The Church teaches that it takes two “feet” to walk the path of love: SOCIAL JUSTICE addresses the social, political, economic, & structural causes of poverty, while CHARITABLE WORKS respond to the immediate needs & specific situations of individuals.
Social Justice Ministry has its roots in Catholic Social Teaching, which can be distilled into seven themes. The foundation of Catholic Social Teaching is the inherent dignity of every person. This gift of life that God has given calls us to live as caretakers—caretakers of each other, of the earth we inhabit, of our gifts and talents so that we can respond to the responsibilities we have to work to build a world of justice and peace.
Social Justice Ministry includes:
Becoming formed and educated in the Seven Themes of Catholic Social Teaching
Becoming educated about current social justice issues
Discovering the needs of our parishioners, neighborhood and wider community as well as the global community
Discerning our role in reaching out to our brothers and sisters in Christ, both locally and globally
Acting in the ways of charity and justice