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Western Conference
for Social Justice
ABOUT US
About WCSJ

Who We Are

The Western Conference for Social Justice (WCSJ) is a gathering of Diocesan Social Justice representatives from Western Canada. These representatives have been mandated by individual Bishops of the Assembly of Western Catholic Bishops (AWCB) to oversee Diocesan Social Justice Ministry in their respective Dioceses and/or to represent the Diocese at the annual conferences of WCSJ. As such, membership in the WCSJ is diocesan, and not individual. 

Mission Statement

Social Justice is integral to Catholic faith. We promote its inclusion into the fabric of our communities. 

Objectives
  1. To dialogue and collaborate with Bishops in the AWCB
  2. To work with regional and national Catholic Social Justice groups
  3. To collaborate with Social Justice groups at large on pertinent issues and seek out relevant expertise
  4. To promote in our Dioceses the Social Teachings of the Church so that it will become an integral part of every formation program (Catholic schools, Diaconate, Seminaries, RCIA, and other sacramental preparation programmes) 
  5. To make the connection between prayer, scripture, liturgy and social justice 
  6. To recognize people’s contribution to bringing about justice in local communities through their everyday lives.
  7. To identify social justice issues, develop strategies and take action

Structure

Permanent Secretary
The Permanent Secretary is responsible for the carrying out of the day-to-day business of the WCSJ between Annual Conferences, in ongoing consultation with members. The Permanent Secretary chairs the Annual General Meeting. The appointment of the Permanent Secretary is for a three-year term, with an additional year to serve as past secretary.


Chair
The Chair of the WCSJ is the member representing the Diocese hosting the next Annual Conference. The mandate of the new Chair takes effect at the end of each Annual Conference and lasts until the end of the next Annual Conference. The Chair is responsible for developing the topic and organizing the next Annual Conference, following the guidance provided by the Annual General Meeting, and in ongoing consultation with the members of the WCSJ. The Chair chairs the Annual Conference. 

Member Dioceses


Archdiocese of Edmonton
Mr. Bob McKeon - (780) 469-1010 

Archdiocese of Grouard-McLennan
Josy Burrough - (780) 324-3002

Archdiocese of Keewatin-Le Pas
Sr. Ethel Detz - (204) 623-6152 ext. 2
Ms. June Haybittle

Diocese of MacKenzie-Fort Smith
Ms. Suzette Montreuil - (867) 920-2129 

Diocese of Prince George
Sr. Tarianne DeYonker - (250) 964-4424 ext. 244 

Archdiocese of Regina
Mr. Bert Pitzel - (306) 352-1651 ext. 222


Diocese of Saint-Paul
Mr. Joe McMorrow - (780) 645-3277


Archdiocese of Vancouver
Mr. Daniel Hahn - (604) 683 0281 Ext. 234

Diocese of Victoria
Deirdre Kelly - (250) 479-1331
Mr. John Hillian - (250) 479-1331

Diocese of Whitehorse
Mr. Michael Dougherty - (867) 668-3826

Archdiocese of Winnipeg
Sr. Johanna Jonker - (204) 589-5393


Assembly of Western Catholic Bishops (AWCB)
Most Rev. Frederick Henry,
Bishop of Calgary, Liaison
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