“Shelter the Homeless” – A Corporal Work of Mercy Part 1 of 2

We hear about homelessness occasionally but for most of us it pretty much flies under the radar. Some of our parishioners are actively involved with Family Promise, and for that we are grateful, for we know it is meeting an important need. But what about the people we see with a cardboard sign by a grocery store or panhandling by an intersection? When we travel to a larger city, we comment on the tents hugging the sides of the grassy slopes along the Interstate. Sometimes we see a cluster of beat-up campers and a few tents. It’s kind of a problem we wish would go away and we are relieved to hear that there are governmental agencies and organizations that are attempting to deal with it.

But are there ways with which we can engage with this problem more directly? As Catholics are we not called to practice the Corporal Works of Mercy which direct us to “shelter the homeless?” Doesn’t Catholic social teaching expect us to embrace the tennet that each person is sacred, made in God’s image and equal in dignity? The question may be: where do we begin?

Perhaps a simple but straightforward way would be to begin educating ourselves more about homelessness, realizing that it is a deeply complex issue and there is not one lens but many through which the problem may be viewed. As we learn about the issue, we should keep in mind how the varying perspectives interplay with one other reflecting only a piece of the puzzle.

We might begin by learning that the National Alliance to End Homelessness identifies these target populations:*

  • Single adults – the majority of homeless people
  • Children and families – causing serious emotional and psychological implications
  • Veterans – the ravages of war may make some veterans more susceptible
  • The most vulnerable – whether because of physical or mental challenges
  • Youth – teens and young adults lacking the support and safety of family

As we look at homelessness through the varying lenses. Let us remember them in all the different circumstances in our prayers.

*https://endhomelessness.org/homelessness-in-america/who-experiences-homelessness/

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Saint Mary Catholic Community is seeking a qualified Director of Liturgy and Music to support the operations of Saint Mary Catholic Community. The Director of Liturgy and Music will provide leadership in the planning, execution and celebration of all parish liturgical celebrations, with responsibility for preparing both liturgical and musical elements. The Director will help the parish worship and celebrate through a balance of contemporary and traditional music styles while encouraging the full, active and conscious participation of the assembly in the liturgy. As a member of the Pastoral Staff, the Director is expected to take an active role in the full life of the parish. Candidates should have a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent education/experience in Liturgy, Sacred Music, Pastoral Studies, Theological Studies, or a related field. Strong organizational and communications skills are essential. This is a part-time salaried position, working 32 hours per week, with benefits. Annual salary range is $39,000 to $47,500, depending on experience. For a complete job description and list of qualifications for the position, please click HERE. Apply by sending your cover letter, resume and three professional references to jhaddon@stmaryhelena.org. This position will remain open until filled.

Saint Mary Catholic Community
Saint Mary Catholic Community

Saint Mary Catholic Community