Social Justice

Catholic Social Justice—Living out our call to love

What is the greatest commandment? Jesus answers: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’” (Matthew 22:37-39). That theme of LOVE is central to our parish mission:

Love God. Love Others.

Make Disciples of Jesus Christ.

The love of God is manifest in love of neighbor, as evidenced in the Good Samaritan parable (Luke 10:29-37). Every human, created in the image of God, is a brother or sister in Christ, possessing equal dignity and worth. Thus, we are called to love and show mercy to all, regardless of social standing, religion, race or ethnicity.

“The Church’s social teaching is a rich treasure of wisdom about building a just society and living lives of holiness amidst the challenges of modern society” (US Conference of Catholic Bishops). With roots in the Old Testament prophets and teachings of Jesus, Catholic social tradition has been foundational to the Church from its earliest days.

Catholic Social Teaching overview resources:

Thematic poster (courtesy of Catholic Relief Services)
Video: "Catholic Social Teaching: What it IS, and What it is NOT" (Fr. Robert Sirico)

Seeing the face of Jesus in the "other"

Injustice toward the racial “other” persists in our communities. In its most visible form, violence against Blacks, Hispanics, Asians and Native Americans grabs headlines. Less visible are slights and slurs endured by people of color. And often the forms of injustice are virtually invisible—hidden in systems that exclude racial and ethnic minorities from full access to equal housing, employment, education, lending and opportunities that would enable them to pursue their hopes and dreams—their rights as children of God.

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops is emphatic on the issue of racism. It has a profound impact on our culture, and no place in the Christian heart. “This evil causes great harm to its victims, and it corrupts the souls of those who harbor racist or prejudicial thoughts.”

To invite a conversion of hearts, minds and institutions, and to address the evil of discrimination and racism, the USCCB issued a pastoral letter: Open Wide Our Hearts: The Enduring Call to Love. It is accompanied by a helpful study guide for individuals, families or small groups.

“Love one another, even as I have loved you” (John 13:34). This command of Jesus permeates every aspect of faith, for it is in love of neighbor that we express our love of God. Throughout the ages, the Church has established expectations and provided guidance on how love of one another addresses the challenges of the times. From the treasury of writings from Popes and Bishops via encyclicals and ecclesial documents we can draw on that wisdom to fuel our response.

To understand what is expected of us as Catholics, to open our hearts to transformation and to translate that into action, the following lessons are recommended as a good starting point. They are useful not only for personal learning, but lend themselves well to sharing in a family or small group setting.

Fratelli Tutti (On Fraternity and Social Friendship)

Pope Francis issued this social encyclical in October 2020 to declare ways to build a better, more just and peaceful world with the contribution of all people and institutions. It adamantly rejects war and globalized indifference.

A study guide contains material for faith groups, families and individuals to journey through the encyclical in six sessions. Each session includes an opening and closing prayer, summaries of each chapter of the encyclical, discussion questions for small groups or individuals, and ways to put Fratelli Tutti into action. (6 sessions)