"Preach
     the Gospel
       always, and
    when necessary
    use words"
-St Francis of Assisi-
St. Francis HOME
Social Ministry
 
 
 
Peace& Justice
 
 

 

St. Francis of Assisi Parish to
Provide Essential Social Service
(Catholic Social Teaching)

Providing social service & knowing the social teaching of the Church is an essential part of Catholic faith.   Far too many Catholics are not familiar with the basic content of Catholic social teaching.   We need to share the social mission and message of our Church to be true to the demands of the Gospel.

Think about ways "how" you have responded to the voice of your neighbor in need.  Think about the motives "why" you responded in the way you did.    Fill in these blanks:  “I was _______ and you _______.” (cf. Matthew 25:31-46)

The following themes are motives "why" we respond to those in need.  Notice that they do not tell us exactly “how” to respond.

  • Life and dignity of the human person - All people are holy, made in the image of God.
  • Call to family, community and participation - People are both holy and social; when one suffers, we all suffer.
  • Rights and responsibilities - People have a basic right to life, food, shelter, health care, education and work.
  • Option for the poor and vulnerable - The "Jesus" test of a community (of society) is how it treats its neediest members.
  • Dignity of work and the rights of workers - Money, work and business exist to serve people, not the other way around.
  • Solidarity - We want justice for all people.
  • Care for God's creation - The environment is God's sacred creation.
How does the Catholic Church come to take a particular position on a public policy issue?  The answer is a set of principles, a body of thought, and a call to action known as Catholic social teaching.		  

A Series of Reflections
on ways to apply Catholic Social Teaching in our daily decisions from individual members of our parish Peace & Justice Committee is found here:
  • Applied On WAR - Dec. 8, 2002.

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  • Applied On Poverty - Dec. 25, 2002.

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  • Applied On Environment - April 20, 2003.

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    Come join us at St. Francis Parish for the next: 
    Social Concerns Formation Event:
    (Yet To Be Announced)
    Visit our
    Peace& Justice
    Committee

     
     
    Catholic Social Teaching
    Here is a link to information on Catholic Social Teaching at the Office  for Social Justice in St. Paul, Minnesota. 
    Catholic Social Teaching

     

    St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, Parish Social Ministry Office, 
    2150 Frieze Ave., Ann Arbor, MI 48104


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