Working Together - Making a Difference

“I didn’t put it there – why should I pick it up?” [If I had a dime for every time I hear that in my home, I could be rich!] Usually, when we hear the above question or some variation of it, we are quick to remind our children that we are all part of the family and that we need to work together for the common good of the family. It’s not that we are putting blame on the child for something being in the wrong place, we just need some help!

I think this scenario is a great analogy for looking at the Catholic Church’s Teaching of Social Justice. When we look around us, it is easy to see things that aren’t as they should be. Children shouldn’t be going without food, shelter, etc. There shouldn’t be violence in our homes and neighborhoods. Vandalism shouldn’t happen. People shouldn’t steal. An easy way to feel that we are off the hook, is to say to ourselves –I didn’t do it - it’s not my fault. I’m not the one causing these problems, why should I be expected to help fix them? The answer is really the same as the one we often give our children. We are a part of the same family – God’s family. Even if a problem isn’t our fault, it is still our responsibility to be a part of the solution.

As we focus on Social Teachings this year, we are hoping that what we learn as a parish is to be a part of the solution. On Saturday, November 14th, we will have Service Saturday at our parish. All parishioners are invited to sign up to help be a part of the solution by giving a few hours of their time to others. Arrangements have been made with local nursing homes, food pantries as well as within our own parish for parishioners to put some of our social teachings into action.

God’s Blessings! Carol Daun, Child/Family Formation Director