The Social Justice Committee sponsors events, projects and speakers throughout the year. The social justice committee is chaired by Deacon Bob Bisciglia
Life and Dignity of the Human Person
1 John 3:2 "Beloved, we are God's children now"
Our belief is in the sanctity of human life is the foundation of Catholic Social Teaching. We believe every person is precious and that life must be protected and supported from conception to natural death. We assert that the measure of every institution is whether it threatens or enhances the life and dignity of the human person.
Call to Life in Family, Community and Participation
John 15:17 "The Command I give you is this, love on another."
Our tradition proclaims that the person is not only sacred but also social. How we organize our society— in economics, politics, and law—directly affects human dignity and the capacity of individuals to grow in community. We believe the family is the central social institution and it should be supported and strengthened. We believe people have the right and duty to participate in society to build the common good and seek the well being of all.
Rights and Responsibilities of a Person
Micah 6:8 "Do justice, love kindness, walk humbly with God"
The Catholic tradition teaches that human dignity can be protected and a healthy community can be achieved only if human rights are protected and responsibilities are met. We beleive that every person has a fundamental right to life and access to the necessities of life. Corresponding to these rights are duties and responsibilities to one another, to our families, and to the larger society.
Options for the Poor and Vulnerable
Matthew 25:40 "As often as you did it for the least of my brothers, you did it to me."
Catholic teaching proclaims that a basic moral test of society is how its most vulnerable members are faring. We are called to put the needs of the poor and vulnerable first. We believe political institutions should craft just and fair policies, providing access to basic necessities.
The Dignity and Rights of Workers
Luke 10:7 "For the worker deserves his wages."
We believe that the economy must serve people, not the other way around, and that work is a form of continuing participation in God's creation. To uphold the dignity of work, the rights of workers must be upheld. The rights to productive work, to fair and livable wages, to organize and join unions, and to economic initiative all contribute to full human development.
Communal Solidarity
1 Cor 13:27 "You, then, are the Body of Christ."
We are one human family, whatever our national, racial, ethnic, economic, or ideological differences. We are our brothers' and sisters' keepers, wherever they live. The principle of solidarity calls us to seek a just social order where goods are distributed fairly, opportunity is promoted equally and the dignity of all is respected.
Care for God's Creation
Genesis 2:28 "Have dominion over all the living things."
The Catholic tradition insists that we show respect for the Creator by our stewardship of creation. We are called to protect people and our planet, living our faith in harmony with all of God's creation. Our commitment to the common good and our concerns for neighbors and for generations yet unborn require responsible stewardship of our natural resources.
Adapted from: Sharing Catholic Social Teaching: Challenges and Directions, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, June 1999
