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VOICE Ministry

Advocating for Justice in our Community

 

We focus on issues that highly impact people and families in everyday life

Your VOICEPast Projects

Current VOICE Intiatives

Catholic Social Teaching

Human Rights

What should these words mean to all faithful Catholics? Some people are put off by “social teaching” but these are teachings of the church since its formal proclamation in the 19th century – even more – these are the teachings of Jesus. This is gospel. Learn more by clicking the image above.

PWC Affordable Housing

Updated February 2024

On January 3rd members of the VOICE leadership met with PWC Executive Officer, Christopher Shorter, for an update on the plans to improve availability of Affordable Housing in Prince William County during 2024.  Also, discover new activity at the State Legislature on this important issue. Find out more.

Crisis Receiving Center

Updated February 2024

VOICE leadership recently met virtually with PWC Executive Officer, Christopher Shorter to receive an update construction and opening of the PWC Crisis Receiving Center (CRC).  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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