are being finalized to commemorate the 40th anniversary
of the Catonsville 9. Our website will have additional details. The dates:
May 3: Film "Constantine's Sword" from book by James Carroll, with
talk by James Carroll, at Mt. St. Joe High School. Refreshments 6 pm, film
7 pm.
May 7: Panel of veterans,UMBC, 4 to 6 pm.
May 8: Film: "Investigation of a Flame" at Creative Alliance
at the Patterson, with panel of speakers and music.
May 9: Panel of veterans at St. John's UM Church in Baltimore,
co-presented by Red Emma's. Program at 7 pm
May 15: Potluck program and action planning at St. Ignatius Church,
7 pm.
May 17: Action at Andrews Air Force Base, Air Show, buses to
leave from Baltimore.
May 18: Vigil/ prayer service at Catonsville 9 site, 2-3 pm.
CHAPTER DEVELOPMENT AND PROGRAM
NEWS
CHAPTER LOOKING TO FILL VACANCIES ON OUR STEERING
COMMITTEE FOR 2007-2008
Our Chapter Steering Committee has returned to regular meetings, usually
monthly. We are looking to fill three vacancies on our Steering Committee.
There are Chapter activities and socials to be planned for 2008, including
the upcoming annual Good Friday Stations of the Cross. We also intend to
increase our outreach efforts to parishes and schools, maintain our contacts
with local organizations, develop new activities and programs for our membership,
and build our Chapter.
Anyone wishing to be part of our Steering Committee should contact
Steering Committee Chair Chuck Frascati at frascati00@comcast.net.
You need only have an interest or involvement in Pax Christi (membership
in Pax Christi USA preferred) and be willing to devote time to regular
meetings and Chapter activities.
BE SURE TO SEND YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS AS
WE DEVELOP THE CHAPTER EMAIL/ LISTSERVE
Efforts continue to develop our Chapter's new listserve, and for more
regular updates of our Chapter website. If you have received a copy of
this Bulletin, please send us your email address. It can be sent to Coordinator
Chuck Michaels at
cwmichaels@igc.org.
CHAPTER DEVELOPMENT--2006 WRAP UP
See this space for a wrap up soon to be posted of Pax Christi Baltimore
events either presented by the Chapter or co-arranged and endorsed by the
Chapter. There were significant Pax Christi Baltimore events from March
through December, 2006. We are planning other major events and programs
for 2008.
ORGANIZING VICTORY!
VICTORY IN LOCAL LABOR EFFORT! AGREEMENT REACHED
IN EFFORTS FOR LIVING WAGE FOR CAMDEN YARDS WORKERS!
Soon after a Labor Day prayer breakfast and vigil--as among the numerous
public activities, rallies, press conferences and events for a living wage
for Camden Yards cleaning workers--State authorities and the Stadium agreed
in principle to a new living wage agreement for the next contract. The
United Workers Association which had been lobbying on behalf of the Camden
Yards stadium cleaners, had given the Stadium officials and the State a
September 1 deadline on the demand for a new living wage agreement, before
a planned hunger strike and other public events. The hunger strike was
postponed while negotiations continued, and a living wage agreement was
announced soon afterwards.
The living wage agreement is a significant step forward for better wages
and working conditions for these workers, many of whom are indigent. The
day labor contract agency which hires the workers often charges transportation
costs and other fees against the already low hourly wages for work that
involves hours of painstakingly cleaning the Camden Yards stadium of trash
and litter and food left after an Orioles home game. The result was a less
than acceptable wage for these workers. Months of negotiations with the
Stadium and State officials had produced no progress until the announcement
for a living wage agreement was made in early September. The United Workers
celebrated with a victory concert on Saturday, September 8.
Recently, as part of this effort, on May 20, a march at Broadway and
Bank Street and a concert at Patterson Park were held to emphasize the
continuing effort for a living wage for workers at Camden Yards. Organized
by United Workers, the effort is endorsed by Pax Christi Baltimore and
other groups. After the protest action, United Workers organizers were
given a Peace Order preventing them from talking to workers gathered in
front of Next Day Staffing and at Gate F at Camden Yards. United Workers
had responded with a press conference, and another meeting and press conference
on May 25. The organization states that it will not be affected by intimidation
tactics. The United Workers had given the Stadium Authority a September
1 deadline, for a binding living wage agreement. For more information or
to join this local labor effort, go to www.unitedworkers.org.
There will be more activities and events to come as United Workers continues
to press for better working conditions for these workers and other day
laborers. The United Workers group is funded in part by local CHD and their
efforts are endorsed by Pax Christi Baltimore.
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