Parish Social Ministry Resources

Our office offers assistance to pastors and other parish leaders as they engage in the work of parish social ministry.

In addition to training parishes in the Communities of Salt and Light model presented by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, we also offer workshops, resources and consultation on issues such as environmental justice, immigration, peace, global solidarity, poverty and advocacy.

Resources

Links on this page:

• Office for Catholic Social Justice Ministry
• Online Certificate in Social Justice
• Lay Ministry Program
• Written Resources
• National Catholic Social Ministry Organizations
• National Conferences
• How to create a Parish Social Ministry Web Site

Office for Catholic Social Justice Ministry

Parishes in Action is our five week Social Ministry Training for Parishes. Learn more about Parishes in Action.

Regional leadership training workshops – We offer an opportunity to network with other parish leaders, develop skills, and stay current on social justice issues. Learn more about the workshops we offer.

Formation Programs – We provide support for parishioners who lead programs such as In the Footsteps of Jesus, and JustFaith – social justice formation experiences that are developing social justice leaders throughout the United States.

Consultation – We offer customized, on-site assistance. We can meet with designated leaders on a scheduled basis to provide training on the following key skills, at no charge:

• Identify, recruit and supervise volunteer ministers of leaders in an ongoing and systematic way
• Running effective meetings – group facilitation
• Development of questionnaires and needs assessments
• Development of a written plan with goals and objectives
• Orientation to the 4 dimensions of social ministry (direct service, education, advocacy/action, and empowerment)

Certificate in Social Justice

The University of Dayton offers "the virtual learning community for faith formation (VLCFF)." VLCFF courses are 4-6 weeks in duration, are pass/fail, and the Certificate in Social Justice also requires a four-month, five hours weekly internship working on a specific social action project.

Since the Archdiocese of Hartford is currently a VLCFF partnering diocese, courses cost $40 each. Learn more about VLCFF.

Lay Ministry Program

The Hartford Archdiocesan Office of Religious Education provides a 2-year training program for lay men and women interested in volunteer ministry within their parishes.

Areas of ministry include:

• Liturgy
• Bereavement
• RCIA
• Social Justice
• Many other ministry areas

Continuing education workshops are also provided for commissioned lay ministers.

Contact Mary Marsan for more information.

Written Resources

Parish Social Ministry: Strategies for Success by Tom Ullrich  (Ave Maria Press, 2001). There are worksheets in the book to help strategize for developing your social justice ministry for the parish.

The Empowerment Process by Mary Ellen Durbin, (Paulist Press; 800-218-1903).

Communities of Salt and Light Parish Resource Manual by the U.S. Bishops. The statement may be viewed online. This document from the Bishops' Conference and the accompanying questions are good for examining the social mission of a parish. There are discussion questions at the end of the document.

My Lord and My God Engaging Catholics in Social Ministry by Jeffrey Odell Korgen (Paulist Press, 2007). This book examines successful examples of social ministry, explains why they work, and explores what they teach us about why some Catholics get involved in social action and others do not.

National Catholic Social Ministry Organizations

Catholic Charities USA Parish Social Ministry – provides online resources and connects you to parish social ministry leaders throughout the country.

The Education for Justice web site from the Center of Concern has excellent and timely resources. This is a subscription service and well worth the cost. You can sign up for a 30-day free trial.

National Conferences

We may be able to provide conference grants to train leaders. In July, the Roundtable and other sponsoring Catholic organizations hold a Social Action Summer Institute at various locations around the country. There is a parish track with a three-day segment with two choices of in-depth courses and a few additional days of workshops. You can attend one independently of the other or attend the whole Institute. The program is usually published in the spring and is scheduled for the third week in July. You can find out more information about the Summer Institute by visiting the web site of the Roundtable or contacting the Office for Catholic Social Justice Ministry.

How to Create a Parish Social Ministry Web Site

For tips and a step-by-step process for things to consider at you develop a Parish Social Ministry web page for your parish, check out this helpful resource on Designing a Parish Social Ministry Web Page.