The Marianist Social Justice Collaborative began in 1998. Since that time, we have continued the founding vision of the Collaborative: to educate the Marianist Family about social justice, to help Marianist Family members network around common social justice concerns and to provide community reflection and support for Marianists to do the work of justice. MSJC tries to operate in the spirit of our Marianist Founders in forming a community that draws from the contributions of the many diverse elements of the Marianist Family. Just as the method of our founders was to help form individuals and communities who would cooperate with the Holy Spirit under the inspiration of the Mary in building up the Body of Christ, MSJC seeks to do the same in the area of social justice.
Our Ongoing Efforts
Following the gospel of Jesus Christ and Mary’s example, the Marianist Family empowers individuals, families, and communities to build the common good. We dedicate ourselves to promoting human dignity, protecting human rights, and practicing an integral ecology.
Our Vision Statement
Through the Marianist Social Justice Collaborative, the three branches of the Marianist Family in North America (Daughters of Mary Immaculate, Marianist Lay Community, and Society of Mary) unite and multiply the efforts of Marianists to act for social justice. Inspired by Mary’s yes and our founders’ call to respond to the signs of the times, we commit to building authentic, inclusive, and diverse community, in order to build a more just world and Church. MSJC offers hope, inspiration, and opportunity for action through education, outreach, skill-building and advocacy at the local, national and international levels.
OUR MISSION STATEMENT
Who We Are
Strengthen current fundraising strategies while intentionally developing diversified, sustainable funding pathways through integrated partnerships aligned around a shared mission, grounded in transparency, and guided by antiracist values of equity and accountability that support long-term mission delivery and organizational resilience.
Priority 2 – Integrate Communication and Collaboration
Develop and sustain an integrated communications approach that strengthens internal communication and collaboration across Justice Teams while also expanding MSJC’s reach, voice, and collective impact through intentional partnerships with Marianist entities, and national Catholic and justice organizations. All internal and external communication will clearly and consistently convey MSJC’s mission, values, and justice commitments and foster channels for intentional feedback in alignment with our antiracist work.
Priority 3 – Volunteer Development
Sustain and expand volunteer recruitment, onboarding, retention, appreciation, and leadership development to ensure the long-term resilience of MSJC’s Justice Teams and shared ownership of the mission. This includes intentionally engaging and supporting young people and emerging leaders, strengthening succession planning, and cultivating spiritual formation rooted in Marianist values and antiracist commitments.
Priority 4 – Formation, Spirituality , and Transformative Experience
Strengthen and deepen MSJC’s justice work by centering formation, spirituality, and transformative experience as the foundation for sustained engagement. Through immersive experiences, local and in- person programming, retreats, and educational offerings, MSJC will integrate Catholic Social Teaching, Marianist charism and history, joy, community, and an explicit antiracist commitment, supporting coordinated, focused, and impact-driven engagement in MSJC’s core justice priorities rather than continual expansion.
MSJC's Current Strategic Priorites
- Completed a year-long strategic planning process, including national listening sessions, to shape MSJC’s 2026–2031 Strategic Plan.
- Partnered with Just Roots Consulting to complete a comprehensive organizational antiracism assessment, laying the foundation for MSJC's Race Equity Plan.
- Celebrated MSJC's 25th Anniversary with prayer, gatherings, and NACMS podcasts.
- Took leadership role at Lay Marianist Assembly, offering workshops and prayer experiences.
- Hosted Imago Dei, national LGBTQ+ Catholic conference with Fr. James Martin, SJ (140+ participants).
- Renamed volunteer teams as Justice Teams to reflect MSJC’s commitment to antiracism and liberating language.
- Transitioned leadership as long-time Director Jim Vogt retired and Sarah Gray became MSJC's first full-time Executive Director.
- Formed the Integral Ecology Team.
- Established internal Antiracism Task Force and deepened organizational antiracism efforts.
- Published first Five-Year Vision & Strategic Plan.
- Created separate Racial Justice and Immigrant Justice Teams to strengthen both areas of work.
- Expanded virtual programming during COVID (prayer, workshops, Lenten kits, LGBTQ+ video).
- Launched a refreshed brand identity and new website.
- Expanded national engagement through Changemakers gatherings in San Antonio, Dayton, and Los Angeles.
- Formed theWomen & Justice Team.
- Expanded Death Penalty Team to include restorative justice.
- ASJP hosted international young adult encounters (Peru, 2015 & 2017).
- Hosted first LGBTQ+ retreat and ASJP's international young adult encounters in Peru.
- Released a Marianist statement on immigration reform.
- Launched the Marianist Call to Advance Justice (MCAJ), engaging 78 Marianist communities.
- Published LGBT Resource Guide for Educators.
- Offered justice workshops at Marianist assemblies, launched Thinking Globally, Acting Locally. and hosted Awakening the Dreamer and Seamless Garment dialogue trainings.
- Integrated social justice into Marianist LIFE high school program.
- Established Justice Jottings, MSJC’s flagship newsletter.
- Hosted An Exaltation of Voices, a national gathering for students focused on faith and justice.
- Became accountable to the Marianist Family Council of North America (MFC-NA).
