Social Justice Principles

 


CST 101: Care for Creation video


Catholic Relief Services video about solidarity - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cteMjwOBPtw 


Call to Family, Community, and Participation video


CST101 Life & Dignity video clip

http://povertyusa.org/multimedia/cst-101-life-and-dignity


Catholic Social Justice Principles

The St. Rita Human Concerns Committee is beginning a series on the Social Justice Teachings of the Catholic Church. The Church's social teaching has many sources and has evolved over time into seven basic themes. It is a lived tradition of thinking of others followed by service, responding to current societal needs and changing circumstances. Each month the focus will be on a new social justice principle with examples of how we can live out the teaching in our community.

“Our commitment to the Catholic social mission must be rooted in and strengthened by our spiritual lives. In our relationship with God we experience the conversion of heart that is necessary to truly love one another as God has loved us.” archmil.org

For further information
     http://www.ccmke.org/CatholicCharities/pdf/7PrinciplesofCatholicSocialTeaching.pdf

     https://www.wearesaltandlight.org/learn-together?tab=catholic%20social%20teaching


The Life and Dignity of the Human Person


Every human being is created in the image and likeness of God, and as such all human life is sacred. This foundational principle is the basis for all of the Catholic social justice themes. Each human life is unique and special and, therefore, precious. We are called to treat others with respect and fairness, remembering that people are more important than things. With this as our guiding principle, our human institutions are to be measured by how they respect and cultivate the life and dignity of the human person.

“God looked at everything he had made, and found it very good.” Genesis 1:31

Living It Out
     Try to go about your day remembering how precious each person is.
     Pray for those working to honor the dignity of all people. Encourage someone in their efforts with a phone call or note of appreciation.
     Thank the people in your life for the unique and special gifts they bring to your relationships and interactions.
     Learn about the foster care system and consider how you might be of service.
     Help an elderly neighbor with snow removal or yard work.
     Go through old baby clothes and make a donation to an organization that supports young mothers.
     Call a local nursing home and ask how your skills and talents may be of assistance.

Local Ministries and Groups Putting this Principle into Action

At St. Rita
     Infant and Pregnancy Loss
     Health Ministry
     Respect Life Committee
     Bereavement Ministry
     St. Vincent de Paul’s Baby Closet

In our Community
     Carenet in Racine
     Senior Companion
     Our Harmony Club
     Pro-Life Wisconsin
     Faith Hope and Love


Call to Family, Community, and Participation

God, in the form of the Trinity, is relational. We, who are created in the image and likeness of God, are called into relationships within our families and our communities. We are social beings and through our participation in our families and communities, God acts in the world.

“This is my commandment: love one another as I love you.” John 15:12

For further information: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=giQgWakrgQs&t=208s

Living It Out
     Write a letter to someone working to build community in our town, thanking them for their efforts.
     Apologize to someone in your family.
     Prepare a meal or baked goods for a family who is experiencing a difficult time.
     Share the title of your favorite inspirational book with someone in your family or community.
          Discuss it with them. Consider donating a copy to the library.
     Offer to pick up groceries for a neighbor.
     Start a kindness challenge within your family. See how many people you can impact.
     Babysit so a married couple may have time together to focus on their relationship.
     Leave a thank you note for your trash collector or mail carrier.

At St. Rita
     Human Concerns Committee
     Ministry to the Homebound
     St. Vincent de Paul
     Prison Ministry

In our Community
     Catholic Charities
     Big Brothers Big Sisters
     Racine County Foster Care
     Fosters reStore


Care for God’s Creation

The earth and all of creation are precious gifts from God. We are called to be stewards of all that has been entrusted to us. When we do so, we show our love and respect for God, our creator. We play a part in creation when we work to sustain and maintain these wonderful, holy gifts. We have a special responsibility to vulnerable populations as well as future generations in our care of creation.

"God looked at everything he had made, and found it very good." Genesis 1:31


For Further Information

LAUDATO SI' FRANCIS

Top Ten Takeaways from 'Laudato Si'' | America Magazine


Living It Out

Shop at local farmer’s markets and eat seasonal foods.
Compost your food waste.
Store food in reusable containers.
Ride the bus, walk, bike or carpool when possible.
Turn off all lights, appliances and electronics when not in use.
Take shorter showers.
Don’t leave water running when showering, brushing teeth or doing dishes.
Wash full loads of dishes and clothes.
Dry your clothes outside when possible.
Reuse your towels at home and when traveling.
Help organize or participate in local projects that care for the earth. 
Start or help maintain a community garden.
Help maintain a local park.
Sign up to keep a section of a local roadway clean.
Shop at second-hand stores and donate your unused items.
Purchase products with environmentally friendly or less packaging.
Try to fix things before buying new items.
Plant a tree.


Local Ministries and Groups Putting this Principle into Action

Eco Justice Center
Humane Society
Caledonia Conservancy
River Bend

 

At St. Rita

     St. Rita’s Building and Grounds Committee - Pick up sticks on the grounds or help to maintain the flowerbeds and planters.


Solidarity

We are one human family. The Catholic social principle of solidarity is about recognizing others as our brothers and sisters and actively working for their good. 

"If one member suffers, all suffer with it; if one member is honored, all rejoice together with it." 1 Corinthians 12:26

For Further Information
     https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A2DjhDMyoLg&feature=emb_logo

Living It Out
     Pray a rosary for the common good of society. You could pray one decade each day if you have small children.
     Have a discussion about global issues that impact our fellow human beings and which issues your family/parish committee feels called to address.
     Use social media to share information about local or world organizations that are working to build solidarity among people. 
     Pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet, asking for God’s mercy on “the whole world”.

Local Ministries and Groups Putting this Principle into Action

At St. Rita 

     Prayer Network - email beccafog@gmail.com for more info
     Bereavement Ministry
     Prayer Shawl/Comfort Quilt Ministry
 

In our Community
     Racine Interfaith Coaltion (RIC) 
     The Hospitality Center of Racine
     Volunteer Center of Racine County