There are many needs of those living within our parish communities. Parish Social Concerns Committees and individuals often feel so overwhelmed, that often they don’t know where to begin as they strive to carry out parish social ministry.

Listed below are some ideas that Committees and individuals may consider as ways to accomplish parish social ministry and social justice.

Work of Social Ministry Committees

Respect Life
• all life is precious
• caring for women and their families who are in crisis pregnancy situations is imperative
• support and develop healthy family life
• respond to domestic violence
• care for persons who are dying
• changing attitudes regarding abortion
• lobbying to protect unborn persons and those who are on death row
• special ministries for persons with developmental disabilities


Direct Service
• training teenagers to visit elderly shut-ins or prepare food for soup kitchens
• host the outreach of the Catholic Charities’ Immigrant and Refugee Program
• link parish elderly with Senior Services
• assist at homeless shelters
• volunteer in schools (e.g. literacy programs, tutoring, etc.)
• volunteer with Habitat for Humanity
• visit prisoners
• assist persons recovering from alcohol, drugs, or other addictions
• in the parish bulletin, include “Opportunity of the Week” listing the project and contact information
• provide bereavement ministry to those who grieve



Advocacy
• guiding parishioners in efforts to shape public policy via education and hands-on projects
• assist teenagers as they pursue their endeavors to address that which is detrimental to society
• establish a legislative network to write letters, make phone calls, send e-mails, and to communicate to public officials at all levels of government


Community Organizing
• join a congregation-based community organization
• learn more about the Catholic Campaign for Human Development


Restorative Justice Ministry
• reach out to victims of crime
• insure that prisoners have an opportunity for conversion
• re-orient and welcome prisoners back into the community once they are released
• care for the families of those who have been incarcerated


Solidarity
• coordinating the Rice Bowl Collection
• find a parish within Diocese or in the world to “twin” with


Parish Health Ministry
• parish nurse program
• free health screenings


Environmental Justice
• becoming aware of environmental threats
• help to improve the environment through various means of conservation
• assisting farmers and the farming community in their efforts to maintain their role in the production of sustainable agriculture



*Special thanks to Rich Fowler and the Diocese of Stockton, CA for granting permission to use the information listed on this page.

Successful Catholic Social Ministry is always rooted in Catholic Social Teaching and Liturgy. Creating a successful Social Concerns Committee will require formation, education, commitment, and prayer. Committees must be prepared to move from discussion and planning to effective implementation of ministerial endeavors.

Always know that the Office of Social Concerns is available for support, education, and resources whenever the need arises. Please contact:

David-Clarke@dioceseofscranton.org