Parish Social Ministry
Catholic Charities views Parish Social Ministry as the empowerment of the parish as the people of God to fulfill the Church's mission of love, justice, freedom, and peace, by communally responding, in an organized way, to societal and individual needs.
Effective social ministry emerges from attentiveness to the word of God, eyes to see the needs of the community and beyond, a commitment to work for greater justice and peace, a frank assessment of a parish's current efforts, and a willingness to collaborate within and beyond the parish. It calls forth the gifts of every baptized Catholic and recognizes and respects the distinct resources and diversity of the local parish.
The Parish Social Ministry office supports the establishment of a structured social ministry in each parish, provides information and referral to existing social services, promotes networking between parishes for mutual support and information sharing, provides ongoing support and spiritual renewal for parish coordinators, works closely with other diocesan offices to integrate the social teachings of the Church into all diocesan activities, works with local, national and state social action organizations to gather resources and provides practical models of social ministry development in parishes.
The office also promotes education and involvement in social issues impacting the dignity of individuals and families, such as domestic violence, AIDS and substance abuse. Conferences and resource materials are made available to parishes on these and other issues. A program of Parish Nursing/Parish Health Ministry has been developed, which allows health professional and persons interested in promoting wellness in parishes to minister to people in mind, body and soul.