Welcome to 
the Office for Catholic 
Social Justice Ministry 
of the Archdiocese of Hartford!  

Our Mission:  
To advance Catholic Social Teaching by educating and preparing parishes 
to work for social justice. 

Would you like to receive 
our  monthly e-newsletter? 
Click here to subscribe.
Visit our E-News Archives
Picture
  • Check out our 2014 CONFERENCE NEWS page to see current information about the June 14th program, schedule and registration.

  • Click on the OCSJM EVENT CALENDAR button (on the right) for information on upcoming OCSJM events.

Current feature

Reflections for the 5th Sunday IN Ordinary Time, February 9, 2014
Deacon Michael J. Walsh
St. John of the Cross Church, Middlebury, CT

Picture
Introduction
Deacon Michael J. Walsh, from St. John of the Cross Parish in Middlebury, shared these reflections on the 5th Sunday in Ordinary time, a Sunday whose readings convey a powerful message about discipleship and social justice. From Isaiah: “Thus says the LORD: Share your bread with the hungry, shelter the oppressed and the homeless; clothe the naked when you see them, and do not turn your back on your own. And from Matthew: “Jesus said to his disciples: “You are the salt of the earth . . . . You are the light of the world.“ The  Bishops' document, Communities of Salt and Light: Reflections on the Social Mission of the Parish, reminds us that “the Church’s social mission is an essential measure of every parish community . . . .”  Hopefully these reflections will offer some ideas that will help us to understand our calling as disciples, and what that means for our mission in the world today.

* * * * * 
Recently I came across a story about a young man who was born and raised as a Hindu, who in his early 20’s decided to convert and become a Catholic.  His decision cost him dearly.  It alienated him from his own family and many of his friends.  When he was asked what it was that allowed him to take such a costly step, he said he was moved by the work he saw being done by Mother Teresa’s Sisters of Charity in the slums of Calcutta.

What he saw made him want whatever power it was that enabled these women to give up marriage and family, career and independence… and dedicate their entire lives to serving the poorest of Calcutta's poor. The Sisters said that power was Jesus Christ, and the young man believed what they told him.  No one preached to him.  No one tried to convert him.  It was the kindness and compassion he saw in a group of dedicated but ordinary women led that young man to Christ. ...
Read more...
Feature Archives