Parish Social Ministry

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“I was hungry and you gave me food. I was thirsty and you gave me drink. I was a stranger and you made me welcome; lacking clothes and you clothed me. I was sick and you visited me; in prison and you came to see me … In truth I tell you, in so far as you did this to one of the least of these brothers or sisters of mine, you did it to me.” (Matt. 25:35-36, 40)

FREQUENTLY VISITED

What is Parish Social Ministry?

Parish Social Ministry (PSM) is the action that the faith community takes to live out the Gospel we proclaim and to grow in love with God and neighbor. By working with parishes, Parish Social Ministry aims to foster greater outreach and advocacy efforts, to educate parishioners to serve those who are poor and vulnerable, and to provide opportunities for spiritual growth.

At Catholic Charities for the Archdiocese of Indianapolis, we support social ministries at the parish level in a variety of ways. Our goal is to provide each parish with training and resources to meet the needs expressed at each parish community. PSM works with parishes to empower parishioners to live out their baptismal call to serve the needs of those living right in their own communities.

“Parishes are the home of the Christian community; they are the heart of our Church. Parishes are the place were God’s people meet Jesus in word and sacrament and come in touch with the source of the Church’s life… But until now, we have not specifically addressed the crucial role of parishes in the Church's social ministry… we are convinced that the local parish is the most important ecclesial setting for sharing and acting on our Catholic social heritage.”
—Introduction to USCCB Communities of Salt and Light: Reflections on the Social Mission of the Parish

Ways We Serve Parishes:

Offering PSM Toolkit and Assessment tools for parishes to start or develop further social concerns type ministries
Individual parish consultation for the initiation and/or growth of program
Volunteer opportunities for encountering our neighbors
Educational resources on Catholic Social Teaching
Natural Disaster Preparedness and Response Readiness training
Annual gatherings for parishes to learn, pray and network with other parishes

Contact Us

Theresa Chamblee
Director of Social Concerns
Catholic Charities
1400 N. Meridian St.
Indianapolis, IN 46202
317-236-1404
tchamblee@archindy.org