VISION: Believing in the presence of God in our midst, we proclaim the sanctity of human life and the dignity of the person by sharing in the mission of Jesus given to the Church. To this end, Catholic Charities works with individuals, families, and communities to help them meet their needs, address their issues, eliminate oppression, and build a just and compassionate society.
MISSION: Rooted in the Mission of the Diocese of Youngstown "to minister to the people in the six counties of northeastern Ohio . . .(and) to the world community", we are called to provide service to people in need, to advocate for justice in social structures, and to call the entire Church and other people of good will to do the same.
GOALS: Catholic Charities is devoted to helping meet basic human needs, strengthening families, building communities and empowering low-income people. Working to reduce poverty in half by 2020.
KEY VALUE: Hospitality
WHAT WE DO: Organizing Love. "As a community, the Church must practise love. Love thus needs to be organized if it is to be an ordered service to the community" (Deus Caritas Est, par. 20)
On Sunday (Solemnity of Pentecost, Cycle C, http://www.usccb.org/nab/052310.shtml) we read in John's Gospel that Jesus said to his disciples: “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate to be with you always." The Church was "born" today in the Pentecost empowered by this Promise.
In Catholic Charities http://www.ccdoy.org , empowered by the Spirit, we continue the work of the Church by healing through our services, and advocating through work with persons/families and in the policy arena by working for just social policy.
Here is a poem to celebrate this Solemnity:
Today, as we celebrate the power of the Spirit in the church, the scriptures remind us that the Spirit is a social Spirit – a Spirit that leads us to solidarity with each other, the whole world, and all its people. The Spirit does more than make individuals feel good or different. The Spirit breaks down barriers between peoples. The Spirit changes behavior and moves us into community.
The coming of the Spirit transforms the Christian community.
Locked doors are opened.
Fear is replaced by courage.
Peace is proclaimed.
The power to forgive sins is present.
Those who were afraid now speak up boldly.
Thousands hear the message in their own language.
The coming of the Spirit is reflected in our social values.
In a world of racism and xenophobia and fear of immigrants,
the Spirit speaks to people of every nation under heaven.
In a world of fear and doubt and confusion,
the Spirit inspires people to open the doors and speak out
especially about issues of justice and peace.
In a world of selfishness, competition, and control,
the Spirit gives out gifts that are shared for the benefit of all
especially those who are poor or in need.
In a world with war, violence and terrorism,
the Spirit proclaims a message of peace and reconciliation to all.
In a world of economic problems,
the Spirit reminds us that the things of the world are mean to be shared by all and are to be used for the common good.
In a world where the environment is abused and over used,
the Spirit calls to reform how we live and to use the earth with care and love.
The gifts of the Spirit are for liberation. The Spirit is an inclusive spirit who desires to set everyone free. Maybe the greatest manifestation of the spirit is when people have the grace to identify with the needs and struggles of the world, to listen to those who are poor or oppressed, and to speak up for justice.
(From Center of Concern Education for Justice)
Reflection from Pope Benedict XVI's Encyclical, Caritas in Veritate
"The principal new feature has been the explosion of worldwide interdependence, commonly known as globalization. Paul VI had partially foreseen it, but the ferocious pace at which it has evolved could not have been anticipated. Originating within economically developed countries, this process by its nature has spread to include all economies. It has been the principal driving force behind the emergence from underdevelopment of whole regions, and in itself it represents a great opportunity. Nevertheless, without the guidance of charity in truth, this global force could cause unprecedented damage and create new divisions within the human family. Hence charity and truth confront us with an altogether new and creative challenge, one that is certainly vast and complex. It is about broadening the scope of reason and making it capable of knowing and directing these powerful new forces, animating them within the perspective of that 'civilization of love' whose seed God has planted in every people, in every culture." (par. 33, b)
http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/encyclicals/documents/hf_ben-xvi_enc_20090629_caritas-in-veritate_en.htm
Some important date(s) this week:
http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/Saints/ByDate.aspx
FRIDAY, MARCH 28. Bishop Murry will announce the outcomes of the parish planning process.
Reconfiguration of the Diocese Prayer
Most loving God, we turn to you
as we face reconfiguration of our parishes
and new possibilities for ministry
We are grateful for the many ways our churches
have served us through the years.
Help us to see beyond ourselves, beyond our existing parishes
to the present and future needs of our broader Catholic Community
Empower us to speak confident words of hope and optimism,
trusting that the coming reconfiguration within our diocese
will enable us to face the future with renewed confidence.
We make this prayer through Christ our Lord. Amen
SHARING HOPE IN HARD ECONOMIC TIMES.
The Bishop's Annual Appeal for Catholic Charities and Church is in full swing. Please consider donating. Visit www.ccdoy.org This year, Catholic Charities is celebrating 100 years of providing help and creating hope in the United States.
In 2009, a total of 312 volunteers provided 13,716 hours of service to Catholic Charities. Do you have time to share your gifts as given by the Spirit? For more information, contact the Catholic Charities agency nearest you or visit our website for volunteer opportunities at www.ccdoy.org.
Reflection: Pray for all those touched by our difficult economic times. You may even be praying for yourself!
Prayer Intention: That all will have been affected by our economic decline may find hope in these tough times.
PAPAL INTENTIONS: MAY 2010
Human Trafficking
General: That the shameful and monstrous commerce in human beings, which sadly involves millions of women and children, may be ended.
Priests, Religious and Committed Lay People
Missionary: That ordained ministers, religious women and men, and lay people involved in apostolic work may understand how to infuse missionary enthusiasm into the communities entrusted to their care.
Corporal Works of Mercy: The seven practices of charity toward our neighbor
Feed the hungry
Give drink to the thirsty
Clothe the naked
Shelter the homeless
Visit the sick
Visit those in prison
Bury the dead
Note: Please consider joining our
FACEBOOK CAUSE http://apps.facebook.com/causes/106889
FACEBOOK GROUP http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=461833870606
TWITTER account, CCDOY, http://twitter.com/CCDOY
for current updates and calls to action that we can all use.
See our website at www.catholiccharitiesyoungstown.org for links to the our ministries and services.
For more information on Catholic Social Doctrine and its connection to our ministries, visit my blog at: http://corbinchurchthinking.blogspot.com/
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