Life, Charity and Justice

“The Church cannot neglect the service of charity any more than she can neglect the Sacraments and the Word” (Deus Caritas Est, 22).

“Justice is inseparable from charity and intrinsic to it” (Caritas in Veritate, 6).
 

When the followers of Saint John the Baptist asked Jesus, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?” Jesus simply responded, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: ‘The blind regain their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have the good news proclaimed to them’” (Mt 11:3-5). These signs of Christ must be evident in our daily lives, as the values of life, charity, and justice are vital for Catholic living. More than ever, we are called—individually, and through our parishes and lay ecclesial movements—to be communities of “salt” and “light,” living out our faith in our families, communities and the world.

The Diocese of Austin strives earnestly to exercise life, charity, and justice through varied ministries to support the people of God throughout central Texas. These ministries include, but are not limited to, Catholic Charities of Central Texas, Pro-Life Activities, Family Life, Social Concerns and Economic Justice, Mission and Evangelization, Aging and Disabilities, Global Solidarity, Immigration, and Criminal/Restorative Justice. Support of the aforementioned ministries is what it means to be authentically pro-life: being concerned about the dignity of every human person from conception to natural death.

May the exercise of life, charity, and justice become or continue to be an integral part of our ministry and leadership to the family of faith, the people of God in our communities. One by one, let us build evangelizing communities of life, faith, charity, justice, and solidarity, where all people are challenged to bring love and light of the Lord to the world.

DeKarlos Blackmon