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The Laudato Si Movement:
To learn more about this movement please see video below and click here.
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Welcome to the Official Website for the Office of Social Action of the Diocese of Davenport.
Mission Statement
To support communities of faith in our Diocese in acting upon Catholic Social Teaching Principles.
History of the Two Feet of Social Justice.
The Two Feet of Social Justice logo was the inspiration of Msgr. Marvin Mottet, the first director of the Social Action Department in the Diocese of Davenport.
Credit: Social Action Department, Diocese of Davenport, 780 W. Central Park Ave, Iowa, 52804-1901, 563-324-1911,
Concept developed by Rev Marvin A Mottet.
- Two Feet - Spanish
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Social Action Brochure - English - 2019
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Social Action Brochure - Spanish - 2019
- Social Action Newsletter
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Lunch and Learn
Social Action Monthly Lunch and Learn is held the First Thursday of the month at noon. To view or register for our next session click here.
To view prevous session please visit YouTube playlist on the Diocesan YouTube Channel. -
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Stay Connected with Us:
The Diocesan Social Action Office has a variety of tools to keep you informed of relevant issues and activities.
One of these is our Two Feet Newsletter which is distributed monthly via email. If you would like to read previous issues you will find those at http://bit.ly/TwoFeetNewsletter. You can subscribe from that page if you choose or you can contact Amy Kersten at kerstena@diodav.org who will add you to our list of subscribers.Google Groups:
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Social Action Advocacy: Addressing legislative advocacy on social issues of concern to the Catholic Church and encouraging faithful citizenship.
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Parish Social Action: Provide resources, ideas and opportunities for parishioners to live out their faith working for charity and justice.
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NEW Voices for Rural Life: Educate, share concerns and suggest advocacy opportunities related to life in rural Iowa.
For more information please contact Amy Kersten at kerstena@diodav.org or call 563-888-4210.
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Deacon Immersed in Social Justice Experience:
Deacon Dale Mallory, a Diocese of Davenport seminarian, has engaged with the Center for Worker Justice and the Iowa City Catholic Worker House as part of an immersive experience. He spent time learning what each organization does and how they serve their communities. The opportunity has given him insight into both charitable and community organizing aspects of the Two Feet of Social Justice.
Kent Ferris, Diocesan Social Action Director, recently interviewed Deacon Dale and offers the video below for those who would like to hear from Deacon Dale himself what the experience has meant and some of what he has learned. At one point, he addresses the concern that organizations such as these work solely through a "political lens" rather than a spiritual one. As he tells us, "the work of God is being done through a lot of these organizations." He also encourages us to allow the Holy Spirit to move us to action. To listen to the interview yourself, click the image below. -
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News
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May 27By Barb Arland-Fye The Catholic Messenger - Seeds planted and nurtured, now growing into young vegetable plants, spread their aroma during an outdoor blessing at which Bishop Thomas Zinkula presided on the grounds of First Presbyterian Church in Mount Pleasant. The plants, contained in one of 50 garden kits for immigrant families to grow their own produce, sat on a chair as if waiting for the bishop to sprinkle them with holy water on Pentecost.Read More
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May 13By Lindsay Steele The Catholic Messenger - Housing has an impact on “pretty much every aspect of our lives,” diocesan Social Action volunteer Amy Kersten said during last week’s virtual Lunch and Learn that focused on housing stability during the pandemic. “If you have a challenging day out there in the world, you love to come home.” The COVID-19 pandemic has caused housing insecurity for both renters and homeowners, she noted. “It’s especially challenging to hear that, right now, so many people are on the brink of losing their homes.”Read More
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April 20State reaches out to Iowa dioceses on vaccine access Barb Arland-Fye The Catholic Messenger DES MOINES — Getting vaccines to underserved populations in Iowa — immigrants, refugees, Hispanic, African American and other communities — needs to happen through their faith communities and other local groups they trust. Representatives of Iowa’s four dioceses emphasized that message during a March 26 conference call with staffers from the Iowa Governor’s Office.Read More
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By Barb Arland-Fye
The Catholic MessengerTeam members from the Davenport Diocese’s Social Action Office were among 1,000 participants from 120 dioceses participating in a virtual conference to address domestic and global challenges affecting the most vulnerable people at home and abroad.
During the three-day Catholic Social Ministry Gathering (Feb. 6-9), the participants listened to leading voices in the Catholic Church and society, attended workshops with policy experts and grassroots community leaders, shared best practices and tapped into Catholic social ministry resources. After honing their skills in workshops and lectures, the participants engaged in virtual advocacy visits with their members of Congress or their staffs. Read more...
Accompanying refugees: advice from people who walk with them
By Lindsay Steele
The Catholic MessengerUpon arrival, refugees to the United States face a number of obstacles. “Simple things like using a can opener” can be challenging for people who have never seen one before, said Nicky Gant, who with her parish, St. Paul the Apostle in Davenport, assists World Relief Quad Cities in making refugees feel more at home.
The Diocese of Davenport’s Social Action Office hosted a lunch and learn, “Refugee Resettlement in our Diocese,” Feb. 4 on Zoom. Representatives from several area organizations that help refugees offered perspectives about refugee resettlement, the challenges that refugees face, and ways for parishes and individuals to offer assistance.
Laura Fontaine and Habie Timbo from World Relief Quad Cities (WRQC) spoke about their experiences working with refugees, immigrants and secondary migrants (people who initially settled elsewhere in the United States). More...
For latest news please visit the Catholic Messenger.
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Contact Us
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Kent Ferrisferrisdavenportdiocese.orgSocial Action & Catholic Charities Director -
Esmeralda Guerreroguerrerodavenportdiocese.orgAdministrative Assistant Social Action & Catholic Charities -
Amy Kerstenkerstenadiodav.orgSocial Action Diocesan Volunteer -
Glenn Leachleachdavenportdiocese.orgImmigration Volunteer/Disaster Response point of contact -
Loxi, Hopkinshopkinsdavenportdiocese.orgSocial Action Diocesan Volunteer & Former CCHD/CRS Director
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