January 27, 2012
Bishop Thompson: ‘Seven Themes of Catholic Social Teaching’
Bishop Charles C. Thompson addresses an audience in the Woodward Center at St. Benedict Cathedral, Evansville, Jan. 24, on the topic of Catholic Social Teaching. (Message photo by Paul R. Leingang) Click for a larger version.
By PAUL R. LEINGANG (Message editor)
Bishop Charles C. Thompson listed the “Seven Themes of Catholic Social Teaching” in a presentation at St. Benedict Cathedral Jan. 24 and added, “This is not a smorgasbord from which to pick and choose.”
He said the themes — or keys or principles, whatever they are called — are part of our Catholic identity. “We embrace them all.”
Bishop Thompson was the featured speaker at the cathedral parish at an event that began with a soup and sandwich supper. The crowd nearly filled the Woodward Center – about 150 people who came for the meal and another 75 who came after the meal but in time for the bishop’s talk. (Related: ‘Social Teaching’ supper participants contribute to St. Vincent de Paul)
A video from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops was shown first, describing the seven key themes: Life and Dignity of the Human Person; Call to Family, Community, and Participation; Rights and Res-ponsibilities; Option for the Poor and Vulnerable; The Dignity of Work and the Rights of Workers; Solidarity; and Care for God’s Creation.
Bishop Thompson drew on the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 25, to point out that people will be judged by how they treat “the least of our brothers and sisters.”
He said the reason every person deserved to have dignity and respect was not because of human worth or accomplishment, but because “every person was created by God and is an invaluable member of the human family — not just those we like.”
Bishop Thompson acknowledged that living up to these seven principles was not easy, that it was a life-long process, part of Catholic education and formation.
He said Catholic schooling was important, but that academics and discipline — as important as they were — were not enough. Following the principles of Catholic social teaching “is incumbent on every baptized Catholic.”
Christians “are called to transform the world, not to be transformed by it,” he said. That means Catholics are called to build a just society, to transform the culture of death into a culture of life.”
Bishop Thompson connected Catholic social teaching with the Eucharist, and pointed out that it is “rooted in faith and in our liturgical life. What we do on Sunday or Saturday evening is connected with what we do Monday through Saturday.”
He said “social justice is an integral, essential part of Catholic identity.”
Following his presentation, he took questions from the audience. In response to a question about the pro-life stance of a political party, Bishop Thompson cautioned the audience to consider the terminology used by politicians and to be aware that a politician’s meaning of a word such as “pro-life” may not be the Catholic meaning.
Bishop Thompson noted as an example that Texas Governor Rick Perry said he is pro-life but has executed many people [signing death warrants for capital punishment].
Later, a comment from a questioner pointed out that thousands of abortions take place every day, and that the numbers of abortions are many more than the death row executions in Texas.
Bishop Thompson responded that the life issue was not “a numbers game. Even one abortion is not acceptable. So is one racial slur. One euthanasia. One death penalty.”
The event at St. Benedict Cathedral drew parishioners as well as members of other parishes and other faith traditions. Following the formal presentation and the audience question-and-answer session, Bishop Thompson stayed to meet people and to discuss individual questions.
‘Social Teaching’ supper participants contribute to St. Vincent de Paul
The Catholic social teaching presentation at St. Benedict Cathedral in Evansville was the occasion for several organizations to showcase their efforts.
Display tables were set up with information about Congregations Acting for Justice and Empowerment, the St. Benedict St. Vincent de Paul Society, the Gabriel Project and the Eliza-beth Ministry.
Participants who came for the soup and sandwich supper were invited to contribute to the St. Vincent de Paul Society. Joe Hess from the society counted up $750 in contributions.
“This will cover a lot of utility bills,” Hess said. He said a family in need typically receives a $75 emergency grant to help with home utilities.