Fostering
social ministry in the Diocese of New Ulm
by Christopher Loetscher
The diocesan Social Concerns
Office and Committee will sponsor an evening workshop, Called to Be Communities of Salt & Light, in three different
locations throughout the Diocese of New Ulm to foster social ministry in
parishes and area faith communities. Anyone interested in strengthening the
social justice and service dimensions of parish, catechetical or Catholic
school ministry, is invited to attend the workshop. It is especially meant for parish social
concerns committee members or those interested in forming a parish or area
social concerns committee. Council of Catholic Women members, Knights of
Columbus, pro-life advocates, and mission guild members are also encouraged to attend.
Ten years ago, the U. S.
Catholic bishops published a primer, Communities of Salt and Light, to promote
parish social mission and ministry. The bishops stressed that “we need to build
local communities of faith where our social teaching is central, not fringe;
where social ministry is integral, not optional; where it is the work of every
believer, not just the mission of a few committed people and committees.”
They also noted that “when
social mission and ministry is an integral part of the entire parish, it is
woven into every aspect of parish life: worship, formation and action.”
The workshop will provide
practical resources, suggestions and models for: sharing Catholic social
teaching; bringing the light of the gospel to family life, work and civic
activity; addressing social concerns in your local community; advocating better
social policy; and building solidarity with the poor and vulnerable around the
world.
Mark your calendars!
and plan to attend the workshop at the location most convenient for you:
October 26 - Church of
October 28 -
November 9 - Church of
At each site, the workshop
will start at
The workshop is free of
charge, but you are asked to pre-register, at least one week before the date
you plan to attend. Brochures, with
registration forms, are available at your parish, or, you may register by
contacting
Christopher Loetscher is
Director of the Office of
Social Concerns
for the Diocese of
New