Overview of the Social Justice - Respect Life Ministry
St. Greg’s newest ministry has been in the process of formation since January 2002. Each month, the group has met to read and discuss the U.S. Catholic Bishops’ teaching on Social Justice and Respect Life in the Church.
In February and March, we discussed Principles, Prophecy and a Pastoral Response, an overview of modern Catholic social teaching. The Catholic Church has a long and beautiful tradition of working for and with the most forgotten members of society. “In the Catholic social vision, the human person is central, the clearest reflection of God among us. Each person possesses a basic dignity that comes from God, not from any human quality or accomplishment, not from race or gender, age or economic status. The test of every institution or policy is whether it enhances or threatens human life and human dignity. We believe people are more important than things.” (A Century of Social Teaching, 4)
At April’s meeting, we discussed Living the Gospel of Life: A Challenge to American Catholics. We are challenged to live Jesus’ Gospel in our society and to bring our faith into the marketplace. “We believe that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is a ‘Gospel of life.’ It invites all persons and societies to a new life lived abundantly in respect for human dignity. We believe that this Gospel is not only a complement to American political principles, but also the cure for the spiritual sickness now infecting our society.” (Living the Gospel of Life, 20)
The Pastoral Plan for Pro-Life Activities: A Campaign in Support of Life was on the agenda for our May meeting. This document is “a pressing appeal addressed to each and every person, in the name of God: respect, protect, love and serve life, every human life.” (The Gospel of Life, no.5)
At our June meeting, we discussed the structure of the Social Justice/Respect Life Awareness Committee and determined how best to serve the needs of our parish and our community. The work of justice and respect for life is not the job of a small group of people in a parish. It is vital that each baptized Christian come to understand the importance of his or her role in fighting for social justice and the dignity of every human life.
Please pray for this ministry as we serve the parish of St. Gregory the Great and help everyone meet the challenge of living the Gospel of life!