Social Justice Ministry

Diocesan Social Action Office

Join us as we celebrate Catholic Social Teaching Month! Below, we have made available resources for individuals/families and parishes to use throughout the month to support the growth and knowledge of the principles of Catholic Social Teaching.

Week 1: Dignity of the Human Person

This teaching on the dignity of each person is the starting point and the foundation of all Catholic Social Teaching. It means that every person is precious, that people are more important than things, and that we are to make every effort to respect that dignity and help each person to flourish (Challenge and Spirituality of CST, Mich)

Week 2: Preferential Option for the Poor

A basic moral test is how our most vulnerable members are faring. In a society marred by deepening divisions between rich and poor, our tradition recalls the story of the Last Judgment (Mt 25:31-46) and instructs us to put the needs of the poor and vulnerable first. (USCCB)

Week 3: Solidarity

Solidarity highlights the intrinsic social nature of the human person, the equality of all in dignity and rights and the common path of individuals and peoples toward an ever more committed unity. Never before has there been a widespread awareness of the bond between individuals and peoples, which is found at every level. (CSDC)

Week 4: Call to Family, Community & Participation

The person is not only sacred but also social. How we organize our society -- in economics and politics, in law and policy -- directly affects human dignity and the capacity of individuals to grow in the community. (USCCB)

The Social Justice Ministry is made up of parishioners representing the parishes of St. Joseph and Holy Spirit. The purpose of this ministry is to provide experiences that enable our parishioners to learn about issues of injustice and to engage their faith. Inspired by Scripture and Tradition, all members of the Catholic Church are called to be a people of faith and action, people who strive to be the light of Christ in the world as advocates for peace and justice. Catholic Social Teaching, including Pope Francis’ encyclical, Laudato Si, emphasizing care and respect for our common home, is a central element of our faith. It is Jesus who calls us to this mission, not any political or ideological agenda.

The Social Justice Ministry has undertaken and is currently pursuing the following activities:

Sending letters to and visiting government officials concerning important issues such as climate change and common- sense gun legislation

Providing education for parishioners by hosting speakers on safe gardening practices, immigration and human trafficking

Sponsoring electronics recycling drives and fair-trade shows

Being further educated on human trafficking and currently delivering posters of missing children to local hotels

Sponsoring church collections for local refugees, the incarcerated and those less fortunate

We meet on the second Thursday of the month at 6:30 PM at St. Joseph Parish in the office conference room.

If you have questions, contact Donna Dugan at 440-785-8051 or ddcorita@aol.com.

The Diocesan Social Action Office seeks to shape a more caring and peaceful world through justice education, advocacy, community development and organizing. CLICK HERE to be taken to their website for up-to-date news and actions that can be taken.

For more information, go to: www.ohiocathconf.org/