Why We're Here: Foundations of Parish Social Ministry Matt Cato, Director of the Office of Life, Justice & Peace, Archdiocese of Portland Empowered by the many gifts of the Holy Spirit, we ground ourselves in Catholic social teaching to inspire and form Catholic disciples – Parish Social Ministry – to build God's kingdom of justice and faithfully witness His love. Our Baptism calls every person to participate in some way.
Moving from Multitude to Community, From Anonymity to Communion Pia de Leon, St. Clare Catholic Church, and Father John Kerns, Pastor of Our Lady of The Lake We recognize that we all identify ourselves as parishioners. But how well do we really know our parish community? Being connected in our parishes is the building block for social action. Building community is foundational for all parish social ministry work. We are moved to Social Action – helping others – when we know each other and care.
This workshop provided the tools to assess and build a vibrant parish community that becomes our church home and our family
Bringing Parish Social Ministry Back Home Sheila Gilbert, National President of St. Vincent de Paul This closing keynote encouraged participants with practical insights and motivation for carrying out the duties and responsibilities necessary to grow their parish social ministries programs and organize their parish community.
Specific Needs and Interests
The Holy Spirit Speaking to Us Today: Gifts of Diversity and Unity Jesús Huerta, National Coordinator of Diversity, Catholic Relief Services Participants learned and discussed practical approaches for creating a vibrant intercultural parish by fostering inclusion and integration, with a spirituality of hospitality and mission.
Why Fair Trade? Heather Moline, Northwest Catholic Relief Services Consultant, Kelly Hickman, Archdiocese of Seattle
Young adults and ministry leaders discovered ways to introduce their parishes to the Church’s social teaching on solidarity through Fair Trade. Fair Trade creates opportunities for us to respond to this call in a small but significant way every day through the choices we make as consumers.
Participants learned about Fair Trade and simple actions that they took back to their parishes.