In keeping with the part of our mission statement of “journeying together in service as we build God’s kingdom”, we have many organizations within our area to help us minister to our brothers and sisters in need. Pope Benedict the XVI tells us that “love of neighbor is a path that leads to the encounter with God, and that closing our eyes to our neighbor also blinds us to God” [Deus Caritas Est (God is Love), #16].
Our social justice mission as lay people, is to configure social life correctly … to be just to everyone. Do not abandon the elderly, ignore the suffering, or shun the poor. We are all called to minister to the body of Christ. Below are some ways that we can help with social justice.
Food Shelf
A basket is in the back of each church for food drop-offs. Volunteers to work at the Food Shelf in Brooten are welcome and needed.
The Food Shelf is open on Wednesdays from 1-5:00 p.m.–located on Pleasant Ave in Brooten.
Catholic Relief Services
Catholic Relief Services was founded in 1943 by the Catholic Bishops of the United States to serve World War II survivors in Europe. Since then, they have expanded in size to reach more than 100 million people in more than 100 countries on five continents. They are a member of Caritas International.
Their mission is to assist impoverished and disadvantaged people overseas, working in the spirit of Catholic social teaching to promote the sacredness of human life and the dignity of the human person. Although their mission is rooted in the Catholic faith, their operations serve people based solely on need, regardless of their race, religion or ethnicity. Within the United States, CRS engages Catholics to live their faith in solidarity with the poor and suffering people of the world.
Catholic Charities (Caritas)
Catholic Charities is the largest non-profit human service organization in Central Minnesota. With the help of their donors and volunteers they provide help, create hope, and serve nearly 70,000 people of all faiths annually. They serve from a foundation based upon Catholic social teaching and a belief in justice and the dignity of all human beings.
The 40+ programs of Catholic Charities utilize over 4,000 volunteers and 600 staff members, providing over 83,000 hours of service each year. Their services are divided into five distinct areas:
• Caritas Family Services
• Housing Services
• Residential and Day Services
• Senior Services
• Social Concerns
Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Cloud
Steven P. Bresnahan, Executive Director
911 18th St. N.
P.O. Box 2390
St. Cloud, MN 56302
1-800-830-8254
Caritas International