PURPOSE
The Social Concerns Committee is the organ of the council through which the parish participates in the servant ministry of Jesus Christ. Jesus not only preached the nearness of God's reign, but also enacted the works of God by which people could experience that loving presence of God's reign. We continue His mission, His work and His service toward others, living out the Gospel imperative. The Social Concerns Committee exists to bridge the gap between that Gospel reality and the lived world of our society. It is the purpose of this committee to promote and coordinate programs that will guarantee justice and charity in full measure to all God's children in the world-wide community. This committee has the responsibility for enabling members of the parish to respond to the social problems of today, giving special care to the poor, the lonely, the aged, the oppressed, and minority groups.
FUNCTIONS
1. To educate parishioners to realize that all are called to care for the needs of the universal church and the world.
2. To raise awareness of parishioners on issues relating to justice, peace, and hunger by encouraging the study of papal encyclicals and bishops' statements -- perhaps one topical area or document each year.
3. To coordinate all parish service programs and mission projects, e.g., Thanksgiving clothing drive, Operation "Rice Bowl" during Lent, the annual Campaign for Human Development collection, food collections for the poor, emergency aid, etc.
4. To inform parishioners of programs and resources available through Catholic Charities, Social Justice Committee, ACCW, and the Rural Life Conference.
5. To challenge the institutions of our society to change when necessary, in order that the dignity and rights of each person may be preserved.
6. To promote social justice through direct service, through policy formation, through advocacy, and by any other means which promote justice and peace.
MEMBERSHIP
Members of this committee should have a true interest in justice and/or serving the needy, and in promoting respect for all persons. | 
