Service/Social Concern Commission

As followers of Christ, we are called to live out the values of our faith in the world, serving our brothers and sister, and working for greater justice and peace in the world.

This call is grounded in the Christian and Hebrew Scriptures, and in the life of the Christ and the early Church. Our traditions of justice and mercy, have grown and developed over centuries, inspired by the prophetic lives of the saints, the goodness and sacrifice of believers, and the teachings of the Councils of the Church, the popes and the bishops.

1. Encourage parishioners to share their gifts and resources to meet the basic needs of those who are hungry, ill, aging and homeless.
    
2. Become involve in local issues like housing and health care, or join groups that serve local needs.
    
3. Coordinate efforts in the parish, the interfaith community, and other networks to bring about social change and respond to injustice on the local or world order. This may include community organizing, and efforts for legislative advocacy.
    
4. Integrate the values and content of Catholic Social Teaching into the many aspects of parish formation, liturgy, and community life, connecting our work for justice with the Gospel and sacramental life of the Church.
    
5. Promote study, conversion, prayer and action on the political and social issues of our day, including a range of local and global concerns.
    
6. Form Social Ministry Committees to coordinate and develop the various justice and service opportunities in the parish; to assess parish needs and resources; and to identify and train leaders for these ministries.
    
7. Draw upon the guidance and resources of the Diocesan Staff working in Social Justice Resources, Respect Life, Ethnic Pastoral Centers and Catholic Charities Riverside/San Bernardino, as well as the resources provided by Catholic Charities USA, California Catholic Conference and the US Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).