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Come, Holy Spirit, and open our hearts, minds, and souls to your presence. Grace us with the strength to follow the examples of Jesus. Like Jesus, may the Spirit provide us with a voice to cry out for justice for the poor. Remind us that what we do to the least of those among us, we do to you." Answering the Voice of the Spirit, The Catholic Campaign for Human Development
"Consequently, the promotion of justice is at the heart of a true culture of solidarity. It is not just a question of giving one's surplus to those in need, but of helping entire peoples presently excluded or marginalized to enter into the sphere of economic and human development'." Pope John Paul II, World Day of Peace Message 2001
"We are called in a special way to serve the poor and vulnerable; to build bridges of solidarity among peoples of differing races and nations, LANGUAGE and ability, gender and culture." US Catholic Bishops, Communities Of Salt and Light
Take 5 minutes this week to reflect on how you might reach across societal and personal boundaries to put love into action. Support the Catholic Campaign for Human Development.
"We are a very diverse community of faith racially, ethnically, economically, and ideologically. This diversity should be respected, reflected and celebrated in our social ministry." US Catholic Bishops, Communities of Salt and Light
Join the Catholic Campaign for Human Development in taking action to bridge gaps and reconcile differences between people in this country. Contact your Parish Social Ministry or CCHD Diocesan Director.
"Act justly, love tenderly, and walk humbly
with your God." Micah 6:8
This week, reach out to others who appear to be different from you. Call your Diocesan Director for the Catholic Campaign for Human Development to find out how you can support local projects that foster unity in your area.
"Catholicism does not call us to abandon the world but to help shape it. This does not mean leaving worldly tasks and responsibilities but transforming them...Social justice and the common good are built up or town down day by day in the countless decisions and choices we make."
US Bishops, Everyday Christianity
This week, be conscious of the decisions you make. How do you spend your time and your money?
"Our world is entering the new millennium burdened by the contradictions of an economic, cultural and technological progress which offers immense possibilities to a fortunate few, while leaving millions of others not only on the margins of progress but in living conditions far below the minimum demanded by human dignity...Christians must learn to make their act of faith in Christ by discerning his voice in the cry for help that rises from this world of poverty." Pope John Paul II, Novo Millennio Ineunte, Apostolic Letter at the Close of the Great Jubilee of the Year 2000, January 6, 2001
"For the Catholic faithful, the commitment to build peace and justice is not secondary but essential." Pope John Paul II, World Day of Peace Message 2000
Get involved. Make one social issue your special concern; study it; join with others working on the issue. The Catholic Campaign for Human Development
"Being a believer means that one lives a certain way walking with the Lord, doing justice, loving kindness, and living peaceably among all people. Christian discipleship means practicing what Jesus preached." US Bishops, Everyday Christianity
"Remember the time of hunger in the time of plenty, poverty and want in the day of wealth." (Sir 18:25)
"It is a sign of hope that, despite many serious obstacles, initiatives for peace continue to spring up day by day, with the generous cooperation of many people. Peace is a building constantly under construction." Pope John Paul II, World Day of Peace Message 2000
You can be a builder of peace and justice. Contact your diocesan Catholic Campaign for Human Development director and get involved in your community.
"...Radical changes in world politics leave America with a heightened responsibility to be for the world an example of a genuinely free, democratic, just and humane society.
From salvation history we learn that power is responsibility: it is service, not privilege. Its exercise is morally justifiable when it is used for the good of all, when it is sensitive to the needs of the poor and defenseless.
America first proclaimed its independence on the basis of self-evident moral truths. America will remain a beacon of freedom for the world as longa s it stands by those moral truths which are the very heart of its historical experience. And so America: If you want peace, work for justice. If you want justice, defend life. It you want life, embrace the truththe truth revealed by God." Pope John Paul II, St. Louis, Missouri, January 1999