Every Sunday morning virtual friends and followers of the Southwest Franciscans are delighted with moving reflections by Mark Schroeder, OFM. The reflections creatively blend the day's Scripture readings with relevant social justice topics and often conclude with a call to action. The blending of faith and social justice is very natural to Br. Mark, who is the 'JPIC Animator' for both Our Lady of Guadalupe and Santa Barbara Province. 'JPIC' is an acronym among religious communities that stands for justice, peace, and integrity of creation. The 'JPIC Animator' is responsible for generating spiritual movement and growth with justice, peace, and integrity of creation.

One way that Br. Mark works to promote justice and peace is by maintaining FranciscansForJustice.org, a dedicated website to Catholic social teaching from a Franciscan perspective. This is a joint project between the two provinces that provides resources for both lay and religious alike.

Some helpful resources available on FranciscansForJustice.org include weekly bulletin announcements, tool-kits, letters to political leaders, and action alerts. Topics like immigration, restorative justice, human trafficking, the death penalty, gun control, nuclear energy and care for creation are emphasized on the website. Br. Mark works diligently to provide updated and timely news on these important topics.

When asked what he finds most enjoyable about his ministry he jokingly answered, "Knowing I have job security with the on-going actions of the current U.S. government." Although Br. Mark is very busy trying to raise awareness, he can find great comfort that he is not doing this important work alone.

On March 16th-18th there will be a national "Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation' gathering for religious and laity in Las Cruces, New Mexico. This gathering will focus on building a national network for strategic collaborative action. We ask you to please keep these community leaders in your prayers.