Social Ministry
Parish Social Ministry at St. Andrew the Apostle supports the integration of Catholic Social Teachings into all ministries and parish life by providing resources, training and information.
Voices that Challenge
Migration
Christian commitment to immigrants draws strength from Christ's love, which is Good News for all human beings. Thus, the Church works to en sure that every person's dignity is respected, the immigrant is welcomed as a brother or sister, and all humanity forms a united family which knows how to appreciate with discernment the different cultures which comprise it. Jesus reminded us "I was a stranger, and you welcomed me."
-Pope John Paul II, Message for World Migration Day, 2000
Links to resources on Church teachings and statements on immigration/migration
- Read the US Bishop's Letter Strangers No Longer published in 2003 or the Arizona Bishop's Letter on Immigration You Welcomed Me at the Dioceses of Phoenix website.
- Read about the five principles of immigration reform from the U S Bishops
- Other resources can be found at Catholic Charities AZ and Justice for Immigrants.
Poverty
From a Judeo-Chrisitan perspective, poverty means that the covenant with God has beenruptured. Our relationship with God is not in right order, and the injustice of povertyand extreme inequality cries out for change. Among the moral values that should governour analysis of poverty are the following: human dignity, the common good, human rights,and the option for the poor.
'Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family,you did it to me.' Matthew 25: 40
To view documents on poverty in the US published by Catholic Charities USA go to http://www.catholiccharitiesusa.org/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?pid=1308
20 Things You Can do to Address Poverty
1) Pray for those whose lives are impacted by poverty
Prayer to Reduce Poverty
Good and Gracious God, we pray for your assistance in alleviating the pain and needless struggles of our brothers and sisters in need. Working together and with your grace, we know that each person deserves and should have affordable housing, adequate food, health care, and economic security. Loving God, we know that ?whatever we ask, in your name, it will be granted to us." So help us in trying to alleviate poverty, and may our efforts give you praise and be a sign of your kingdom on earth. Amen.
2) Use scripture to deepen your understanding of poverty.
http://www.catholiccharitiesusa.org/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?pid=1170
3) Familiarize yourself with Catholic social teachings on the poor. http://www.catholiccharitiesusa.org/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?pid=637
4) Educate yourself about poverty in your community and in the United States. Read Poverty in America: A Threat to the Common Good and other facts.
Principles of Catholic Social Teaching Made Simple
All people are holy, made in the image of God.
People are both holy and social; when one suffers, we all suffer.
People have a basic right to life, food, shelter, health care, education and work.
The "Jesus" test of a community or society is how it treats its neediest members.
Money, work and business exist to serve people, not the other way around.
We are called to work for justice for all people.
We care for God's creation.
JustFaith is an opportunity for parishioners to experience a spiritual journey into compassion. JustFaith provides a lively and challenging format to read, discuss, pray, experience and be formed by the our Catholic justice tradition that changes lives, inspires faithful witness, and transforms the world through love and service. This program is now offered in hundreds of parishes across the country and will be offered here at St. Andrew the Apostle during the evenings on the second and fourth Thursday of each month. JustFaith Ministries works in partnership with the Catholic Campaign for Human Development, Catholic Charities USA and Catholic Relief Services. There will be more information about JustFaith at the Ministry Fair, Saturday and Sunday, September 27 and 28 at the Adult Faith Booth or contact Cathy Olds 480-899-1990, ext. 130 or cathy.olds(at)standrew-cfc.org or go to www.justfaith.org
Web links
www.catholiccharitiesaz.org/communities.aspx ~ Diocese of Phoenix, Office of Peace and Justice assists parish and school communities in understanding and acting on Catholic social teaching.
www.justiceforimmigrants.org ~ information and links to the Catholic Campaign for Immigration Reform sponsored by the US Conference of Catholic Bishops.
www.votethecommongood.com ~ Two thousand Catholics and other people of faith have gathered in over 40 states to develop a Platform for the Common Good that articulates shared principles about building a culture of life, promoting economic justice and peace, establishing foreign policy rooted in global solidarity and caring for God?s creation. The Platform was ratified on July 12, 2008 in Philadelphia during the Convention for the Common Good.
http://shop.equalexchange.com ~ link to a company that offers fair trade coffee, tea, chocolate, cocoa and snacks.
www.crs.org ~ Catholic Relief Services provides information and resources on relief work around the world.
www.osjspm.org ~ Office of Social Justice for the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis
www.usccb.org/cchd/education.shtml ~ Catholic Campaign for Human Development
www.bread.org/BFW-Institute ~ Bread for the World Institute provides policy analysis on hunger and strategies to end it. The Institute educates its advocacy network, opinion leaders, policy makers and the public about hunger in the United States and abroad.
www.networklobby.org/ ~ Network, a Catholic leader in the global movement for justice and peace?educates, organizes and lobbies for economic and social transformation.
www.wordandworld.org ~ Word & World is a school, a celebration, a movement. Through week-long gatherings, each rooted in a different city, this ?moveable institute? seeks to provide education, training, and capacity-building for Christian disciples dedicated to the work of social transformation.
www.santegidio.org/index.php?&idLng=1064&res=1 The Community of Saint Egidio
www.catholiccharitiesusa.org/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?pid=897 ~ Catholic Charities USA Campaign To Reduce Poverty Poverty in America is a moral and social crisis that threatens the health and well-being of our country. It's time to renew our commitment to action on behalf of the poor and vulnerable.
www.shc.edu/theolibrary/justice.htm ~ Justice section of the online Theology Library of Spring Hill College includes documents on social issues from the Vatican and U.S. Bishops as well as articles on social issues.