St. Mary's at 1115 Pearl St., Anderson, IN 46016 US - Social Justice
| Social Justice |
Why Catholic Social Justice?
Social Justice is basic respect for human beings coupled with concern for and action on behalf of human rights. Pope John XXIII declared in 1961 that human beings are the cause, foundation, and reason why all social institutions exist. The Catholic community therefore affirms and defends the ultimate dignity and rights of every human person. "Justice" stems from the Latin justitia - whatever is "rightful" or "lawful." In effect, Christian social justice means the total ongoing Christian mission to proclaim and live the gospel command to love God, neighbor, and all of God's great creation. Catholic Christian tradition on social justice has been evolving in recent decades. Tradition maintains that true Christian social justice is an active effort to reform and re-shape human societies, governments, institutions, and structures that deny the basic rights of human beings. Christian social justice doctrine stems from the words and deeds of the Hebrew prophets but especially from the prophetic life, ministry, and death resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth. Contemporary Catholic social doctrine has made great strides since the late 19th century, particularly since the time of Pope Leo XIII. Since then, a number of important Christian social teachings, encyclicals, and synod statements have been developed and handed on to the human community by church leaders. In our time the Catholic Church has taught that the drive for justice in the world is at the very center of the Christian evangelizing mission and a gospel-centered existence. The cause of Christian social justice seeks to make the world more generally aware of how humanity can best be served by its many products, processes, and progressive achievements. The Catholic encyclicals that have dealt with social themes in recent decades include Rerum novarum (1891), Quadragesimo anno (1931), Mater et magistra (1961), Pacem in terris (1963), Populorum progressio (1967), Redemptor hominis (1979), Laborem exercens (1981), Sollicitudo rei socialis (1987), and Redemptoris missio (1990). Vatican II Council's landmark document, Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World (Gaudium et spes), spoke in the 1960s of the need for social justice. John Paul II repeatedly said that all people of God must seek basic human rights and an end to oppression because this is fundamental to the Christian duty of evangelization. Essential Catholic notions regarding social justice, respect for human beings, equality among human individuals, differences among human beings, Christian stewardship of God's creation, and human solidarity in God's grace and the risen Jesus are explored in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, articles 1928-1948. The Catechism points out that the community of the baptized, and society as a whole, safeguard social justice by fulfilling the conditions that permit people to obtain what is due to each, according to the common good of humanity and the proper exercise of authority. (Reprinted w/permission from The New Concise Catholic Dictionary Copyright 1995 by Reynolds R. Ekstrom (ppr 298 pgs., $9.95) Published by Twenty third Publications, P.O. Box 180 Mystic, Ct. 06355)
St. Mary's Social Justice Ministry
Effective parish social justice ministry emerges from attentiveness to the Word of God, eyes to see needs in your community and beyond, a commitment of work for greater justice and beyond, a commitment of work for greater justice and peace, a frank assessment of your current efforts, and a willingness to collaborate with and beyond the parish. Effective parish social ministry requires a foundation in Scripture and Catholic Social Teachings, careful planning and evaluation, and creative work on the part of all segments of parish life. (U.S. Catholics Bishops, communities of Salt and Light.) This is who we are.
St. Mary's Social Justice Committee serves as the Social Justice conscience of St. Mary’s parish. The Committee attempts to identify contemporary Social Justice issues and determine the Church’s teachings on these issues. It then formulates adult formation programs that will bring these issues and the Church’s teachings to the attention of St. Mary’s Faith Community.
Serving in this ministry involves attendance at monthly meetings and participating in the discussion and discernment of Social Justice issues that have the potential of becoming a parish formation program. Preparation by reading appropriate resource materials may be required. May need to assist at Social Justice sponsored formation programs.
For more information call the Parish Outreach minister at 644-8467.