Being Catholic- It's Complicated

[joesdaughter]

11. My Parish

Is very committed to social justice. We have a beautiful but simple building. We make lunch for day laborers weekly. We are part of an inter-faith network that houses homeless families, our facilities provide space for AA, NA, and others. We have an LGBT support group (not pray your way straight) We run a food bank and provide gas cards, bus passes and have paid utility bills for those in need.

We requested and were allowed to designated our Diocesan Appeal funds to specific programs. Nobody wanted to give to the criminal defense fund. There are so many "ministries" we can committ to that whatever your talents, you can find a way to contribute.

http://www.sainttheresecenter.org/pantry.html

We also work with other parishes to run a county-wide Saint Theresa's HIV outreach.

Women are Readers and Eucharistic ministers (baby steps).

None of this makes THE Church absolved of its bigotry and criminal activity. But it is why so many Catholics strive for change through prayer and example.