VOICE Ministry
Advocating for Justice in our Community
We focus on issues that highly impact people and families in everyday life
Current VOICE Intiatives
2024 VOICE Annual Appeal
VOICE has a full-time trained staff and administrative support to coordinate, do research, educate, and plan effective campaigns to accomplish these objectives. The professional staff of VOICE is funded by grants and local VOICE ministry contributions. St. Francis has committed to provide $9,000 to their operation, about 1.5% of the needed funds.
HOW YOU CAN HELP – To help in effort use the envelope provided in the July-August mailing or click on the below link.
PWC Affordable Housing
Updated June 2024
In May VOICE was successful in its effort to add $5M to the PWC Housing Trust Fund and provided input to strengthen to proposed Affordable Dwelling Unit Ordinance.
In June PWC VOICE leadership and key partners met with U.S. Senator Mark Warner and PWC Board of Supervisors Chair Deshundra Jefferso.
Crisis Receiving Center
Updated May 2024
Efforts by VOICE leadership and its allies have been able to secure full funding for the Youth Wing of the soon to open (Fall 2024 /Spring 2025) Northern Virginia Crisis Receiving Center in Woodbridge VA. Learn more about the CRC, why its important, and the latest news.
We are your VOICE
Who we are
VOICE is a ministry of the parish that advocates for social justice on issues important to Prince William County and the Commonwealth of Virginia. The VOICE ministry provides an avenue for parishioners to become involved in their local communities, be an agent for social justice/change, and present a Catholic voice in the public square about important public policy issues
Why it’s important
The majority of VOICE issues are family and human dignity issues. Other parish ministries also address these topics, the parish VOICE ministry focuses on issues that highly impact people and families in everyday life – especially those communities of the poor and minorities. “Much will be required of the person entrusted with much, and still more will be demanded of the person entrusted with more.” (Luke 12:48)
Go Deeper
VOICE is called to be ever faithful in our ministry. We celebrate accomplishments, renew our efforts on works-in-progress, and always work for the greater glory of God. Read about some of our past and on-going efforts of this ministry in the briefs below.
How we advocate
VOICE (Virginians Organized for Interfaith Community Engagement) is a non-partisan coalition of almost 50 faith communities and civic organizations in Northern Virginia working together to create justice in middle and low-income communities. We advocate in the Northern Virginia region as faithful Catholics following the spirit of Dialogue and Proclamation, the 1991 document which encourages the faithful to work in advocacy and action with other Christians and people of different faiths. Read about one of our recent (Dec 2022) joint efforts.
Successful VOICE Initiatives
Prince William County Pre K
Eight years ago, the Prince William County Public School (PWCPS) system only had 8 Pre K classes. The St. Francis of Assisi VOICE ministry began an initiative, that with the help of many other groups, changed Pre K availability for all. Today there are 80 Pre K classes in PWCPS. Learn more.
Investing in Schools
Too often we hear about a school lockdown, sad but occasionally necessary. What is always necessary is to lift up our children not only in education but also in health and emotional wellbeing. Did you know that one in five children and adolescents experience a mental health problem during their school years, but 60% don’t receive the support and treatment they need? Of the remaining 40%, two-thirds of them receive the treatment they need in the school setting. Want to help? Contact us!
Laws that Burden the Poor
In 2018, Virginia’s threshold for felony theft was the lowest in the country at $250. For decades, thousands of Virginians have been saddled with felony convictions on their records for minor property crimes. Did you know that Virginia was one of the few states to suspend driver’s license for unpaid court debt. Both these unduly affect the poor, creating even more burdens in daily life. VOICE led campaigns that changed these laws. Learn more.
VOICE Ministry Contact Form
This contact form is for those who want to contact ministry leaders, ask questions, or find out to become involved in the Church’s outreach to the public square where we live.
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