Parish Life - Social Concerns Committee

 While “social justice” has gotten a somewhat problematic association in our contemporary culture and political life; we, as Christians, are called by God to be concerned about our society and those individuals within it – especially the poor, the distressed, and the vulnerable.  Over and over again, the Scriptures remind us that care for those in need is an integral part of our life in Christ.  Christ, Himself, teaches his disciples, and us, that we are to “follow Him”.  Following Him means following his example of service to those most in need.  Just as He came down from heaven to save us in our need, so we are to humble ourselves to serve the needy in our community.

 You will notice in our Social Concerns Committee pamphlet a detailed listing of the several ways this is being done in our parish family.  Some of these ministries have a long history in the City of Eau Claire and in our parish: Sojourner House, Beacon House, and Community Table.  Others have had a lower visibility and cry out for interest and attention: Pro-Life Ministry and the missions in particular.

Pro-Life ministry can be difficult in our society.  Satan has been very effective in whispering to those forming the political and social messaging in our day.  I have lived long enough to see abortion and contraception be barely whispered about, to being spoken of as a necessary evil, to their transformation into a public virtue and a human right; much of this transformation aided and abetted by Catholics.

Ministry to the homeless and the hungry is a well-founded and attested concern in the Scriptures and in the lives of the saints.  While some may argue the politics and social advisability of helping such people, Christians can only see a brother or sister made in the image and likeness of God who is in need.  In the Catholic Church we even have the Corporal Works of Mercy as a reminder of this obligation to minister to those in need.

Finally, the missions, as attested by the letters of St. Paul, is a concern for every Christian.  Indeed, it was a principle commended to him by the original Apostles, and an act of charity to which he gives witness repeatedly in his letters.  The former director of our diocesan mission office, Msgr. Anthoney Wagoner, used to always say: “the parish that cares for the missions will itself always be cared for”.

These particular areas of ministry are those that are well-established in our community or are areas of particular focus in the Church.  Do you see a further need in our community?  What can you do to help us meet that need?  Let us know!