At least 20 people experiencing homelessness in the United States die every day, according to HomelessDeathsCount.org. To help remember and honor those who have died, the National Coalition for the Homeless began sponsoring memorial services in 1990.
Social Justice
Catholic experts say rule to let franchise employees join unions would be major labor advance
If a new federal labor ruling goes into effect in late February, millions of franchise employees and contractors will find it easier to form or join unions
Baltimore City’s inclusive housing a triumph for Catholic activism
Given the meandering pace at which building plans make their way through Baltimore city offices to final approval before construction begins, it should take at least two years before the new inclusionary – meaning, affordable – housing law, which finally passed in full on Dec. 7, will show an impact.
Baltimore City approves inclusive housing bill
Baltimore City Council chambers rocked with applause and cheers Dec. 4 as a strong new law requiring inclusionary – meaning, affordable – housing for low-income residents in new developments was adopted on its third reading.
Parishes play ‘vital role’ in bringing Christ to the world, say bishops
Parishes play a “vital role” in bringing Christ’s transformative love to the world, said two U.S. bishops as a key document on social ministry marks its 30th year.
‘Poverty is a scandal,’ pope says; Christians must use gifts for charity
The material, cultural and spiritual poverties that exist in the world are a “scandal” that Christians are called to address by putting their God-given capacity for charity and love into action, Pope Francis said.
‘When you love the poor, you know their needs,’ papal almoner says
Pope Francis will celebrate the World Day of the Poor for the seventh time on Nov. 19. The 2023 World Day of the Poor will be traditionally hosted by the Dicastery for the Service of Charity.
Eucharistic adoration, charity, promoting justice are connected, pope says
The daily rhythm of the life of a priest should resemble “ping pong” — praying on one’s knees before the tabernacle, helping those in need and returning to prayer, Pope Francis told a group of Latino priests from the United States.
CCHD’s anti-poverty work depends on the faithful, ‘not foundations,’ says bishop
The chairman of the U.S. bishops’ Subcommittee on the Catholic Campaign for Human Development, urged U.S. Catholics to support the “urgent work” of the U.S. church’s domestic anti-poverty program by giving to the upcoming CCHD national collection.
Leader dedicated to making communities safer to receive award from CCHD
Ivonn Rivera, a wife, mother and community leader from San Jose, California, is the winner of the Cardinal Bernardin New Leadership 2023 Award from the Catholic Campaign for Human Development, the U.S. Catholic bishops’ domestic anti-poverty program.
UAW deal with ‘Big Three’ automakers secures major win for family-wage jobs
The United Auto Workers labor strike against the “Big Three” car producers — Ford, General Motors and Stellantis, whose 14 automotive brands include Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep — has ended with a series of contracts experts say emphasizes the importance of unions in Catholic social teaching, especially for achieving family wages through collective action.
Survey: Catholics aware of church’s social teaching but hear little on it in parishes, dioceses
Catholic social teaching has widely been described as “the church’s best kept secret.” A recent report indicates that may still be the case, and that efforts to spread it may be thwarted by a reduction in diocesan positions dedicated to social action.