Parish Social Ministry
Coordinator: Coquese Williams
2780 Eastex Freeway
Beaumont, Texas 77703
(409) 924-4415
Fax: (409) 832-0145
The office of Parish Social Ministry seeks to empower persons within the parish to respond to community needs through service, action, and education for justice, advocacy and community building. Through a process of parish needs assessments, identification of needs and resources, and planning for action, the parish is empowered to meet the needs of its community and to reach out to the larger world in the spirit of Catholic Social Teaching.
This is achieved by identifying, supporting and training leaders who will organize people and activities around four specific, complementary ministries:
- Direct Service
- Legislative Advocacy
- Community Organizing
- Global Solidarity
The common thread that weaves all this together is regular formation, education and reflection on Catholic Social Teaching.
The Parish Social Ministry office believes this to be an essential element of living out faith in Jesus Christ. It strives to assist in promoting education about Catholic Social Teaching and training leaders in the skills of effective parish social ministry.
Principles of Catholic Social Teaching
- Life and Dignity of the Human Person
- Call to Family, Community, and Participation
- Rights and Responsibilities
- Option for the Poor and Vulnerable
- The Dignity of Work and the Rights of Workers
- Solidarity
Parish Social Ministry is committed to nurturing, fostering, and supporting Catholic parish leaders who do direct service, advocacy, community organizing and justice education activities.
Parish Social Ministry aids in the empowerment of the People of God, helping them to fulfill their mission of love, justice and peace in the community.
To help achieve these goals, Parish Social Ministry continues to develop comprehensive workshops based on Catholic Social Teaching. Parish Social Ministry Certification helps provide members of the Diocese of Beaumont parishes with the skills and knowledge required to serve Christ by serving others.
Parish Social Ministry Resources
Click here to link to a host of resources provided by Catholic Charities USA that can be helpful to development of Parish Social Ministry activities.
Catholic Campaign for Human Development
For more than thirty years, the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) has worked to help people break the cycle of poverty, not just for a day, but for a lifetime, by addressing its root causes. Through the generosity of area parishioners, CCHD is able to help fund projects within the Diocese of Beaumont and throughout the United States, without regard to religious affiliation, which encourage self-sufficiency, education and training. Non-profit 501(c)(3) organizations working to address social issues in the community are welcome to apply for these CCHD grants. Viewing the parish community as inclusive of its entire geographical area, Catholic Charities, through the Parish Social Ministry office, administers the local grant funding process made available through these CCHD monies.
Third Age
The Catholic Charities office of Parish Social Ministry sponsors an annual Third Age Day Celebration. Hosted by a parish selected by the Third Age Task Force members, this diocesan-wide event provides an opportunity for parishioners age 50 and over to come together for worship, fellowship, entertainment and lunch.
2013 Third Age Day Celebration
The 21st Annual Third Age Day Celebration was held on Tuesday, May 14, 2013 at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Orange. Nearly 300 attended and enjoyed a day of prayer, fellowship, education and entertainment. Many walked away with door prizes and all enjoyed the singing of St. Mary School second through fourth graders that filled the hall with energy and enthusiasm.
Mark your calendars! The 2014 Third Age Day Celebration will be held on Tuesday, May 20 at a site to be determined. This event is the Diocese of Beaumont's biggest annual gathering for those over 50, so don't miss out!
Washington Weekly
Click here to link to the Washington Weekly page of the Catholic Charities USA website for discussion of social policy matters.
Texas Legislative Updates
Click here to sign up for the Texas Catholic Conference's email newsletter, the Texas Catholic Voice, providing state legislative action alerts and news about the Church in Texas.
Click here to view, print, or email a copy of Parish Social Ministry program brochure.
|
|
|
