Anderson-Alexandria Catholic Pastorate

The eight members of our pastorate’s new Social Justice Committee, called for by our Pastorate Vision Plan, had our initial meetng last Tuesday. It will take several months to develop this committee, both structurally and in forming ourselves in Catholic Social Teaching. 

What is Catholic Social Teaching? As the U.S. bishops describe it, “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. (See “USCCB Seven Themes of Catholic Social Teaching” online). 

Although this teaching can be understood best by reading the Church documents that embody it, it can be summarized in seven key themes. We will be studying, and acting from, these principles: 
 
     Life and Dignity of the Human Person: Human life is sacred. The Church opposes abortion, euthanasia, the death penalty, unjust war, and all attacks on human life. Every person is precious, and the measure of every institution is whether it enhances or threatens human dignity.
     Call to Family, Community, and Participation: The person is both sacred and social. Society’s organizaƟon affects human dignity and the ability to participate in community life. Family life must be preserved and nurtured.
     Rights and Responsibilities: Human rights must be protected, and responsibilities met. Each person has a right to life and dignity and a duty to care for others. Our rights enable us to fulfill our responsibilities, and responsibilities give meaning to our rights. 
     Option for the Poor and Vulnerable: A society’s moral test is how it treats its most vulnerable members. Christ identifies with the poor, the hungry, the immigrant, and the prisoner. (See Matthew 25:31-46.) 
     The Dignity of Work and Rights of Workers: The economy must serve people, not the other way around. Work and workers’ rights must be respected.
     Solidarity: We are one human family. Loving our neighbor has global dimensions. “If you want peace, work for justice.” (Pope St. Paul VI)
     Care for God’s Creation: Stewardship of creation is a requirement of faith. (Our pastorate has already formed a Care for CreaƟon Committee.) 

We aren’t actively seeking more members for the Social Justice Committee, but, if interested, contact me at St. Ambrose Parish (765-644-5956), or [email protected]. This is an ambitious but essential mission, for the committee and for every parishioner in our Anderson-Alexandria Pastorate. Please pray for God’s blessing on our work for social justice.

Fr. Tom Metzger