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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.

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.

Educating on Issues pertaining to Immigration and Refugees is a part of our adult education ministry.  Mass in Spanish is celebrated monthly. In addition, our priests 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. 

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. Paul Borowski, C.Ss.R., pastor @ (518) 584-6122 ext 18, Outreach & Social Action Office @ 581-9805.