Office for Justice and Peace
Starting, Developing and Maintaining a Parish Social Justice Program
Delis Alejandro, St. Monica Church
Kathleen Smith, St. Paul the Apostle
Church
Start
Gather together parishioners and pastoral leadership who are interested in social justice issues or social action.- Form a core team or task force to undertake necessary assessment and planning.
- Parish buy-in ... legitimizing the vision.
Assessment & Inventory
- Identify existing activities within your parish.
- Assess the situation in your local community (ethnic & economic, etc.)
Catholic social teachings
- What are they?
- What do they mean to you? (personal & parish)
- How can Catholic social teachings be integrated?
Educate & Provide Formation
- Educate yourself, your committee, then your parish
- Credible voices: Archdiocese, national catholic organizations and community.
Develop
Improve involvement opportunities
- Recognizing the variety of gifts of your parishioners.
- Recognize time, talent, and treasure of individuals.
Invite and Welcome
- This is not a ministry of one age group - what does hospitality mean?
- Reach out to new parishioners.
Offer new activities, organizations and programs
- With new opportunities come new demands for support.
Maintain
MAKE A PLAN
- Plan with realistic and achievable objectives.
- Evaluate your efforts.
REALITY CHECK
- What are your expectations as an individual and parish?
- What if no one comes??
KEEP THE VISION
- Anchor your vision with prayer.
- Care for volunteers.
- Remember that you are not alone.
