Two Feet of Love in Action

Is your parish or Social Justice Committee looking for a way to share the message of social justice with your community? Are your community members struggling to see the connection between social justice and their lives as Catholics?

The USCCB Dept. of Peace, Justice and Human Development has recently updated the "two feet" model which has been used for years to describe two different, but complementary, ways of putting faith in action. A detailed lesson plan, handouts, and step-by-step process for sharing this information is available for download at their website, or by following these links: 2-page handout -"The Two Feet of Love in Action" Guide for Facilitators.

The two linked responses to social needs, the work to remove the root causes and to improve unjust structures (Social Justice) AND actions to meet basic needs and aid individuals (Charitable Works or Direct Service), cannot exist independently. Just as it's impossible to walk smoothly with only one foot, if either of the "feet" of social justice is neglected, our work is incomplete.

Helping your community to understand these two responses in the context of real needs, both locally and globally, can mobilize a faithful and effective response. The 90-minute process provided here is a good first step toward making the connection between faith and action, and developing a social justice strategy for your parish community.