Walt and Judy Unger of Mother of Perpetual Help Parish in Maryville came to the DAEC to speak to their fellow diocesan Catholics about social justice. In their session "Go Forth, to Love and Serve the Lord: Battling Poverty and Fighting for Justice," they spoke from many years of experience — experience studying Scripture, fighting poverty and generally helping others. Judy is JustFaith facilitator at her parish, while Walt is RCIA coordinator and a catechist.

The teachings of Catholic social justice come from the Bible and especially the teachings of Jesus and the Old Testament prophets, said Walt. In Christian Scripture one of every 16 verses is about the poor, or having too much or too little money. In the Synoptic Gospels, one out of 10 verses is about the poor. And in the Gospel of Luke alone, one of seven verses is about the poor.

Catholic social teaching has seven key concepts, he said. They are: human dignity; community or the common good; rights and duties; option for the poor; dignity of work and the rights of workers; solidarity; and care for creation.

Both Walt and Judy spoke about the poverty issues such as unemployment, low income, poor health care, less than proper basic education, and discrimination. Then they discussed pro-life issues such as abortion, embryonic stem cell research, euthanasia, cloning, care of the dying, just war and the death penalty.

"There are so many issues," Walt said. "Try to work locally and don't try to fix them all."

Judy recommended that people with a deep commitment to learning try the JustFaith program. "JustFaith is so important, but it is for those really wanting to be immersed in Catholic social teaching. It is a long commitment, 36 weeks," she said. "So you really have to want to do it."

The Ungers, who have worked with Sister Jane Boos, SSND, director of the Office for Social Concerns for the past 15 years, said they are available to help people in the Springfield diocese. "We are available to come and talk to your parish or group," Judy said. "If you establish a group, let us know how things are going. We are interested."

To contact them, e-mail or call (618) 288-5381.