PROMOTING HUMAN DIGNITY
JUSTICE, PEACE, AND INTEGRITY OF CREATION (JPIC)
MISSION
The mission of the JPIC's Promoting Human Dignity team is to lift up the value and dignity of every human life, especially those living on the margins. We do this by engaging in service, offering formation opportunities, and advocating to challenge issues and systems which dehumanize God’s children, in our community and our world.
If you have any questions or would like to volunteer through our JPIC Promoting Human Dignity (PHD) ministries, please contact the JPIC PHD volunteer parishioner leaders for each ministry listed below.
If you have any general questions, please contact: JPIC PROMOTING HUMAN DIGNITY (PHD) VOLUNTEER PARISHIONER TEAM LEADER Catherine Pleil DIRECTOR OF JUSTICE, PEACE, AND INTEGRITY OF CREATION (JPIC) Ken Chiha |
OPPORTUNITIES
Formation and Advocacy
JustFaith – Small group faith formation programs focusing on Catholic Social Teachings designed to help parishioners deepen their faith, invite learning, and inspire action to address the root causes of injustice while serving with love around contemporary social issues.
Book Studies – Lent and summer book studies focusing on Catholic social justice issues.
Gun Violence Prevention Ministry - Join our efforts to address gun violence in our parish and community through our Promoting Human Dignity team and Durham CAN.
Racial Justice Formation/Advocacy – Dig deep with us as we learn about and internalize our country’s 400-year history of systemic injustice and white supremacy. Hear the struggles and the triumphs of people right here in Durham. Be an advocate for change in our community and our country.
Events: Panel discussions, Durham pilgrimages, movie series |
Homelessness and Hunger
Families Moving Forward – FMF is the primary agency addressing the needs of homeless families and children in Durham. Opportunities include serving dinner to a small group of families on a quarterly basis, being a “study buddy” to a child, or joining a Circle of Support for a family moving into their own home.
Honduras Food Distribution – The Diocese of La Ceiba, with its 13 parishes, serves the northern coast of Honduras under the guidance of Franciscan Bishop Lenihan. In 2020, this region was struck by two major hurricanes, adding to the misery and devastation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, IC has provided support for families facing food insecurity and extreme poverty.
Saint Francis Builds (SFB) - Work with underserved communities in eastern North Carolina by repairing homes while building community for participants. These trips are an opportunity to renovate homes, restore hope, and reimagine the church. Renovation experience is not required.
Events: Durham CROP Hunger Walk, Bread for the World, etc. Additional ministries can be found on our JPIC Direct Service webpage. |
Safe and Affordable Housing
Affordable Housing Nonprofits (including partnerships with Durham Community Land Trust (DCLT), Durham Affordable Housing and Transit (DAHT), etc.) – Help low-income neighbors living near IC retain their homes by funding, advocacy/policy, or helping to make needed repairs.
JPIC Community Organizing and Durham CAN – Join grassroots groups advocating for social justice issues like safe and affordable housing and transit in Durham by attending monthly meetings, giving voice, and working on initiatives addressing the needs of our community.
Events: Volunteer Build Days Additional ministries can be found on our JPIC Direct Service webpage. |
Prison Ministries
Pen Pal Prison Ministry - Write letters to a prisoner serving a life-sentence.
Visiting the Imprisoned - Visit prisoners monthly (when allowed post-covid).
Returning Citizens – Join a small faith circle of support for individuals coming out of prison, sponsored by Religious Coalition for a Non-Violent Durham.
Death Penalty Advocacy - Advocacy/education to bring an end to the death penalty.
Events: Advocacy, marches, "Voices from Death Row" (discussion with man on death row), etc. |
Additional Ministries
Pregnancy Support Pregnancy Support Services – Support women with unplanned pregnancies, and basic needs for babies in low-income families.
Pregnancy/Infant Loss Support Ministry This is a new ministry focused on pregnancy and infant loss. Anyone who has had a loss in pregnancy and/or of an infant is welcome to join, whether recently or years prior.
Remain in My Love (LGBTQ+ Ministry) Monthly meetings that offer fellowship, support, and discussion of issues regarding sexuality, gender, and spirituality in a loving, non-judgmental faith community. All are welcome to respectfully attend these meetings, this includes LGBTQ persons, families, friends and all who want to learn more about being a supportive Catholic to our LGBTQ parishioners.
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If you have questions regarding our various JPIC ministries, please contact me directly.
Kennith M. Chiha, Director of Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation (JPIC)
Immaculate Conception Catholic Church - 901-A West Chapel Hill Street, Durham, NC 27701
(919) 682-3449 Ext. 293 - chihak@icdurham.org
If you have questions regarding our various JPIC ministries, please contact me directly.
Kennith M. Chiha, Director of Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation (JPIC)
Immaculate Conception Catholic Church - 901-A West Chapel Hill Street, Durham, NC 27701
(919) 682-3449 Ext. 293 - chihak@icdurham.org