Global Solidarity

We are one human family whatever our national, racial, ethnic, economic, and ideological differences. We are our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers, wherever they may be. Loving our neighbor has global dimensions in a shrinking world. — Sharing Catholic Social Teaching, USCCB

Global Solidarity Team: 

Our Mission

We are committed to the Catholics Confront Global Poverty initiative formulated by Catholic Relief Services (CRS) and to educate, involve and mobilize up to one million Catholics in the United States and the Diocese of San Jose to defend the life and dignity of people living in poverty throughout the world, and urge our nation to act in response to the many faces of poverty.

Who Are We?

We are a group of committed volunteers: doctors, nurses, lawyers, liturgists, fair trade ambassadors, teachers, community activists; all offering our skills and talents to assist parishes, schools, and our local community to embrace the values of solidarity with the poor throughout our world.  We have traveled to developing nations and would like to share our stories. 

What Can We Do?

The Global Solidarity Team (GST) will empower Catholics in the Diocese of San Jose who want to help confront global poverty. We will support and encourage prayer in support of the important work of CRS and provide the means to advocate with public officials for policies and programs that help poor persons and communities to help themselves. The GST will also assist the parishes and other Catholic groups implementing programs in support of this goal and of CRS. 

Contact us.  We're here to help!

CLICK HERE for an informative brochure.

Membership: 

• Deacon Steve Herrera, Chair:  CRS Global Fellow
• Linda Batton, Staff Advisor :  Diocesan Director of CRS
• Clarisse Balistreri:  Communications
• Brendan Cunning:  Fair Trade Ambassador
• Janet Ferree:  Human Trafficking
• Kevin Grimes, MD:  Health, Education
• Andrea Hong: Health, Children
• Elizabeth Lilly:  Refugees
• Bill Perry:  Fair Trade Ambassador
• Judy Swazey, Vice Chair:  Operation Rice Bowl