One of the most encouraging signs of the gospel at work in our midst is the vitality and quality of social justice ministries in our parishes. Across the country, countless local communities of faith are serving those in need, working for justice, and sharing our social teaching as never before. Millions of parishioners are applying the gospel and church teaching in their own families, work, and communities. More and more, the social justice dimensions of our faith are moving from the fringes of parishes to become an integral part of local Catholic life.

Communities of Salt and Light, U.S. Catholic Bishops

Through its parish social ministry, St. Mary’s strives to respond faithfully to God’s call in the Old Testament, to the teachings and example of Jesus and his followers in the New Testament, and to the social teachings of the Church. The Old Testament prophets made it clear that in order for Israel to be in right relationship with God, God’s chosen people needed to be in right relationship with each other: Israel had to care for those in the community who were in need (e.g., Isaiah 58; Jeremiah, 7:1-7; Micah, 6:8). In doing so, Israel would acknowledge its dependence on God and its understanding that God intended the earth and all it contained for the use of all human beings and peoples.

This booklet describes much of the parish’s social action ministry.

Posted March 27, 2008

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