January 27, 2012
Bishop asks parishes to raise awareness of Catholic Social Teachings
Editor’s note: Following is the text of a message from Bishop Charles C. Thompson to pastors, parish life coordinators and administrators.
As the New Year begins, I would like to bring to your attention a diocesan effort re-garding the Catholic Social Teachings (CST) of the Church, and ask for your assistance in making our parishioners aware of the “consistent ethic of life” that we must work to protect whenever or wherever it is threatened.
The purpose is threefold: to educate, engage, and empower conviction regarding the seven CST principles.
Beginning February 6, 2012 bulletin notes and briefs will be emailed to pastors, pastoral life coordinators, and parish secretaries. Weekly materials will be provided on the first Monday of each month for that month. Catholic Charities staff and board are over-seeing the effort to provide information and supportive materials that your parish can utilize. These are designed to be used in bulletins, newsletters or inserts for each weekend during the month they are provided.
In conjunction, the Message has been and will continue, providing articles from both local and national writers regarding these teachings that will be specific and timely to current issues.
I am asking your parish to actively participate. The framework has been completed for this on-going educational op-portunity about the rich heritage of the Church and its practical input into every aspect of daily life.
We recognize that many of you are already deeply involved in your own efforts and we applaud the work you are doing. The work of peace and justice is truly a ministry of the whole parish family and community.
I thank you in advance for your attention and response to this effort.