Outreach & Evangelization Commission
                                                              Ecumenism & Social Justice Committee

Social Justice

Here at St. Bart’s we strive to make a difference in the world in many ways:

We give blood and donate food.
Our Youth and parishioners join in walk for various causes.
We collect money for various charity works and relief purposes
We serve the needy within and outside our parish boundary
We feed the hungry during the holiday seasons and throughout the year
We donate to elderly homes and to those in need
We support our Vets through donations and by providing them with space to meet
We support the education of children, and helping them build a better future
We support the work of missionaries in Africa
We support the training of seminarians, our future priests
And we still desire to do more!

'The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, and to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord.' He said to them, 'Today this scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing.' Luke 4:16-19, 21

Social Justice is the work of every baptized person.  By social justice we mean changing policies, structures, and institutions so they work on behalf of the common good. As a parish to strive to remember that the inner life of a parish is just as essential as the public life.  

Social Justice Purpose of the Committee
To continue the mission of Christ by serving the marginalized and those in need, promoting peace, justice and charity to all God’s children, and helping St. Bart’s respond to social needs of today.

How to Accomplish These:
The Committee shall provide opportunities for parishioners to get involved in the issues related to these areas, and thus help to effect some changes and establish the Kingdom of God as Christ asks us to.

Ecumenical Tasks/Responsibilities of the Committee

• Foster the dignity of all peoples
  
• Protecting human rights
  
• Serving the poor and vulnerable
  
• Promoting the dignity and rights of workers
  
• Building solidarity
  
• Protecting the environment
  
• Promoting peace
  
• Educate and motive parishioners about these issues
  
• Provide avenues for parishioners to respond directly to local needs
  
• Distinguish the works of charity from social change projects
  
• Identify current parish activities that are involved in social needs and outreach
  
• Explore Projects that parishioners & the parish could participate in, like:
  

          Heifer Project
          Bread for the World
          Oxfam International
          Catholic Relief Services

HEIFER PROJECT

Ecumenism
I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one--as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me. (John 17:21)

Ecumenical Purpose of the Committee
To support our parish’s efforts to foster understanding, mutual respect and cooperation between our parishioners and other Christian communities and other religious groups in the Yonkers area, so that through the grace of the Holy Spirit, we may contribute towards unity, greater understanding, tolerance, cooperation and friendship among all the groups.

How to Accomplish These:
Through prayer, dialogue and social gatherings, we will seek to respond to Jesus’ prayer that all of His disciples may be one in faith, love and hope.

Ecumenical Tasks/Responsibilities of the Committee

• Create ways for St. Bart’s to join other Christian churches in Yonkers area in expressing our common faith in Christ and in seeking unity
  
• Create ways for St. Bart’s to join other non-Christian groups, like the Jewish communities, in activities that foster love, peace, growth and cooperation.
  
• Promote friendliness, cooperation and charity between our parishioners and their brothers and sisters in other Christians Communities.
  
• Cooperating with them in areas such as education, morality, social and cultural concerns, etc.
  

 Ecumenism & Social Justice Committee Member Position Description

Reports to:         Committee Chair  

General Responsibilities of Every Ministry and Committee Member:

Specific Responsibilities of Ecumenism & Social Justice Committee Member
Attend events and programs organized by the Committee
Represent the Parish at some of the social justice and ecumenical functions in the Community and City as may be requested by the Pastor or the Committee’s chairperson
Strive to educate self about the social and ecumenical teachings of the Church
Get acquainted with some of the issues in the community, city, nation and the world, especially those that could concern the parishioners or those they could play a role in helping out, directly or indirectly.
 
Special Activities
Attend annual parish Ministry Recollection Day
Annual Parish Ministry Appreciation Dinner
Help with Annual Stewardship Fair

Meetings
As needed to implement the goals of the Committee

Time Commitment
As needed to implement the goals of the Committee

Expected Length of Commitment
A minimum of one year

                        General Qualifications Required of Every Ministry and Committee Member:

Specific Qualifications Required

• Sincere effort to live out the command love our neighbor and to love others as we love ourselves.
  
• Sincere effort to love others through concrete actions.
  
• Desire to know and live what the Church teaches about social justice and ecumenism and to help others understand and do the same.
  

           Desire to serve others, beginning with the parish and the Church.

                           Ecumenism & Social Justice Committee Chairperson Position Description

Reports to:         Report to Commission Chairperson

General Responsibilities of Every Ministry and Committee Chairperson and Coordinator:

Specific Responsibilities of Ecumenism & Social Justice Committee Chairperson

• Maintain contact between St. Bart’s and the Archdiocesan Office for Social Justice and Ecumenism
  
• Maintain contact between St. Bart’s and other relevant groups in the City of Yonkers
  
• Brief Pastor, Committee members, PPC and parishioners on any relevant upcoming events that we ought to be part of, in fulfillment of the goals of the parish
  
• Represent the parish at such events or delegate a Committee member or a parishioner to represent the parish.
  

Special Activities

• Host an orientation for new ministers.
  
• Attend Annual parish Leadership training.
  
• Attend annual parish Ministry Recollection Day.
  
• Annual Parish Ministry Appreciation Dinner..
  
• Help with Annual Stewardship Fair.
  

Extra Time of Commitment

• As needed to carry out the responsibilities of the chairperson of the Committee 
  

Expected Length of Commitment

• At least two years
  

 

        General Qualifications Required of Every Ministry and Committee Chairperson and Coordinator:

Specific Qualifications Required

• Ability to lead and to coordinate.
  
• Reliable and dependable.
  
• Zeal to spread help implement the social and ecumenical teachings of the Church. 
  
• Sociable.
  
• It will help if the Chair has connections in the City or is open to develop such ability.
  

 
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