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Parish Social Ministry

Mission Statement

Being a follower of Jesus requires commitment to both charity and justice, as defined by the Church's Seven Principles of Catholic Social Teachings, to meet the immediate needs of all who are poor and marginalized, and address the conditions that cause injustices by working for the transformation of society into the kingdom of God - a kingdom of justice and compassion.

The Parish Social Ministry Committee is called to provide leadership and support to the parish, our parishioners, and the community in living out this commitment in the following ways:

  • Direct Service
  • Advocacy
  • Justice & Peace/Global Solidarity
  • Community Organizing/Community Empowerment
  • Catholic Social Teaching Education/Formation

The Poor and Marginalized

To be poor is to be hungry, to be without decent shelter and clothes, to lack adequate education and healthcare opportunities, to be unemployed, to be on the margin of society, to feel controlled by outside forces, to be unable to deal with problems of daily existence, to be discriminated against.

"Option for the Poor: A Challenge for North Americans" by Peter J Henriot, S.J.

The marginalized are people who are prevented by some obstacle from maintaining an acceptable quality of life which can bring about wholeness.

Direct Service

The following are quotes from "Parish Social Ministry: Strategies for Success" by Tom Ulrich.

Direct Service such as emergency financial assistance, food baskets, home nursing, and job banks. Direct Service provides a compassionate, yet empowering, response to the immediate pain of individuals and families in trouble. This is best done in partnership with organizations.

Legislative Advocacy

Legislative advocacy networks where parishioners engage in efforts to create or change state and federal legislation to reflect just and compassionate social policy impacting people in poverty. This is best done in partnership with...

Justice & Peace/Global Solidarity

Global Solidarity, including social justice and peace efforts, such as twinning with a sister parish in a different country, environmental stewardship projects, and world hunger or development programs. This is best done in partnership with...

Community Organizing/Community Empowerment

Community organizing and community-based economic development projects that put into practice our passionately-held Christian belief in the rights and responsibilities of persons- especially powerless individuals, families, and communities - to fully participate in decisions that affect the quality of everyday life. This is best done in partnership with...

Catholic Social Teaching Education/Formation

The common thread that weaves all this together is regular formation and reflection on Catholic Social Teaching. Such formation allows those involved to be confident that action arises from Catholic faith and values. The desire to build the City (Kingdom) of God stays at the center of motivation for the enterprise, whatever the enterprise may be.

For more information on Catholic social teaching education/formation go to the: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops website.

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Submitted by Anne on Mon, 11/27/2006 - 3:27pm.

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