Parish Social Ministry

 

We see the parish dimensions of social ministry not as an added burden, but as a part of what keeps a parish alive and makes it truly Catholic. Effective social ministry helps the parish not only do more, but be more---more of a reflection of the gospel, more of a worshiping and evangelizing people, more of a faithful community. It is an essential part of parish life."

Introduction, Communities of Salt and Light: Reflections on the Social Mission of the Parish, National Conference of Catholic Bishops

 

 

 

Parish Social Ministry Archdiocese of Hartford

 The Archdiocesan Office of Urban Affairs assists pastors to develop the social ministry of the parishes they serve. We provide education on the Scriptural basis for social justice ministry and on Catholic Social Teaching. We train parish leaders on an individual, parish, and deanery level in how to integrate parish social ministry into the life of the whole parish community. We highlight the call by the U.S. Bishops to encourage every parish to involve people with the four dimensions of social ministry: direct service, justice education, advocacy, and empowerment.

Twice each year we convene parish social ministry leaders on a deanery basis to share information with each other about what they are doing, and to provide training and resources. From time to time we offer conferences and workshops on a Vicariate or an Archdiocesan level. We encourage each parish to set goals for the next stage of development of the social ministry of the parish. Our staff are available to work with parish leaders on a planned basis to achieve goals they set for the development of the four dimensions of parish social ministry in their parish.   We also encourage parishes to explore ways of collaborating within deaneries on common goals and projects.  Finally, we encourage urban and suburban parishes to create partnerships to work on projects in which they have a shared interest.  

Ask for assistance from Lynn Campbell or Tom Breen.  

Note:  If you are unsure about the Deanery you are in click here to find out.

NEW!  

Papal and USCCB statements

U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Catholic Social Teaching Resources

Justice passages from Scripture

Catholic Social Teaching Quotes on Human Dignity, on Human Economic Development, on Option for the Poor, and on Solidarity

Parish Social Ministry Basics

January is Poverty Awareness Month

    Common Ground, Common Good: Toward Greater Social, Economic, and Environmental Justice in Connecticut.  Issued by the Roman Catholic Bishops of Connecticut, April 1, 2003  Click here for English, here for Spanish.

           A Catholic Framework for Economic Life, A statement of the U.S. Bishops

NEW!  Database about Parish Social Ministry in the Parishes of the Archdiocese!  Click here.

 

 

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