FAITH IN ACTION
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The Faith in Action Ministry is actively engaged in social justice issues within the Catholic faith. Through periodic meetings and outreach activities, we provide opportunities to put our faith into action in our parish, community, and the world by educating and activating parishioners with regards to Catholic Social Teaching, offering practical support to those in need, Catholic Citizenship,
and respect for all human life. Sign up for updates through Flocknote or contact Connie LeBlanc for more information 603-448-5129. We welcome you! |
Seven Themes of Catholic Social Teaching from the
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (abridged)
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1. Life and Dignity of the Human Person: The Catholic Church proclaims that human life is sacred and that the dignity of the human person is the foundation of a moral vision for society. This belief is the foundation of all the principles of our social teaching.
THEME IN ACTION Our Baby Shower in January, and Baby Bottle Benefit in May-June, benefit the Pregnancy Center of the Upper Valley. 2. Call to Family, Community, and Participation: The person is not only sacred but also social. How we organize our society - in economics and politics, in law and policy - directly affects human dignity and the capacity of individuals to grow in community.
THEME IN ACTION Throughout the year, our team prepares and serves community meals at the LISTEN Center in White River Junction, Vermont. Our Meal Train Ministry prepares food for families welcoming children, by birth or adoption. |
3. Rights and Responsibilities:
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. Every person has a fundamental right to life and a right to those things required for human decency. THEME IN ACTION We help protect those rights when we petition our legislators to uphold human dignity by, for example, saying no to Assisted Suicide as well as the Legalization of Recreational Marijuana. Keep abreast of these situations with the Diocese's Catholic Citizenship News. 4. Option for the Poor and Vulnerable: A basic moral test is how our most vulnerable members are faring. In a society marred by deepening divisions between rich and poor, our tradition recalls the story of the Last Judgment (MT 25:31-46) and instructs us to put the needs of the poor and vulnerable first.
THEME IN ACTION Our November Veteran’s Day Drive collects personal items or gift cards requested by the VA Hospital. Our Thanksgiving Dinner has become known throughout the state. Our Lenten Food Drive collects food items which are then donated to LISTEN and The Haven. 5. The Dignity of Work and the Rights of Workers: The economy must serve the people, not the other way around. Work is more than a way to make a living; it is a form of continuing participation in Gods creation. The basic rights of workers must be respected.
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6. Solidarity: We are one human family whatever our national, racial, ethnic, economic, and ideological differences. We are our brothers' keepers, wherever they may be. Loving our neighbor has global dimensions in a shrinking world.
THEME IN ACTION Stay current with the Universal Church and her prayer needs through Aid to the Church in Need. You may add Prayer Petitions here and donate materially as well. 7. Care for God's Creation:
We show our respect for the Creator by our stewardship of His creation. Care for the earth is not just an Earth Day slogan, it is a requirement of our faith. We are called to protect people and the planet, living our faith in relationship with all of God's creation. THEME IN ACTION Catholic Rural Life, a nonprofit organization, offers faithful suggestions on how we can support efforts that are consistent with the Faith. Here's a great place to start on their website. |