Social Justice
Next meeting:
Thursday, April 24, at 7:00 in the parish house dining room.
The St. Wenceslaus Parish Social Justice group usually meets on the fourth Thursday of the month at 7:00 in the parish house dining room. Newcomers are always welcome. Our current work is in
- support of the Adopt-a-Family Christmas project
- helping parishioners to understand the increasing need in LeSueur County and putting the project in the context of Catholic Social Teachings.
For more information on the St. Wenceslaus Social Justice group, please contact one of the following:
Sr. Ginny Heldorfer 758-0463
Mary Higgins 758-0464
Ann Christy 758-3133
What are Catholic Social Teachings? They are understandings of what it means to live the Gospel in our relationships with one another in family, community and the world. They call us not only to be charitable, but also to recognize, challenge and change social structures that are unjust.
Where do they come from? They come from the teachings of the popes and bishops, but even more basically from scripture and from the evolving understanding of the Jewish and then Christian peoples of how we are called to live in community.
Can you name them? There is no one definitive list of teachings, like there is for the Ten Commandments. The Catholic Bishops of the United States have summarized them as follows:
1. The Life and Dignity of the Human Person – All life is sacred, from conception to natural death.
2. Call to Family, Community and Participation – We humans grow and thrive only by interacting with others in friendships, families, and community. This principle emphasizes peace among all peoples.
3. Rights and Responsibilities - All people have basic rights. All people have the basic responsibility to respect other’s rights and to work actively and live for the common good.
4. Option for the Poor and Vulnerable - We are called as Christians to respond to the needs of all our brothers and sisters, especially the poor, by practicing both acts of charity and acts of social justice that encourage society to meet all people’s basic needs.
5. The Dignity of Work and Rights of Workers - Every person has the right to work as a way of contributing with dignity to God’s creation. The economy exists to serve people, not the other way around.
6. Solidarity - We are one human family regardless of race, nationality, or religion. We are obligated to work for peace and justice globally.
7. Care for Creation - The goods of this world are meant to be shared by all. We are called to respect and take care of our Earth, including preserving the Earth for the future.
How important are they? The bishops tell us that they are as important as studying the scriptures, following Church rules, receiving the sacraments, and attending Mass. They are not optional for Catholics. They are a necessary part of living out our Catholic faith.
How can I learn more? We have a parish social justice group, people who are working with parish staff and programs to highlight Catholic Social Teachings. They have worked hard to share the story of our parish involvement with Guatemalan missions this weekend (see the showcase and displays in the Parish activity Center!), and they have other projects in line. Watch for their presentations. Or join them!
When? Where? Who? Our parish social justice group meets on the fourth Thursday of the month in the parish dining room at 7:00. Visitors and new members are always welcome.
St. Wenceslaus Parish Social Justice group: Nick and Pat Benson, Ann Christy, Kathy Doyle, Andrea Gibbs, Joan Goggins, Casey Heid, Sr. Ginny Heldorfer, Mary Higgins, Susan Karan, Dave and Florence Minar, Sally Radermacher, Dave Sticha, Norb Sticha, and Mary Zweber
Call
Sr. Ginny 758-0463
Mary Higgins 758-0464
Ann Christy 758-3133
for more information.
