Sunday Reflections and Social Ministry - Catholic Charities

Many of you in San José will know Elizabeth Lilly from liturgical, catechumenate, justice, and pastoral circles. She is now more actively working with parishes to help them foster and support their justice activities through her role with Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County. Because she is a liturgist at the core, she has been working on helping parishes make the connection between liturgy and justice clearer. Part of her motivation comes from the United States Bishops’ 1993 document, Communities of Salt and Light: Reflections on the Social Mission of the Parish.

Below is a sample bulletin reflection she offers that you can use each week that connects God’s story found in the Sunday readings with our story found in the real-life events of a person affected by the work of Catholic Charities and gives information on how you can become part of this story by proclaiming the Gospel in concrete ways in Santa Clara County.

Sunday Reflections and Social Ministry
October – 2008

For weekly bulletins, faith sharing groups, prayer at meetings, bible study, lectors, outreach actions…anywhere the word of God calls us to act with charity and justice. Community and Parish Partnerships Elizabeth Lilly, 408-325-5262, elilly@ccsj.org.

October 5, 2008
“The people are the cherished plant.” Isaiah 5

Catholic Charities story: Cathy, a single mother of two young girls was overwhelmed when they would throw tantrums several times a day. With the help of a dedicated case manager, Cathy has become much more confident in her parenting skills, has started to form deeper, richer relationships with her daughters and both girls have made great improvements. Cathy and her Family Partner are currently involved in getting an Individualized Education Plan for the older daughter. Cathy has been taking more responsibility in the process.

Catholic Charities opportunity: First 5 Family Partners case managers help parents assess their situations, learn about community resources, and make a plan of action. Empowering people to fully participate in the life of the community is one of the goals of Catholic Charities. For more information contact Charlene Moore, 408 283-6150, cmoore@ccsj.org.

Get the entire collection of reflections for October 2008 as a Word doc by clicking the graphic below.



Permission is given to download and reprint for your parishes and communities.