Social Justice Week Coming to Benedictine College

Social Issues Featured Week of Feb. 10

Thursday, January 30, 2014

Social Justice Week at Benedictine College will focus attention on important social issues in Atchison, the United States and around the world.  The annual event offers student groups like the Benedictine College Hunger Coalition, the Black Student Union, the Sociology Club, Ravens Respect Life and the Knights of Columbus a chance to gain awareness on campus and in the community.  Presentations on poverty, civil rights, volunteerism, religious freedom and other topics will take place throughout the week.   All programs and presentations are free and open to the public.
 

Events get underway on Monday, February 10, at 7:00 p.m. in the McAllister Board Room on the fourth floor of the Ferrell Academic Center when Ravens Respect Life presents Jennifer Schmidt, M.A., a licensed clinical professional counselor and the assistant director of the Benedictine College Counseling Center.  Schmidt donates some of her time to Project Rachel, a post-abortion healing ministry.  Her presentation is titled "Be the Light:  Illuminating Perspectives on Perinatal Hospice."
 

The Hunger Coalition and the Sociology Club will jointly present their guest, Kathy Dean, president of Uplift Inc., on Tuesday, February 11, at 7:00 p.m. in the McAllister Board Room on the fourth floor of the Ferrell Academic Center.  Uplift is an all volunteer organization that supports the homeless population by taking food, necessities and companionship to them on the streets of Kansas City.  Dean will speak on "Taking Care and Compassion to the Poor."

On Wednesday, February 12, the Knights of Columbus will present Father Meinrad Miller, OSB, who will talk about "Pope Francis: His Call to Us for Prayer, Witness, and Concern for Others."  The presentation, set for 7:30 p.m. in the McAllister Board Room on the fourth floor of the Ferrell Academic Center, will focus on the call of Pope Francis to the Knights of Columbus, and through them to everyone.  On October 13, 2013, Pope Francis addressed the Knights, saying, “May prayer, witness to the faith and concern for our brothers and sisters in need always be the pillars supporting your work both individually and corporately.”

Founded in 1858, Benedictine College is a Catholic, Benedictine, residential, liberal arts college located on the bluffs above the Missouri River in Atchison, Kansas.  The school is proud to have been named one of America’s Best Colleges by U.S. News & World Report as well as one of the top Catholic colleges in the nation by First Things magazine and the Newman Guide.  It prides itself on outstanding academics, extraordinary faith life, strong athletic programs, and an exceptional sense of community and belonging.  It has a mission to educate men and women within a community of faith and scholarship.