PURPOSE: Catholic Social Teaching calls every baptized Christian to be Jesus to those they meet. While on the surface that may seem a daunting challenge, it really isn’t. We can become like Jesus when we are compassionate, forgiving, loving, and a servant to all our brothers and sisters. Non-profits, who are dedicated to the lesser of our brothers and sisters, are wonderful examples of this call to be Jesus to everyone we meet.
Those of you who are already answering this call in your ministry to the homeless are already experiencing this. Volunteering with a non-profit, serving the vulnerable, will enhance that exposure. These non-profits are multi-tasking in their service. They are very complex and face many challenges unforeseen by most. They recognize those they serve as clients rather than the needy. Their ministry is to uplift those who have often lost their self-esteem. Hopefully, in your exposure to the non-profit of your choice, you will be able to witness the scope of their ministry. You will discover a kinship with them in their efforts and appreciate organizations and individuals who are living the seven themes of Catholic Social Teaching.
REQUIREMENTS: Each Aspirant is required; each wife is invited; to volunteer at a non-profit. A minimum of 40 hours must be completed by the CST Retreat in June 2021. Volunteer Orientation will count toward the 40 hours. (If an extension is needed, to complete the 40 hours, contact Deacon Frank.)
Journaling of this experience, for those participating, is stressed. Drawing from these journal notes, a 7 minute presentation on the non-profit experience will be made by those participating. (Aspirants required, wives encouraged)
FINDING A NON-PROFIT
A list of non-profits is on the following page. By no means are these all of those working in the area of Social Justice. Part of your experience as deacons will be guiding the laity in a Social Justice ministry. Without your guidance, they may not know where to begin. The needs of the poor and vulnerable are not new. More likely than not a non-profit is working to assist a client with the needs you encounter. We invite you to use the internet and discover for yourself what is available and evaluate them by means of the themes of Catholic Social Teaching. Then from experience, you will be able to guide you parish ministry.
For your personal growth, pick a non-profit that appears to be outside of your experience. It will broaden your view of Social Justice as well as expand your base of contacts.
The list of non-profits we are providing are well known to the Diaconate and are preapproved.
- CRITTENTON SERVICES FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
crittentonsocal.org (Bev Berryman) Team contact: Dcn Richard
- ILLUMINATION FOUNDATION
ifhomeless.org (Caroline Horstmann) Team contact: Dcn Richard
- MARY’S SHELTER
maryspath.org (Gina Crofts) Team contact: Dcn Nick
- ORANGE COUNTY CONGREGATION COMMUNITY
occcopico.org (Miguel Hernandez) Team contact: Dcn Adolfo
- RADIANT HEALTH CENTERS
radianthealthcenters.org ( ) Team contact: Dcn Victor/Diane
- BACKBAY SCIENCE CENTER
backbaysciencecenter.org ( ) Team Contact: Dcn Mark/Carla
The Office of Life, Justice, and Peace, and the Restorative Justice/Detention Ministry are not available at this time due to the Pandemic.
Please keep it in mind that the above are preapproved recommendations, however, you are not limited to them. If you have an alternative, please send Dcn Frank an email with a description and reasons for your request.
If you have any questions, please contact Dcn Frank or Dcn Richard (rdoubledee@roadrunner.com)