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Social Justice
In fidelity to
the gospel’s mandate that we care for our neighbor in need and in
keeping with the social teachings of the church, we strive to put
into action our commitment to human life and dignity, Christian
hospitality especially to the immigrant and stranger in our midst,
to actively support family life, and by sharing our spiritual and
material blessings with others both near and far. We believe that
as a Eucharistic community we are sent “to bring good news to the
poor and broken-hearted.” Further we take to heart the challenge
of the Catholic Bishops of the United States when they write:
“The Eucharist commits us to the poor. To receive in truth the
Body and Blood of Christ given up for us, we must recognize Christ
in the poorest.” (#1397)” …excerpted from, A Place
At The Table, A Pastoral Reflection of the U.S. Catholic
Bishops, 2002.
* News Flash....
Justice Walking is coming to St.
Clement's!-> ask for details!
St. Clement’s
regularly tithes with the Diocese of Deming South Africa under the
leadership of Bishop Kevin Dowling, C.Ss.R. and in particular
helps to support Tapologo Hospice in that diocese. The
parish participates yearly in the Campaign for Human
Development and Catholic Relief Service projects such
as Operation Rice Bowl. St. Clement’s makes a yearly
contribution to Network (the National Catholic Social
Justice Lobby), Bread for the World, Pax Christi International,
and Habitat for Humanity. The parish makes monthly
contributions to Birthright, Inc. to help support
economically needy pregnant women with their rent and to St.
Therese’s Chapel Outreach Program in Gansevoort, NY.
Many of our
parishioners are active in local faith-based organizations such as
Ladies of Charity, Knights of Columbus, Catholic
Daughters of America and the Respect Life movement.
St. Clement’s supports the yearly fund-raiser for Catholic
Charities of Saratoga County, and also the North Country Retreat
for Developmentally Disabled persons.
Our parish
family commits itself to prayer on behalf of our men and women
serving in the United States Military particularly in areas
of conflict and war. Please consult the parish bulletin
regarding time and dates for our evening prayer for peace and
those serving in harm's way.
Integrating
social justice into our faith
formation programs is a top priority. The
children in our first Eucharist preparation program along with
their parents are asked to participate in an international social
justice project so that our children will grow to value the
connection between the gift of the Eucharist and sharing one’s
bread with the hungry.
Our
Confirmation candidates also participate in a service
project. This year's candidates raised $1500.00 through a Mardi
Gras Benefit Dinner to help raise funds for the Hurricane
Katrina Renovation Project at our sister parish, St. Mary of the
Assumption, New Orleans.
Our
third grade youths created three beautiful quilts with the help of
their catechists. The money raised from this raffle was
given to Bishop Hubbard to assist with diocesan programs on behalf
of needy children. In this way our children are doing their part
to "Renew their Covenant with the Poor" as called
for by the Catholic Bishops of New York State.
Educating
on Issues pertaining to Immigration and Refugees is a part
of our adult education ministry. Both Fr. Tizio and Fr. Neil
celebrate Mass in Spanish and have presided at Eucharistic
celebrations for backstretch workers at Saratoga Race Course.
Of special
interest are: The Prayer Shawl Ministry, an ecumenical
endeavor among the local United Methodist Church, Bethesda
Episcopal Church, St. Peter’s Catholic Church, and our parish.
This ministry provides knitted or crocheted prayer shawls to the
sick and dying, and white shawls for the inmates of Mt. McGregor
Correctional Facility who are candidates for baptism and
confirmation.
Elizabeth Ministry is another outreach
program undertaken by St. Clement’s Parish in response to the
needs of mothers and their infants and children. Please see our
social outreach section on this website for further information
about Elizabeth Ministry and other social action services.
Please
check our parish bulletins regularly for other seasonal social
justice projects such as Thanksgiving food drive, Easter Blessing
baskets for newborns, and Operation Rice Bowl during Lent.
St.
Clement's is committed to promoting and educating on Catholic
Social Teachings as an integral part of our Catholic faith and
commitment to gospel living.
For further information on
Catholic Social Teaching
click
here. Then click on Social Justice Issues and select your
topic of interest.
Should you wish
to participate in any of our parish actions for peace and justice, please contact
Fr. Joseph Tizio, C.Ss.R., pastor @ 584-6122, Barbara Wood in the
Social Action Office @ 581-9805, or Fr. Neil Draves-Arpaia,
Director of Whole Community Catechesis @ 587-3611. |
