Social Justice
“Love for widows and orphans, prisoners, and the sick and needy of every kind, is as essential to her as the ministry of the sacraments and preaching of the Gospel. The Church cannot neglect the service of charity any more than she can neglect the Sacraments and the Word.”
— Deus Caritas Est (God is Love), Pope Benedict XVI, 2005
Christ House courtesy of Catholic Charities of Arlington
In the public sphere, they are obliged to advocate on behalf of the common good and for a more just world. Therefore, the Conference works toward public policy that addresses many social problems, including policy that reduces poverty and advances economic justice, fair migration laws, criminal justice reform and care for creation.
Living our faith
Catholic Church ministries and resources that serve the most vulnerable include the following:
- Emergency and poverty assistance: Catholic Charities in the Diocese of Arlington and in the Diocese of Richmond central and western and eastern regions.
- St. Francis assisted living and nursing care for the low-income elderly
- St. Margaret of Cortona transitional housing for homeless families
- Prison ministry: Diocese of Arlington; Diocese of Richmond
- Refugee resettlement: Diocese of Arlington; Diocese of Richmond
- Care for the poor around the world: Catholic Relief Services