Photo By Michael Alexander

ATLANTA—“Being Salt and Light” is the theme of the second annual archdiocesan Justice and Peace Exposition. Admission and parking are free for the Saturday, Feb. 8, event, to be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Chancery offices, located at 2401 Lake Park Drive, in Smyrna.

“All they need is an open heart,” said Lesyle Colvin, program specialist for the archdiocesan Justice and Peace Ministries.

Last year’s inaugural exposition was held on a Tuesday, and organizers are hoping that moving the event to Saturday will allow more of the laity and clergy to attend.

“I’m hoping families will come,” said Colvin.

More than 50 Catholic and non-Catholic ministries or organizations are registered to participate. Colvin said the event is both for those who live the Church’s social teaching and those who may not be aware of the teachings.

“It’s an opportunity for everyone to grow and learn,” she said.

The day is designed to share ministries that are reflective of some aspect of the Church’s social teachings—an integral part of the faith. These teachings are often condensed into seven themes: Life and Dignity of the Human Person; Call to Family, Community and Participation; Rights and Responsibilities; Option for the Poor and Vulnerable; Dignity of Work and Rights of Workers; Solidarity; and Care for God’s Creation.

Attendees are encouraged to explore ministries or organizations with which they are not familiar.

First-time participants will include Kairos USA, Neshama Interfaith, Family Promise, Bravehearts, Wellspring Living, Amigos for Christ, and Moms Demand Action.

“They are calling for common sense gun legislation,” said Colvin about Moms Demand Action. The issue will be addressed in the current Georgia legislative session, and Moms Demand Action is non-partisan in its approach.

Also attending will be representatives of the Cristo Rey Atlanta Jesuit High School, which will open for the 2014-15 school year. “They will be able to speak with students and businesses needed to hire students,” said Colvin.

Other organizations participating in the exposition will be: Catholic Relief Services, Compassionate Atlanta, Daisy Alliance, the archdiocese’s Disabilities Ministry, El Refugio, Faith Alliance of Metro Atlanta, Family Promise/Interfaith Hospitality Network, Georgia Catholic Conference, Georgia Interfaith Power & Light, Georgia Latino Alliance for Human Rights, Hispanic Ministry Office, Holy Week Pilgrimage for Immigrants, Ignatian Spirituality Project, Ignatius House, Interfaith Children’s Movement, JustFaith Ministries, Living Room, Multicultural Center, National Religious Campaign Against Torture, Post Abortion Treatment and Healing (PATH), Pax Christi USA, Spring Hill College, Travelers Together, Unbound, the Youth Theological Initiative and others.

“I’m so excited,” said Colvin.