"In our Catholic parishes, schools, charities, hospitals and other ministries, the poor, the underemployed and the unemployed are not issues, but people with names and faces.  It is an essential part of our work as Catholics to build a more just society and economy. We feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, educate the young, welcome refugees and care for the sick and vulnerable. The Church serves and stands in solidarity with those who are poor and jobless, helping them break the cycle of poverty and act on behalf of their own families and communities."

"I hope we can use our opportunities as pastors, teachers, and leaders to focus public attention and priority on the scandal of so much poverty and so many without work in our society. In order to assist you in these ongoing efforts, the Administrative Committee has asked the bishops' conference to provide you, diocesan staffs and other leaders with resources and materials for preaching, educating the faithful and advocating on behalf of the poor and jobless..."

Archbishop Timothy Dolan, September 15, 2011

Letter to Bishops on Economic Situation


Preach

The following prayers, homilies and bulletin articles were developed in collaboration with Fr. Michael Seavey, a priest of the Diocese of Portland ME, as practical guidance for clergy and parish leaders to inspire  messages of hope, reconciliation and concern for others during the Lenten Season.


Prayers


Homilies


Bulletin Inserts


Educate

Tools for Educating and Advocating on Poverty and Unemployment

 

 

Poverty USA (An Initiative of the Catholic Campaign for Human Development) - Also, Like Us on Facebook!


Statements and Primers


Reports


Marriage & Unemployment Resources


Articles

 


Advocate

 

USCCB Legislative Action Center

Bishops letter to the Joint Committee on Deficit Reduction (the “Supercommittee”)


Government Resources


Nonprofit and Faith-based Resources


Articles and Other Resources

Catholic News Service article on Poverty Report