Social Ministry

The Office for Pro Life and Social Ministry was formed to encourage people to address both the immediate social and community needs in their areas and to work to build a just and peaceful society.

The parish is truly Catholic when it proclaims the Gospel and lives it through service to others. A parish is truly Catholic when each member of the faith community reflects on Catholic social teaching and puts that teaching into practice.

The United States bishops declared, “(O)ur faith is profoundly social. We cannot truly be ‘Catholic’ unless we heed the church’s call to serve those in need and work for justice and peace” ('Communities of Salt and Light,' 1993).

Our Goal

The goal of social ministry is to provide people with the knowledge and the skills they may need to become aware of the immediate needs of their neighbors, to respond in effective ways and to work to change structures that keep people in poverty situations.

Community leaders are encouraged to take advantage of the following programs offered through our diocesan office.

1.     Leadership training to assist in the development of the planning, organization and communication skills required to address social needs.

2.     Legislative education and advocacy training to develop networks of informed leaders who work together to promote just legislation.

3.     Initial ministry formation for those who are beginning a ministry to the bereaved, the elderly, the homebound, persons with disabilities, or other persons in need. Ongoing formation to those who are involved in ministry may take the form of a regional or diocesan workshop or an evening of reflection.

For additional information, please contact the director of pro life and social ministry.