Justice/Our
Mission
"To serve Holy Spirit parishioners as a resource for understanding Catholic Social Teaching. The commission is to be a catalyst for action on behalf of justice and thus foster a caring community that would respectfully address and act upon the social injustices of our parish, local and global communities."
Social Justice Commission, 2007
Our mission is integrated in four distinct areas:
Prayer
“The most important setting for the Church's social
teaching is not in a food pantry or in a legislative committee
room, but in prayer and worship, especially gathered around
the altar for the Eucharist. It is in the liturgy that we
find the fundamental direction, motivation, and strength
for social ministry. Social ministry not genuinely
rooted in prayer can easily burn itself out. On the other
hand, worship that does not reflect the Lord's call to conversion,
service, and justice can become pious ritual and empty of
the gospel. Communities of Salt and Light
NCCB/USCC, 1994
Direct
Action
“Parishes are called to reach out to the hurting,
the poor, and the vulnerable in our midst in concrete acts
of charity. Just as the gospel tells us our lives will be
judged by our response to the "least of these,"
so too our parishes should be measured by our help for the
hungry, the homeless, the troubled, and the alienated-in
our own community and beyond. This is an area of creativity
and initiative with a wide array of programs, partnerships
with Catholic Charities, and common effort with other churches.
Thousands of food pantries; hundreds of shelters; and uncounted
outreach programs for poor families, refugees, the elderly,
and others in need are an integral part of parish life.
The parish is the most significant place where new immigrants
and refugees are welcomed into our Church and community.
A Church that teaches an option for the poor must reflect
that option in our service of those in need.”
Communities of Salt and Light NCCB/USCC, 1994
Education
and Formation
"We are called to share our social teaching
more effectively in our parishes than we have. Our social
doctrine is an integral part of our faith; we need to pass
it on clearly, creatively, and consistently. It is a remarkable
spiritual, intellectual, and pastoral resource that has
been too little known or appreciated even in our own community…
Our social doctrine must also be an essential part of the
curriculum and life of our schools, religious education
programs, sacramental preparation, and Christian initiation
activities. We need to share and celebrate our common social
heritage as Catholics, developing materials and training
tools that ensure that we are sharing our social teaching
in every educational ministry of our parishes. Every parish
should regularly assess how well our social teaching is
shared in its formation and educational ministries.”
Communities of Salt and Light NCCB/USCC, 1994
Advocacy
“Parishes need to promote a revived sense of political
responsibility calling Catholics to be informed and active
citizens, participating in the debate over the values and
vision that guide our communities and nation. Parishes as
local institutions have special opportunities to develop
leaders, to promote citizenship, and to provide forums for
discussion and action on public issues … the voices
of parishioners need to be heard on behalf of vulnerable
children-born and unborn-on behalf of those who suffer discrimination
and injustice, on behalf of those without health care or
housing, on behalf of our land and water, our communities
and neighborhoods. Parishioners need to bring our values
and vision into the debates about a changing world and shifting
national priorities. Parishes and parishioners are finding
diverse ways to be political without being partisan, joining
legislative networks, community organizations, and other
advocacy groups.” Communities of Salt and
Light NCCB/USCC, 1994
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