“The grace of Christ, which brings our hope of salvation to fulfilment, leads us to cooperate with him in building an ever more just and fraternal world, a world in which every person and every creature can dwell in peace, in the harmony of God’s original creation.” – Pope Francis, XLIX World Day of Peace
The Archdiocese of San Antonio works to reach the most vulnerable, the poor, the marginalized, and those that do not have a voice or have been silenced. The Archdiocese of San Antonio promotes integral human development within a culture of welcoming and accompaniment, with a transformative commitment to solidarity that emerges from the encounter with Christ.
To build a culture of life, justice, and peace in our communities and beyond, the Archdiocese offers educational and formational resources, information, and activities that reflect the richness of Catholic Social Doctrine and its teachings on human dignity and our common call to love our neighbor as our Lord has taught us.
We assist in building and sustaining strategic leadership in parishes and with community partners through training, advocacy, prayer and service.
Explore our website for more information and resources on specific topics such as Life, Care for Creation, Racism, and Elections & Faithful Citizenship or scroll down for other useful resources on Catholic Social Doctrine.
Basic Resources for Life and Social Justice Programs and Ministries that can be Implemented in Parishes and Communities
“We believe that the gospel of Jesus Christ is a “Gospel of Life.” It invites all persons and societies to a new life lived abundantly in respect for human dignity” – USCCB, Living the Gospel of Life, No. 19
Published by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) in November 1998, the statement titled Living the Gospel of Life: A Challenge to American Catholics provides a succinct, thoughtful, and compelling reflection on the importance of proclaiming and promoting the Gospel of Life in the United States. Its content remains valid today. Reading it will provide clarity and inspiration to anyone interested in learning more about the importance of recognizing and promoting the sanctity of human life in our world.
“What is urgently called for is a general mobilization of consciences and a united ethical effort to activate a great campaign in support of life. All together, we must build a new culture of life.” – Pope Saint John Paul II, Evangelium Vitae, No. 95)
This 2001 document from the USCCB offers a useful roadmap for the development of a well-rounded program of Pro-Life activities. The pastoral plan is built around four major areas: (1) public information and education, (2) pastoral care for women with problems related to pregnancy, (3) public policy efforts, and (4) prayer and worship. “Key to the success of this pastoral plan it states is the work of informed and committed lay people throughout the nation (…) In addition, efforts of the laity, especially at the parish level, deserve and require the encouragement and support of priests, deacons, and religious.” All of these groups (laypeople, priests deacons, and religious) will find great benefit in the study of this document.
Catholic Charities USA’s Parish Social Ministry Section offers a tool kit where you will find a collection of strategies and resources that have been developed by parish social ministry leaders from across the country. These strategies have been tested in parishes and dioceses across the country and are shared to help you build a unique ministry that responds to the needs of the time and place utilizing the gifts and interests of the parish.
You can also get involved locally in social ministries through Catholic Charities San Antonio. Visit their website and learn how you can serve the vulnerable in our communities through one of their many programs that reach out to those in need.
Get involved internationally! Consult the Catholic Relief Services website to learn more.
CST 101 is a collaborative video series between CRS and the USCCB that explores the 7 themes of Catholic Social Teaching.
Contact your parish to learn more about the life and social justice ministries in your community.
If you are a parish leader (volunteer or staff) and need assistance starting a life and social justice initiative or ministry in your parish, contact the Department for Pastoral Ministries at 210-734-1952 or by email.
Other Useful Resources on Life and Social Justice Issues
Evangelium Vitae–25th Anniversary
“I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” – Jn 10:10
Evangelium vitae (The Gospel of Life)
2020 marks the 25th anniversary of Saint John Paul II Encyclical Letter Evangelium Vitae (The Gospel of Life), which to this day provides clear guidance in a large variety of matters connected to the value and inviolability of human life and the need to protect it and promote it from the moment of conception to natural death.
- Evangelium Vitae (The Gospel of Life)
- Cathlic Social Teaching (USCCB)
- Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church (Vatican)
- Seven themes of Catholic Social Teaching (USCCB)
- Foundational Documents (USCCB)
- Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship (USCCB)
- Catholic Campaign for Human Development (USCCB)
- Two Feet of Love in Action (USCCB)
